What are the different types of shrink wraps?

Shrink Wrapping uses three major types of films to protect and secure products for retail and shipping environments: polyvinyl chloride, polyolefin, and polyethylene. Each of these materials has its capabilities and qualities that make it ideal for specific applications. Furthermore, each can be co-extruded into multilayer films with different additives to generate unique barrier qualities that improve shelf life or a special appearance.

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Flattened roll stock, bags, overwrap, banding, and tubing can all be made from shrink films. They can give packed goods a layer of tamper-resistant protection. Here's a rundown of the three primary varieties of shrink film and their most popular applications:

Polyvinyl Chloride(PVC)

PVC was previously the most widely used shrink packaging material globally due to its lightweight nature, low cost, and multi-purpose capabilities. For various reasons, including the health risks posed during production and incineration, as well as its level of sustainability, it has now given way to polyethylene (PE) and polyolefin (POF).

In its rigid form, PVC is a long-lasting material that is employed in construction projects and household goods. PVC is used in rigid and flexible packaging structures (such as blister and clamshell packaging) (like shrink film and bagging).

PVC Has a Bad Wrap

PVC comprises three different elements: carbon, hydrogen, and chlorine. It is suggested for usage in well-ventilated facilities due to the solid and unpleasant scents emitted when heated. It is outright banned in some countries because of its chemical composition and the hazardous byproducts emitted during synthesis and breakdown. Even in nations where it is permitted, firms committed to corporate and social responsibility have prohibited the use of PVC in their packaging. The Walmart Sustainability Playbook, for example, focuses on reducing PVC in packaging materials used by makers of products sold at Walmart shops. If you use PVC film in your supply chain, it's vital to establish the highest possible standards for usage and disposal.

It's Sensitive

A notable downside to PVC is its reaction to hot and cold temperature changes. It can become brittle under certain low temperatures and subject to wrinkling under certain high temperatures. Its resistance to tearing after being punctured is on the higher side, but its resistance to being stuck is lower.

It's Got Some Issues

Due to its fragile nature after shrinking, this type of film is not suited for packaging many things together. PVC is also known to develop carbon deposits on the sealer, implying that consistent operation necessitates adequate and regular maintenance. It has a preferred orientation (only shrinks in one direction) and has a low shrink force. It's a #3 recyclable material, which means it can't be recycled in most circumstances.

Where is it used?

PVC is used in various industries, including the building and construction industry, as well as the healthcare, electronics, and automobile industries. Pipe and siding, blood bags and tubing, wire and cable insulation, windshield system components, blister packs, clamshells, and other items, are all made using it. PVC shrink film is used for packaging CDs and DVDs, games and software boxes, and other non-edible things.

Polyolefin (POF)

Polyolefin shrink film is a premium alternative since it is exceptionally robust and adaptable. It has replaced PVC in various uses and is FDA-approved as a food-safe material. POF materials come in a variety of shapes and sizes. The cross-linked film is one choice for high-speed packing applications since its high tensile strength and exceptional clarity. The cross-linked film also avoids accumulation on your machinery's sealing components.

POF shrink film provides outstanding puncture resistance and seal strength, ideal for protecting irregularly shaped products along the supply chain. POF's increased power allows for the production of long rolls of film with thinner gauges. This reduces roll change-over time while also increasing efficiency and output. POF is available in various gauges, including 35-gauge (.35 mil) and the more typical 45, 60, 75, and 100 (1 mil) gauges.

Polyolefin film is a Go-to choice.

POF is a go-to option for protective packaging makers of all sizes because of its versatility and low cost when applied to a variety of equipment and packaging types. In some cases, perforations, or microscopic holes, must be added to POF film before using it. These perforations allow air to escape during the shrinking process, resulting in a smooth package with no air pockets and an even shrink surface. Many suppliers offer pre-perforated shrink film for this reason.

POF is built entirely of materials that are 100% recyclable. This shrink film is ideal for consumer products requiring a high presentation level due to its exceptional clarity and glossy shelf appearance. It's also helpful in combining various products, such as tissue boxes. POF is a long-lasting material that is less impacted by temperature variations. It possesses good tensile strength and tear propagation and the ability to shrink fast and thoroughly, resulting in a finished product as soon as it exits the shrink tunnel.

Where is it used?

Toys, games, candies, books, cuisines, most retail items, and any consumer product where the look is essential are all common uses for POF shrink film. We don't exaggerate when we claim it's adaptable. Additives can be mixed to provide you precisely with this packaging film, depending on your need for barrier layers or MVTR.

