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Shrink Wrapping: The Different Types of Shrink Film

Shrink film or shrink wrap is used to describe a type of plastic that tightens or “shrinks” around a product to create a seal when it is exposed to a heat source. The tools needed to shrink wrap an item include a heat sealer (to seal open ends of the film) and a source of heat (to shrink the film into place). The most common types of heat sealers are I-bar, L-bar, and impulse sealers, while the most common heat sources are automatic heat tunnels and manual heat guns. You can also invest in a shrink wrap machine that is able to perform cut, seal, and shrinking tasks. Shrink film can come in a variety of different sizes. Here at The Packaging Company, we carry shrink-wrap ranging from 6”-36” in width, and several different thicknesses including 50, 60, 75, and 100 gauge shrink wrap. Browse the different types and styles of shrink wrap and their most common uses below.

Types of Shrink Film

There are several different types of shrink film available for purchase including PVC, POF, and PE. Take a look at what the benefits are of each kind of shrink wrap below:

PVC Shrink Film

PVC shrink wrap is also known as polyvinyl chloride shrink wrap and was at one point the most commonly used shrink film around the world thanks to its affordability and versatility. Some of today’s most common uses for PVC shrink wrap include DVD and CD cases, gaming discs and other software boxes, retail packaging, packaging boxes, and other non-food-related items. PVC shrink wrap has a higher tear resistance, however, it is more susceptible to becoming brittle after shrinking so it is not recommended to wrap multiple products or for use in high or low-temperature environments.

Polyolefin (POF) Shrink Film

Polyolefin (POF) shrink wrap has recently taken the title for the most popular and commonly used shrink wrap. This is largely due to POF being of higher quality and more versatile compared to PVC. Additionally, polyolefin shrink wrap is FDA-approved and safe for use with food products. Common uses for POF shrink wrap include printed and paper goods, baked goods, frozen food items such as pizza, small toys, candies, and much more. This high clarity, puncture, and temperature-resistant shrink wrap are also made from 100% recycled materials and is perfect for bundling multiple items together.

Polyethylene (PE) Shrink Film

Polyethylene or PE shrink wrap is a stronger and more durable type of film that is typically used for industrial applications. While polyolefin and PVC shrink wraps are typically maxed out at 100 gauge thickness, polyethylene wrap can reach a gauge thickness of up to 1200. The most common uses of PE shrink wrap include wrapping beverage multipacks, wrapping boats for storage, and pallet wrapping.

Styles of Shrink Film

As we now know, shrink wrap comes in a few different materials that each has its own unique benefits. Additionally, shrink film comes in a variety of styles such as the ones listed below:

Tube-Style Shrink Film

Shrink tubing is a unique design of shrink film that comes with two pre-sealed sides. This allows customers to easily input their products into the tube and create custom-length shrink bags. This type of shrink tubing has crystal clear, high gloss film that is perfect for displaying your product proudly. Shrink tubing can be used with either portable or automatic equipment, making it the perfect addition to any business.

Rolls of Shrink Film

Centerfold shrink wrap rolls are made by folding the shrink wrap in half lengthways and then placing it on the roll. These are most commonly used in retail packaging as they allow retailers to put their product into the pocket and seal it all the way around (typically with an L-bar sealer). These can be used for larger products and can typically be used with both automatic and manual equipment.

The Difference Between Shrink Wrap and Stretch Wrap

Shrink wrap and stretch wrap, despite the similar look and often similar materials, are used in very different ways. As mentioned above, shrink wrap can be used for single or multiple products and it is used to create a tamperproof seal around a product by shrinking the plastic with heat. Shrink film only stretches between 50-75% and has no ability to cling to itself.

Stretch wrap is more commonly used to keep larger boxes and items together and prevent them from shifting, such as a skid of boxes. It stretches anywhere from 100-300% and has the ability to cling to itself, no heat is required for the use of stretch wrap.

Looking for High-Quality Shrink Wrap? Visit The Packaging Company Today!

Are you in search of high-quality shrink film for your business? Shrink wrap is an excellent way to create a tamper-resistant seal that will protect your product and keep it in good condition for your customers. At The Packaging Company, we take pride in offering high-quality, affordable products to our customers and small business owners. Take a look at our assortment of PVC Shrink Wrap Products and Polyolefin (POF) Shrink Wrap Products today to get started!

