American Film & Machinery - AFM

09/18/2026

MYTH vs. FACT: Stretch Film Edition

MYTH: Thicker stretch film is always stronger.

Not so fast.

FACT: Film performance isn’t simply about thickness. The film’s formulation and engineering can play a major role in strength, stretch, and load containment.

That means today’s high-performance stretch films can deliver the strength and security you need—without automatically needing more material.

So before you reach for a thicker film, ask a better question:

What can the film actually do?

Because when it comes to stretch film, thicker doesn’t automatically mean stronger.

It’s what’s happening inside the film that counts. afmsleeves.com

09/15/2026

Whatever the Shape, We’ve Got It Covered.

One sleeve. A lot of possibilities. 💡
Round bottle? ✔️
Square container? ✔️
Unique shape? ✔️
Something a little outside the ordinary? ✔️

Shrink sleeves can conform to a wide range of container shapes and sizes, giving brands more flexibility when it comes to packaging design and product presentation.

Because your container doesn't have to fit the label.

The label can fit the container.

From familiar shapes to something completely custom, shrink sleeves can help turn almost any container into a standout package.

Different containers. One versatile solution. afmsleeves.com

09/10/2026

It’s More Than a Sleeve 💥

A shrink sleeve may look like “just a label,” but the material you choose can have a significant impact on the entire packaging process.

The right film can influence:

✅ Appearance – High-quality graphics, color vibrancy, finishes and 360° branding can make your product stand out.
✅ Performance – Film characteristics such as shrink rate, thickness and durability need to match the container and application.
✅ Application – Different films perform differently depending on the container shape, sleeve design, equipment and shrink tunnel conditions.
✅ Production – The right material can help support smooth, consistent application and minimize issues on the production line.
✅ End-of-life – Film selection and sleeve design can influence how a package interacts with recycling systems and how easily the sleeve can be separated from the container.

That’s why choosing a shrink sleeve isn't simply about selecting a material. It’s about finding the right combination of film, container, equipment and application process.

That’s where AFM brings value. With expertise in shrink sleeve materials and application equipment, AFM can help you evaluate the entire packaging process and develop a solution designed around your specific needs.

Because a great shrink sleeve does more than label a package—it works as part of the package.

09/09/2026

Did you know? ♻️ PETG, PET and PVC each offer different sustainability benefits.

When it comes to shrink sleeve packaging, there’s no one-size-fits-all material. PETG, PET and PVC each have unique properties that can impact recyclability, performance and overall packaging sustainability.

Understanding the differences can help you choose the right film for your application—without compromising package performance.

PETG:
Good performance, but weaker recycling compatibility when used as a full-body sleeve on PET containers.

PET:
Strong recycling story, particularly when the sleeve and container are compatible with PET recycling systems.

PVC:
PVC can provide excellent shrink performance and durability, but it generally has the least favorable recycling profile of the three.

The right material can make a difference. 🌱 Reach out to learn more. afmsleeves.com

08/31/2026

Watch the LX-150 label applicator apply full body and cap sleeves to glass jars with precision and consistency.

After sleeves are applied, the containers pass through the WSN-Gen S steam tunnel for a uniform shrink. The finished jars are then conveyed to an accumulation table, completing an efficient, end-to-end labeling solution.

Want to learn more about how to add protection to your products? Visit us online afmsleeves.com

08/26/2026

💡 Did You Know?

Tamper-evident bands do more than seal a package—they help build consumer confidence.

A secure, visible seal gives shoppers peace of mind that a product hasn't been opened or altered before purchase. It's a simple feature that reinforces product integrity, protects your brand, and helps consumers make purchasing decisions with confidence.

Whether you're packaging beverages, nutraceuticals, personal care products, or household goods, tamper-evident bands are an effective way to add an extra layer of protection and trust.

👉 Learn more - afmsleeves.com 💥

08/24/2026

Shrink Sleeve Myth vs. Fact 💡 💥

Myth: Shrink sleeves are only for beverage containers.
Fact: Shrink sleeve labeling is used across food, personal care, household products, nutraceuticals, automotive products, and more. Their ability to conform to unique container shapes makes them one of the most versatile labeling solutions available.

👉 Learn more about the the industries AFM supports - https://afmsleeves.com/applications/industries-served/

08/19/2026

The future of shrink sleeve packaging looks bright. 💥

According to a recent market report highlighted by Morningstar, the global shrink sleeve labels market is projected to reach $22.4 billion by 2036, fueled by growing demand for stronger brand differentiation and more sustainable packaging solutions.

As brands continue looking for ways to stand out on crowded shelves, shrink sleeves offer the flexibility to create eye-catching 360° graphics while supporting evolving packaging goals.

At AFM, we're proud to help manufacturers keep pace with these industry trends. Our shrink sleeve labeling systems are designed to deliver precise, reliable sleeve application across a wide range of container types and production speeds—helping brands achieve both operational efficiency and exceptional package presentation.

📖 It's an encouraging look at where the industry is headed. What trends do you think will have the biggest impact on shrink sleeve packaging over the next decade? 👉 https://buff.ly/DaRQOjR

08/17/2026

A great read from MarketScale explores how shrink sleeve packaging is helping brands win the shelf before they win the sale. 💥 💡

The article highlights the advantages of shrink sleeves—from vibrant 360° graphics and premium shelf appeal to the ability to accommodate unique container shapes and create a memorable consumer experience.

At AFM, we see these benefits every day. But exceptional packaging depends on more than great design—it also requires precise, reliable sleeve application. Our shrink sleeve labeling systems are engineered to help manufacturers apply sleeves accurately and consistently, keeping production running efficiently while delivering the high-quality appearance today's brands demand.

📖 Check out the article and let us know: What packaging features do you think have the biggest impact on purchasing decisions? https://www.marketscale.com/industries/food-beverage/shrink-sleeve-packaging-winning-the-shelf-before-winning-the-sale

👉 afmsleeves.com

Shrink sleeve packaging: winning the shelf before winning the sale: industry insights from MarketScale.

08/12/2026

The LX-150 Just Got Even Better!
While the core mechanical design that made the LX-150 successful remains unchanged, today’s machine delivers meaningful upgrades from smarter controls, improved automation, expanded diagnostics, and enhanced safety features.

Learn about the new LX-150 - https://afmsleeves.com/meet-the-next-generation-lx-150/