Shrink Film 101 - A Guide to Shrink Film Packaging

A Guide to Heat Shrink Film

Shrink Film - a material made up of polymer plastic film. When heat is applied, it shrinks tightly over whatever it is covering. There are a variety of uses for Shrink wrap and shrink film. Some typical shrink wrap applications are for wrapping food, gift baskets, boxes, toys, books, soaps, etc. Below is a breakdown of the two most commonly used types of shrink.

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PVC Shrink Film - A type of shrink wrap used for various applications. The PVC stands for Polyvinyl chloride. Polyvinyl chloride is the third most-produced plastic in the world. PVC shrink wrap was the most commonly used shrink film until replaced several years ago by polyolefin (POF) shrink wrap.

Common Uses of PVC Shrink Film - PVC shrink wrap uses include packaging boxes, CD and DVD packaging, software, small canisters, and other non-edible items.

Drawbacks of PVC Shrink Film - Sealing Strength, storage issues, and sealing by-products are common drawbacks of PVC Shrink Wrap. The plasticizer in PVC Shrink wrap hardens in cold conditions and softens under hot conditions, therefore compromising the strength of the seal and the plastic. PVC shrink wrap also releases small quantities of hydrogen chloride into the air and carbon deposits onto the sealer. Proper ventilation is required when sealing PVC shrink wrap.

Polyolefin Shrink Film - A type of shrink wrap that has become the preferred choice for packaging products, both edible and non-edible. Polyolefin Shrink wrap is preferred for a variety of reasons, including fewer odors when sealed, stronger seal, and more flexible storage. Polyolefin shrink films do not have any chlorine; therefore, they do not produce hydrogen chloride gas. Polyolefin shrink wrap does not have any plasticizers, so the temperature is not an issue. Polyolefin can be stored in a wide range of temperatures and does not harden and soften in different environments like PVC shrink film.

Common Uses of Polyolefin Shrink Film - Polyolefin shrink film is used for almost every kind of application. Applications include toys, sporting goods, printed wrap, foods, stationery, and cards, just to name a few.

Drawbacks of Polyolefin Shrink Film - Cost and machine compatibility are the two significant drawbacks of Polyolefin shrink film. Polyolefin is commonly more expensive than PVC shrink wrap. Many packagers prefer PVC because of this reason. There are types of polyolefin shrink wrap that are more compatible with machines, but Polyolefin machine compatibility has been an issue of packagers.

Cross-Linked Polyolefin Shrink Film - Irradiation is applied to standard polyolefin shrink film to make the film stronger, and capable of better seal strength. Cross-linked shrink film is sterile, and FDA approved for direct food contact. It offers excellent clarity to display packaged products. To view in detail about making and the history of cross-linked shrink film view, our blog post titled What is cross-linked shrink film.

Cross-linked shrink film also leaves less residue on sealers, promoting longer sealing blade or wire life. Cross-linked shrink film is made for use with high-speed machines and high output operations.

Common Uses of Cross-Linked Polyolefin Shrink Film - Cross-linked shrink film is used with the same products as standard polyolefin shrink film. The cross-linked film is often used in high output operations. It can also be used for heavier products; a conventional polyolefin shrink film can not correctly package.

Drawbacks of Cross-Linked Polyolefin Shrink Film - Cross-linked shrink film requires higher seal and shrink temps than a standard polyolefin shrink film. Higher temps can damage and deform products sensitive to heat. Higher seal and shrink temps. also, require higher energy costs.

Ever worried about your products getting damaged during shipping or storage? Shrink wrap can be your hero! It’s a stretchy, strong plastic film that keeps your products safe and looking good on their way to customers.

But with so many different types of shrink wrap out there, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. This guide is here to help! We’ll break down the different options and features of shrink wrap, making it easy for you to pick the perfect one for your business needs.

What is Shrink Film and Why is it Important?

Imagine a superhero for your products during shipping and storage! That’s shrink film in a nutshell. It’s a thin, stretchy plastic wrap that keeps your products safe and looking good when they reach your customers.

Here’s why shrink film matters:

• Keeps Products Safe:

  It acts as a barrier against dust, moisture, and accidental bumps and scrapes.

• Prevents Tampering:

  The tight seal makes it hard for anyone to mess with your products.

• Reduces Shipping Costs:

  Shrink film is lightweight, which can lower your shipping fees.

• Boosts Customer Satisfaction:

  Neat and protected products project a professional image and make customers happy.

Understanding Shrink Film Types

• LDPE Shrink Wrap (Low-Density Polyethylene)LDPE Shrink Wrap is perfect for lighter items like books, clothes, or bundled products.

  : This is your everyday hero, the most popular choice because it’s clear, affordable, and easy to work with. Think of it like a stretchy plastic bag that shrinks tight with heat.is perfect for lighter items like books, clothes, or bundled products.