Introduction

Shrink film is a popular packaging material that provides a tight seal around products, protecting them from damage and moisture. POF heat shrinkable film is one of the most widely used types of shrink films due to its excellent clarity, strength, and durability. In this article, we will compare and contrast POF heat shrink film with other types of shrink film, examining their material composition, properties, applications, advantages, disadvantages, and cost-effectiveness.

I. Material Composition and Properties

1. Comparison of POF heat shrink film vs. PVC shrink film

PVC (Polyvinyl chloride) shrink film is a popular packaging material due to its low cost and flexibility. However, PVC shrink film is not as environmentally friendly as POF heat shrink film and may produce harmful fumes when heated. POF heat shrink film is made from FDA-approved materials and does not emit any harmful gases during the shrinking process.

2. Comparison of POF heat shrink film vs. PET shrink film

PET (Polyethylene terephthalate) shrink film is a high-performance packaging material that provides excellent clarity and strength. However, PET shrink film can be more expensive than POF heat shrink film and is not as flexible. POF heat shrink film is ideal for wrapping irregularly shaped products and can be easily adjusted to fit different sizes and shapes.

Shrink and Sealing Properties

1. Comparison of POF heat shrink film vs. PE shrink film

PE (Polyethylene) shrink film is a versatile packaging material that is widely used in the food and beverage industry. However, PE shrink film is not as clear or strong as POF heat shrink film and may not provide an effective seal around sharp edges or irregularly shaped products.

2. Comparison of POF heat shrink film vs. PP shrink film

PP (Polypropylene) shrink film is a cost-effective packaging material that provides good clarity and strength. However, PP shrink film may not provide as tight of a seal as POF heat shrink film and may require a higher temperature to achieve the desired shrinking effect.

Applications and Advantages

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1. Food packaging

POF heat shrink film is widely used in the food packaging industry due to its excellent clarity, strength, and barrier properties against moisture and oxygen. The material is also FDA-approved and safe for direct contact with food.

2. Beverage packaging

POF heat shrink film is ideal for beverage packaging because it can easily conform to different shapes and sizes. The material provides an effective seal around the product, preventing leakage and contamination.

3. Pharmaceutical packaging

POF heat shrink film is commonly used in pharmaceutical packaging due to its excellent strength, durability, and barrier properties. The material can protect products from moisture, light, and other environmental factors that could degrade the product.

4. Industrial packaging

POF heat shrink film is ideal for industrial packaging because it can wrap and protect large, heavy items such as machinery and equipment. The material is strong enough to withstand rough handling and transport.

Sustainability and Environmental Impact

1. Comparison of POF heat shrink film vs. PVC shrink film

POF heat shrink film is a more environmentally friendly option than PVC shrink film because it does not emit harmful gases when heated. POF heat shrink film is also recyclable and can be reused in other products.

2. Comparison of POF heat shrink film vs. PET shrink film

POF heat shrink film has a lower environmental impact than PET shrink film because it is made from fewer raw materials and is more easily recyclable.

3. Comparison of POF heat shrink film vs. PE shrink film

POF heat shrink film is a more sustainable option than PE shrink film because it is stronger and requires less material to achieve the same level of protection.

4. Comparison of POF heat shrink film vs. PP shrink film

POF heat shrink film has a lower environmental impact than PP shrink film because it is made from fewer raw materials and can be recycled more easily.

Cost-effectiveness

POF heat shrink film is a cost-effective packaging material that provides excellent clarity, strength, and durability. The material is also easy to use, requiring only heat to achieve the desired shrinking effect. Although some types of shrink film may be cheaper, POF heat shrink film offers superior performance and efficiency in terms of protecting products and reducing waste.

Conclusion

In conclusion, POF heat shrink film is one of the most popular and effective types of shrink film available on the market today. Compared to other types of shrink film, POF heat shrink film offers superior clarity, strength, and barrier properties, as well as a lower environmental impact and cost-effectiveness. As such, we recommend POF heat shrink film for packaging applications across a wide range of industries. Moving forward, we anticipate continued innovation and development in the field of shrink film, as manufacturers strive to create even more sustainable, efficient, and effective packaging solutions for their customers.

Contact us to discuss your requirements of PETG High Shrink Films. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.