New stretch sleeve application method

In 2001, Procter and Gamble caused a revolution in the household cleaning market with the introduction of "Swiffer Wet": pre-soaked cloths for families seeking an efficient and time-saving method to keep their home sparkling clean. Now, taking advantage of a new stretch sleeve application method developed by PDC-Europe, P&G has reduced the Swiffer Wet PS packaging by 37% and dressed it up with a 360 degrees, billboard style, shinny stretch sleeve matching the colours of their logo.

The stretch sleeve is applied by a PDC ETIRA C8 applicator at a rate of 120 cpm. It was a real challenge, even for the pioneer of stretch sleeve equipment in Europe, to engineer a practical and reliable solution for the P&G package. PDC had to apply a very short PE sleeve on a tampered tray, without the option of passing the stretchers through the outside of the containers, as all other sleeve applications are performed.

PDC developed a new solution called Pressure Rod™ technology. This new principle, where the stretchers do not need to pass through the containers and are as long as the sleeve, greatly diminish the need to rely on the sleeve physical characteristics, therefore guaranteeing high efficiency and precise sleeve placement.

Stretch sleeves offer a number of advantages as a labelling method: no glue is needed; the ability to conform to almost any container shape or size; the ability to follow the shape of the container panel (up to 6%); high quality printing and it is very easy to recycle. Sleeves offer all those benefits while being price competitive.

As Mrs. Ann de Dobbeleer from P&G Belgium says, "the sleeve was the best solution to create an effect on consumers, not only with shinny and bright colours but also with the increased surface of communication it offers".

In fact, everything goes on the sleeve: user instructions, drawing of the Swiffer sweeper in action, and even a description of the product translated in 12 languages. To sum up, this new packaging is a real success for PDC-Europe's clients, now having a new labelling option for their always expanding product lines, for P&G and their "Swiffer" brand - and for the consumer, knowing they purchased a fully recyclable package.