• MDPE Shrink Wrap (Medium-Density Polyethylene)

  :  Need something a bit tougher? MDPE is your friend. It’s stronger than LDPE and can handle heavier products without tearing. Think of it like a thicker, more heavy-duty version of shrink wrap. Ideal for irregularly shaped items like toys or boxes with sharp edges, or even heavier things like books in bulk.

• PVC Shrink Wrap (Polyvinyl Chloride):

    This type is the ultimate shrinker, like a super-powered wrap that hugs your products tightly. It’s also great for situations where the temperature might change during shipping, keeping everything secure. Plus, it’s tamper-proof, so no one can mess with your products. However, some people prefer not to use PVC because of environmental concerns.

• POF Shrink Wrap (Polyolefin)

  :  Looking for crystal clear and super safe? POF takes the crown. It’s so clear you can see everything through it, making it perfect for medical supplies or products you want customers to see clearly. Bonus: It’s also approved for food contact, so you can use it for things like wrapped snacks.

Remember: When choosing your shrink wrap, consider the weight and shape of your products, if they need extra protection, and if clarity is important.

Finding the Perfect Fit: Shrink Film Thickness Explained

Shrink film comes in different thicknesses, just like your favorite sweater comes in light and heavy versions.  We call this thickness the “gauge.”  A higher gauge means a thicker film, while a lower gauge is thinner but still strong.

Why Thickness Matters:

Choosing the right gauge is important because it affects how well the film protects your products.  Here’s the key:

• Too Thin

  : A film that’s too thin might not be strong enough to protect your products during shipping or storage.

• Too Thick

  : A film that’s too thick can be wasteful and cost more.

Finding the Goldilocks Gauge:

The best gauge depends on the size and weight of your products.  Think of it like wrapping a gift: a small box doesn’t need a ton of wrapping paper, but a bigger box might need something more substantial.

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Quick Gauge Guide:

Here’s a handy table to help you choose the right film gauge for your most common items:

Product

Recommended Gauge

Small electronics (phones, etc.)

60-75 gauge

Food trays

60-75 gauge

Books or papers

60-75 gauge

DVDs

75-100 gauge

Clothing

100-150 gauge

Heavy machinery parts

150-200 gauge

Remember: This is just a guide. If you’re unsure about the best gauge for your products, it’s always best to consult with a packaging expert.

More Than Just Wrap: Important Shrink Film Features

There’s more to shrink wrap than meets the eye! Here are some key features to consider when choosing the perfect film for your needs:

• Crystal Clear Presentation:

  Want your products to shine? Opt for high-clarity film. It acts like an invisible box, letting customers see exactly what they’re getting.

• Super Strong Seal:

  The seal is the superhero of shrink wrap! A strong seal keeps your products safe and secure during shipping. Choose a seal strength that matches the weight and type of product you’re wrapping.

• Shrink Like a Boss:

  Shrink ratio refers to how much the film shrinks down. A higher ratio means you can use less film to cover more, saving you money and reducing waste.

• Static Busters:

  Electronics and sensitive parts can attract dust like a magnet. Anti-static shrink wrap is your friend! It helps prevent static cling, keeping your delicate products safe.

Putting the Wrap On: How to Use Shrink Film

There are two main ways to apply shrink film to your products:

The DIY Approach (Manual Shrink Wrap):

• This is perfect for small businesses or occasional use. All you need is a heat gun (like a powerful hairdryer) and some muscle. It’s good because you can wrap anything, any size or shape.

The Time-Saving Hero (Automated Shrink Wrap):

• If you’re a high-volume shipper or need consistent results, a shrink tunnel is your best bet. This is basically a heat chamber that shrinks the wrap quickly and evenly. It’s faster, more accurate, and can even be hooked up to your existing production line.

Choosing the Right Method:

The best method depends on your needs. If you’re just starting out or have a low volume, manual wrapping might be sufficient. But if you ship a lot of products or want a faster, more consistent process, then a shrink tunnel is the way to go.

Conclusion

Selecting the perfect shrink film is a delicate dance between product protection needs, budget constraints, and operational capabilities. By understanding the various types, gauges, and features, businesses can make an informed decision that ensures their products are delivered and stored in optimal conditions.

Reach out to us for personalized consultations and recommendations, and start reaping the benefits of shrink film in your packaging strategy.

Optimize Your Packaging with Expert Guidance

Navigating the vast world of shrink films doesn’t have to be intimidating. Reach out to our packaging specialists to find the perfect shrink film that caters to all your business-specific needs. Whether you require a high-clarity film to highlight the beauty of your products or a heavyweight protector for your most valuable cargo, we’ve got you covered. Make the right choice today and protect your business’s most valuable asset — its products.

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