Polyethylene(PE)

Polyethylene is a type of polyolefin, which means it is a single monomer film created by adding ethylene to the polymerization process. PE is utilized in various flexible protective packages, such as shrink film and stretch film, and each performs differently.

High-Density Polyethylene, Low-Density Polyethylene, and Linear Low-Density Polyethylene are the three most common types of PE.

High-Density Polyethylene(HDPE)

HDPE (high-density polyethylene) or PEHD (polyethylene high-density) is a petroleum-based polyethylene thermoplastic. HDPE is used to make plastic bottles, corrosion-resistant pipelines, geomembranes, and plastic lumber because of its high strength-to-density ratio. HDPE is routinely recycled in both rigid and flexible forms (e.g., containers and bags), and it has a resin identification code of #2.

It is the most frequently used plastic, and it is used in a wide range of products, from hard helmets to milk bottles, due to its fantastic adaptability. Beverage bottles, personal care goods (such as shampoo), and home products are common uses. HDPE is used to make grocery store bread bags, thin plastic produce bags, and cereal box liners. It's also used for heavier-duty stretch wrapping, such as packing food on farms. It usually comes in a roll like other films, but it's more of a net that allows the objects it surrounds to breathe.

Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE)

LDPE is a low-density polyethylene similar to high-density polyethylene but has a lower density (as the name suggests). This indicates that it has a lower mass-to-volume ratio. Impact, moisture, and chemical resistance are all high points for LDPE. LDPE is commonly used in heat-sealing applications, the fabrication of some flexible lids and bottles, and wire and cable applications. Rigid LDPE items (e.g., bottles, containers, lids, caps, etc.) are frequently collected in curbside recycling programs.

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Linear Low-Density Polyethylene(LLDPE)

This is one of the most widely used films in the packaging sector. LLDPE is the most flexible of all the polyethylene films. LLDPE is a blended version of Low-Density Polyethylene with higher strength and conformability than standard Low-Density Polyethylene, making it ideal for stretching. It doesn't shrink as much as other films, but it's perfect for stretch-wrapping pallets and transporting bulky items. Because it looks so similar on the roll, this film is frequently mistaken for shrink films like basic polyolefin. It does, however, operate substantially differently in terms of packaging protection. Pallet wrapping, snacks, frozen meals, and carrier bags are frequent uses for LLDPE and LDPE films.

Low-Density Polyethylene has several advantages over other types of shrink film packaging, including increased strength and durability for heavier, larger goods (e.g., beverage multipacks). It is possible to add clear graphics while retaining the image and the appropriate power. These films can also be printed.

PE has the disadvantages of a reduced shrink rate (typically about 20%) and much lesser clarity when shrinking. Unlike POF and PVC, which are limited in gauge thickness (typically approximately 100 gauge), PE can be gauged up to gauge. Shrinkwrapping a boat for storage is one application for these thicknesses in the marine industry.

Conclusion

Bringing your product to your customer should be a pleasurable experience. How do your items compare to similar products on the market, from how they seem to the way they feel to how long they last? Shrink Wrapping is a simple technique that requires only two things: the correct shrink film and heat. With simply a roll of shrink film and a heat source, you can waterproof, weatherproof, and tamper-proof anything, regardless of its size. You'll also be able to give your customers a boost of confidence and stand out with the protective shine of shrink wrap when used correctly!

The term shrink wrap is a generic term often used in commercial packaging, retail packaging, food packaging, and industrial packaging. Because a lot of our business is composed of shrink wrap products we get calls all the time for &#;shrink wrap&#; quote requests. Often times people do not realize there are many different types of shrink wrap as well as many materials shrink wrap is made from.

We thought it would be helpful to write an extensive blog post about the different types of shrink wrap. Because the types of shrink wrap vary in range dramatically, we do not offer all of the types mentioned. Every type we offer in the list below will have a connecting link.

Before we get into the types of shrink wrap, we want to make a quick mention of what shrink wrap is not. The most mistaken product referred to as shrink wrap is stretch film. The plastic wrap product often used to wrap pallet loads. Though called a shrink wrap, no heat is applied and the stretch film does not actually shrink. It is a stretch film, stretch wrap, or often called a pallet wrap.

All of the types of shrink wrap listed below require heat to be applied for the material to begin shrinking. We have tried to offer possible suppliers to consider for the types of shrink wrap we do not offer.

