Shrink films are often considered to be one of the best packaging materials because they allow you to keep your products safe and secure.
However, choosing the best solution can be challenging because there are several types of shrink films available on the market.
For businesses. it is important to conduct thorough research to make sure they are choosing the right type of stretch film to protect their products and improve the customer shopping experience.
In this post, you will get to know about the major types of stretch films and their pros and cons. So, let’s get started:
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
Pros
PVC is thin and light, which makes it significantly more affordable than the other shrink films.
It is capable of shrinking only in one direction and has high resistance to tears and punctures. PVC is quite attractive because it has a shiny texture
Cons
PVC is vulnerable to wrinkles and extreme softening at very high temperatures.Similarly, it can get too hard and brittle at very low temperatures.
Businesses also have to make sure that they are using PVC only with inedible products because it has chloride in it due to which can emit toxic fumes in heating and sealing.
This stretch film also has strict disposal standards to ensure proper disposal and sustainable development.
Polyolefin
Pros
Polyolefin has been approved by the regulatory organizations to package edible products because it does not have any toxic elements or components that can damage the food products.
Moreover, it does not produce any significant smell during the heating and sealing process. Generally, the polyolefin is considered to be the best stretch wrap for irregularly shaped packages because it shrinks much more than other stretch films.
The glossy surface of the film gives an attractive look to the entire packaging. It is also a highly reliable stretch wrap when you want to store multiple products without getting worried about punctures and tears.
Cons
Polyolefin is an expensive shrink film as it costs much more than a traditional PVC film. Moreover, you might have to perforate the polyolefin films in some situations to reduce or eliminate air pockets and bumpy areas on the films.
Polyethylene
Pros
There are many different benefits of polyethylene films, due to which they have become an extremely popular option for most organizations, stores, and warehouses. It is typically used to wrap multiple packages of heavy items like water bottles and beverages.
Moreover, polyethylene films are durable and can easily stretch much more than the other types of stretch films. It has also been approved by the experts to use for the packaging of the food products.
Another interesting aspect of polyethylene is the fact that its thickness can be scaled up to 1200 gauge. It means it is suitable for wrapping massive objects like boats and other similar vehicles for storage purposes.
Cons
A major disadvantage of using polyethylene is that it has a significantly low shrink rate, and its surface is not as clear as the other kinds of shrink films.
Moreover, polyethylene is more expensive than other stretch films, due to which it can be difficult for companies, especially small-scale businesses, to keep affording them over the long term.
Benefits of Using Stretch films to Wrap Your Products
Some of the many benefits that you can enjoy by using stretch films to wrap your products are:
1. Protection
The durability of the shrink films plays an important role in protecting and preserving the contents of the packaging. It allows you to easily ship your products and have peace of mind that the products will be transferred in a safe and secure manner.
They are also useful in increasing the shelf life of the perishable items and concealing the smell of the products.
2. Appeal
If you use attractive stretch wraps like Polyolefin films, they can make the entire packaging look much more appealing to the customers.
Modern technology also allows companies to customize the packaging at an affordable rate. These factors are important in the branding and long-term success of your business.
3. Sustainability
Great advancements are being made in the packaging industry, due to which a wide range of eco-friendly stretch films is available in the market. Companies have the option of switching to these stretch wraps to promote eco-friendliness and sustainability.
Types of Products That Can Be Wrapped with Shrink Film
Shrink film is a versatile packaging solution used across various industries due to its protective, tamper-evident, and cost-effective properties. It is widely applied to food products, ensuring freshness and hygiene for items like baked goods, fresh produce, and frozen foods. Many food manufacturers opt for FDA-approved polyolefin shrink film for safe and high-quality packaging.
Beverage Industry
In the beverage industry, shrink film is commonly used for bottled drinks and multipacks, keeping them securely bundled during storage and transportation. Its ability to conform tightly around products makes it ideal for packaging multi-unit beverage packs, such as bottled water, soft drinks, and canned beverages.
Retail and Consumer Goods
For retail and consumer goods, shrink film provides a clear, professional presentation while protecting items from dust, moisture, and tampering. It is frequently used for packaging electronics, cosmetics, personal care products, toys, and household items. The ability to apply branding or tamper-proof seals makes it a preferred choice for e-commerce and retail businesses.
Industrial and Warehouse Industry
Additionally, shrink film is extensively used in industrial and warehouse packaging for securing palletized goods, hardware, and machinery parts. It helps maintain product integrity, prevents shifting during transportation, and improves warehouse organization. Heavy-duty shrink films, such as polyethylene, provide extra durability and puncture resistance, making them suitable for wrapping large or irregularly shaped items.
Overall, shrink film is an efficient and reliable packaging material for a diverse range of products, offering protection, visibility, and cost-effectiveness in various industries.
The Bottom Line
Finding the right stretch films depends on the kind of business you have and the kind of products you pack.
Now that you are familiar with the various types of stretch wraps available on the market, you should have no issue choosing the right kind of stretch film for your business and products.
For further information, please do not hesitate to get in touch with our specialists.
