About

Shrinkwrap or shrink film refers to a plastic sheet that tightens around a product to form a seal. Shrinking happens when the film is exposed to a heat source. Tools required for shrink wrapping include a heat sealer and a source of heat. The most common types of heat sealers are L-Bar, I-Bar, and impulse sealers. The most commonly used heat sources are manual heat guns and automatic heat tunnels.

If you want a fully automated system, you can buy equipment that cuts, seals, and shrink packages. Shrink films are available in different sizes.

In this article, we will discuss different types of shrink film.

PVC shrink film

Also known as polyvinyl chloride shrink wrap, PVC shrink wrap film had been the most commonly used shrink film across the world, thanks to its versatility and affordability. Today, this film is used for packaging CD and DVD cases, software boxes, gaming discs, packaging boxes, retail packaging, and many non-food products. This film offers a greater tear-resistance. Nonetheless, it can brittle after shrinking. That is why it is not ideal for packages that may be subjected to extremely low or high temperatures later on.

Polyolefin (POF) Shrink Film

The Polyolefin (POF) Shrink Film has become one of the most popular materials for shrink wrapping. That is mainly due to the POF offering a higher quality as compared to the PVC. Additionally, POF shrinkwrap film comes with an FDA certificate, which means it is safe for food packaging. This film is ideal for packaging paper-based goods, baked products, and many frozen food items. This shrink wrap film has higher clarity and offers greater resistance to puncture and temperature damage. On top of that, this film is produced using 100% recyclable materials. This film is ideal for bundling different products.

Polyethylene (PE) Shrink Film

If you want to go for more durable and stronger shrink wrap options, you can consider Polyethylene or PE shrink wrap. Polyolefin and PVC shrink wrap films max out at 100-gauge thickness. Polyethylene, however, can reach a gauge thickness of up to 1200. Due to its greater durability and puncture resistance, PE shrinkwrap film is ideal for wrapping beverage multipacks, boats, and pallets.

Difference between shrink wrap and stretch wrap

Both shrink wrap and stretch wrap look similar, but they are used in different ways. Shrinkwrap is used to create a tamper-proof seal around one product. A heat source is introduced to this film and, as a result, it shrinks to take the shape of the product. Shrink film can stretch up to 50-75% and cannot cling to itself.

Stretch film is ideal for packaging large boxes and pallets. It can stretch up to 100-300%, and it can cling to itself. There is no heat required during stretch wrapping.

Bottom line

First off, it is necessary to see whether your packaging application requires to shrink wrap. You can do it by looking at the types of products you pack and the way you pack them. Then, you can contact your packaging supplier for high-quality shrink wrap rolls and the equipment required.