Types of Shrink Wrap

Centerfold Shrink Wrap&#; One of the most common types of shrink wrap for retail packaging. Centerfold shrink wrap is folded in half length-ways and placed on a roll. This allows users to slide the product being wrapped between the film, seal the open ends, and then apply heat. Centerfold shrink wrap is most commonly made from PVC and Polyolefin. Some suppliers do offer a Polyethylene centerfold shrink film.

Shrink Sleeves- Another very common type of shrink wrap for retail packaging. Shrink sleeves are often printed on and placed over bottles to brand products. Shrink sleeves often have a lower maximum shrink rate to keep from distorting printing. Preparing plates and design mockups can often be extensive as well as meeting required product minimums. A couple companies to consider contacting for shrink sleeves are: Source One Packaging and shrinksleevelabels.com.

Shrink Tubing&#; The main difference between shrink tubing and shrink sleeves is shrink tubing is often on a continuous roll. Shrink sleeves are pre-cut to fit the product being packaged. Shrink tubing is often made from PVC of Polyethylene. Tubing made from PVC is often used for retail packaging longer objects, while polyethylene tubing is often used for packaging cases of liquids and canned products.

Another common use for shrink tubing is electrical shrink tubing. It is often made from a seamless, very thick polyolefin. Electrical shrink tubing is not commonly used in packaging so we will not go into much detail. Some great sources for electrical shrink tubing are Grainger and more locally Autozone.

Shrink Banding- Shrink banding is another form of tubing or sleeve except much smaller. Most people are familiar with shrink banding as a safety seal wrapped around over-the-counter medicines and toiletries. Shrink banding is often made from a PVC shrink wrap and requires a low shrink temperature. Shrink banding often comes with easy-to-open perforations. Most shrink banding is custom made to fit the specific bottle being packaged, but some companies do stock a lot of different banding sizes. A few companies to check out if interested in shrink banding are: packagingoptionsdirect.com and SKS Bottle and Packaging.

Shrink Bags- Shrink bags are very easy to describe. They have three enclosed sides and one open side. Users insert a product inside the bag, seal the open end and apply heat. Shrink bags are most commonly available in PVC, but we offer PVC and food grade polyolefin shrink bags.

Industrial Shrink Wrap- Industrial and Marine shrink wrap is often very thick heat shrink wrap made to wrap large objects. One of the most common uses for industrial shrink wrap is the winterization of boats. Industrial shrink wrap can cover and protect boats and other objects during harsh winter months. Industrial shrink wrap is often made from Polyethylene or Polypropylene. Thicknesses often start at 6 Mils and go up to 20 Mils. Several online companies offer Industrial grade shrink wrap. Here are a couple of companies to check out if interested in industrial shrink wrap: Dr Shrink and Big Shrink.

Single Wound Shrink Wrap&#; Single wound shrink wrap is an industry term that means a lay flat shrink wrap. It is simply wound onto the roll flat instead of centerfold. Single wound PVC and Polyolefin shrink wrap are very difficult to find these days. Most packaging machines are made for centerfold PVC or Polyolefin shrink wrap. One of the most common single wound shrink wraps is a Polyethylene single wound shrink wrap. Single wound polyethylene rolls are very commonly used with high-speed shrink bundlers for packaging water and a variety of other liquids.

Shrink Tape- Shrink tape is often used in place of electrical shrink tubing. Users often wrap electrical wires with shrink tape and apply heat to them to shrink and fit wires. Shrink tape is often used to connect multiple wires together.

Another form of shrink tape is used for Industrial shrink wrap mentioned above. The shrink tape is often used to connect two sheets of industrial shrink wrap or repair holes. If interested in the electrical shrink tape visit Xtremetape.com. For the industrial shrink tape, Dr. Shrink sells it online.

Pallet Shrink Wrap Bags&#; Prior to the popularity of stretch film, pallet shrink bags used to be the preferred method of stabilizing and protecting pallet loads of products. Pallet bags are normally made from 3-6 Mil clear polyethylene shrink wrap. Pallet bags are often shrunk with a propane heat gun. They are used to stabilize and protect products during transport.

We are sure somewhere along the way we missed a couple of types of shrink wrap. This should cover the majority of types for anyone looking on the web. Hopefully, this post will serve as a guide to assist in finding the right type of shrink wrap for your specific application. If you are interested in one of the many types of shrink wrap we offer, please visit www.uspackagingandwrapping.com.

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