# Can printing options and minimums

> There are four ways to put your design on a can. A wrap label starts at 500 labels, digital print on the can has no minimum, a shrink sleeve starts at about 2,500 cans and a classic printed can at about 150,000.

Source: https://www.nordicfunctional.com/can-printing-options
Updated: 2026-10-30
Contact: info@nordicfunctional.com

## At a glance

| | |
|---|---|
| Wrap label | From 500 labels per design, ready about 2 weeks from approved artwork |
| Digital print on the can | No minimum, ready about 4 weeks from approved artwork |
| Shrink sleeve | From about 2,500 cans a design, timing confirmed with your quotation |
| Classic printed can | From about 150,000 cans a design, ready about 16 to 20 weeks from approved artwork |

## Which finish fits your volume: Match the finish to the cans per design.

The numbers are cans per design. The drink run has its own minimum, from 1,000 litres a flavour.

| Cans per design | Suits | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 2,500 | Wrap label | Your design on a standard can, the lowest start |
| 2,500 to 5,000 | Wrap label or shrink sleeve | A sleeve adds full 360 degree coverage |
| 5,000 to 150,000 | Digital print on the can | No label at all, and the price per can falls with volume |
| 150,000 and more | Classic printed can | The lowest price per can of the four, planned months ahead |

## Wrap label: Digital print on film.

A wrap label starts at 500 labels per design and is ready about 2 weeks from approved artwork.

| | |
|---|---|
| Minimum | From 500 labels per design |
| Print | Digital, full colour, no plates or setup |
| Film | White, metallic silver or clear film, waterproof and condensation proof |
| Finish | Matt or gloss laminate, or a tactile sand varnish |
| Effects | White ink, holographic accents |
| Size | About 125 x 180 mm on the 330 ml sleek can |
| Ready | About 2 weeks from approved artwork |

## Digital print on the can: Printed straight on the aluminium.

Digital print on the can has no minimum. The price per can falls with volume, and it suits 5,000 cans a design and more.

| | |
|---|---|
| Minimum | None |
| Print | Full colour straight on the aluminium |
| Cans | 250 ml slim, 330 ml sleek or standard, 440 ml, 500 ml |
| Effects | Selective gloss varnish, metallic colours |
| Batch data | Lot and best before printed per batch |
| Samples | Printed sample cans before the run |
| Ready | About 4 weeks from approved artwork |

More: https://www.nordicfunctional.com/drink-can-sizes

## Shrink sleeve: 360 degrees, top to bottom.

A shrink sleeve covers the whole can, with no seam on show. It starts at about 2,500 cans a design.

| | |
|---|---|
| Minimum | From about 2,500 cans a design |
| Print | 360 degrees, top to bottom |
| Look | No seam on show, full coverage |
| Ready | Confirmed with your quotation |

## Classic printed can: Printed at the can mill.

A classic printed can starts at about 150,000 cans a design and has the lowest price per can of the four at volume.

| | |
|---|---|
| Minimum | From about 150,000 cans a design |
| Print | Printed at the can mill |
| Finish | Gloss or matt |
| Ready | About 16 to 20 weeks from approved artwork |
| Price | Lowest per can of the four, at volume |

## Questions

### What is the smallest order for printed cans?

A wrap label starts at 500 labels per design. Digital print on the can has no minimum. The drink run itself starts at 1,000 litres a flavour.

### How long does can printing take?

A wrap label is ready about 2 weeks from approved artwork and a digitally printed can about 4 weeks. A classic printed can takes about 16 to 20 weeks. A shrink sleeve is confirmed with your quotation.

### Which finish suits my volume?

Up to 2,500 cans a design, a wrap label. From 2,500 to 5,000, a wrap label or a shrink sleeve. From 5,000 to 150,000, digital print on the can. From 150,000, a classic printed can.

### Can I see a printed can before the run?

With digital print on the can, yes. Printed sample cans are available before the run.

### Are lot number and best before printed on the can?

With digital print on the can, lot and best before are printed per batch.

### Which can sizes can carry digital print?

250 ml slim, 330 ml sleek or standard, 440 ml and 500 ml.