Abstract: In some preferred embodiments, a heat shrinkable foamed sheet has a foamed layer (2) constituting a core layer, and a non-foamed layer (3) constituting a surface skin layer integrally formed on the formed layer. The non-foamed layer (3) is less than about 1.55 ?m in maximum surface smoothness measured in accordance with ISO8791-4. Alternatively, by regulating various dimensions of foam cells formed in the foamed layer (2) so as to fall within predetermined ranges, a heat shrinkable foamed sheet excellent in surface smoothness and printing nature can be obtained.

Abstract: In some preferred embodiments, a heat shrinkable foamed sheet has a foamed layer (2) constituting a core layer, and a non-foamed layer (3) constituting a surface skin layer integrally formed on the formed layer. The non-foamed layer (3) is less than about 1.55 ?m in maximum surface smoothness measured in accordance with ISO8791-4. Alternatively, by regulating various dimensions of foam cells formed in the foamed layer (2) so as to fall within predetermined ranges, a heat shrinkable foamed sheet excellent in surface smoothness and printing nature can be obtained.

Abstract: A multilayer sheet, which is particularly well adapted for use as as a label sleeve on carbonated beverage containers, includes first and second coextruded unfoamed layers of polymer compositions each consisting essentially of polyolefin, polystyrene and a compatibility agent. The polyolefin and polystyrene are in a weight ratio in the range of about 30/70 to 70/30, and the compatibility agent is in the amount of about 5% to 10% by total weight. A pigment in the amount of about 10% to 15% by total weight may be included in one or both of the coextruded layers. The polyolefin preferably is selected from the group consisting of polypropylene, polyethylene and mixtures thereof, and the compatibility agent preferably comprises a styrene-ethylene/butylene-styrene block copolymer. One of the unfoamed layers preferably is thicker and of higher strength than the other layer, while the other layer has a smooth uniform exterior surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for wrapping a container having a neck portion and a body portion. The method uses a heat-shrinkable sleeve which has a perforation thereon. The sleeve is placed over the container, and heat is applied to the sleeve to cause the sleeve to shrink. The sleeve breaks at the perforation into a first and a second subsleeves which continue to shrink into snug surface engagement respectively with the neck portion and the body portion of the container. The present invention also relates to articles obtained by the method and the sleeve specifically designed for the method.