Shrink Wrap

Shrink Wrap, also known as shrink film, is a plastic material manufactured from polymer plastic, commonly used for the packaging and wrapping of goods. When applying heat to the Shrink Wrap with an electric or gas heat gun and heat sealer causes the polymer to shrink tightly around the product it covers. The shrinking of the Shrink Wrap can also be achieved by passing it through a heat tunnel on a conveyor belt to apply heat to the material. The three most common types of Shrink Wrap used as packaging materials are polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethene (PE) and polyolefin (POF). This Shrink Wrap differs slightly in its characteristics such as clarities, thickness, strength, and shrink ratio, making these materials suitable for specific applications.

Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)

PVC, Polyvinyl Chloride, is one of the most commonly used Shrink Wraps due to its high durability, lightweight and low cost. However, PVC Shrink Wrap also has disadvantages, mainly surrounding health-related hazards that the material might bring when heated. PVC releases strong and harmful odours during these processes and is, therefore, best suited for use in well-ventilated facilities.

Polyethene (PE)

PE, Polyethene, is commonly used for Shrink Wrapping in various forms, including Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE), Linear Low-Density Polyethylene (LLDPE), and High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), mainly used as protective packaging, due to its high strength and durability. The material, however, has downsides which are lower, compared to the other types, shrink rate, and lower clarity.

Polyolefin (POF)

POF, Polyolefin, is another go-to type of Shrink Wrap worldwide due to its robust characteristics and versatility. It features higher durability and clarity as compared to other types of Shrink Film. Besides, POF manufactures fully recyclable material, making it an excellent choice for environmentally conscious users. POF has also proven and demonstrates quality results in the shrink rate. The only downside of the material is the higher cost compared to other types of Shrink Wrap.

Shrink Wraps are commonly used with Reinforced Aluminium foil, desiccants, and impact labels for better protective packaging. Click here to read up on our blogs to find out more about the different products we offer!