The three main wraps used in shrink packaging material for protecting and securing products for the retail and shipping environments are polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene (PE), and polyolefin (POF). Each has different capabilities and characteristics that make them suitable for specific applications.
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What are the main differences between these types of shrink wrap? Which is the best choice for your packaging needs? Read on to find out!
What is Shrink Wrap Material?
The material known as shrink wrap is a clear plastic wrap that is used to package millions of products around the world. Shrink wrap is called shrink wrap because it shrinks around the product being packaged when it is exposed to heat.
Each of these three wraps can be co-extruded into multilayer wraps with different additives offering specific barrier properties required for shelf-life or appearance. Shrink wraps can be formed into flattened roll stock, bags, overwrap, banding, and tubing, and add a form of tamper-resistant protection to packaged goods. If you aren't sure that you are using the ideal wrap for your application, here's a breakdown of the three:
PVC Shrink Wrap
Once the most commonly-used shrink packaging material in the world due to its lightweight and inexpensive multi-purpose capabilities, PVC Shrink wrap has since taken a backseat to PE and POF for many reasons. Most specifically due to the dangers in health during creation and incineration, and sustainability.
In its rigid form, PVC is durable and is used in many applications, including construction projects and houseware products. In terms of packaging, PVC is seen in rigid applications including blister and clamshell packaging, & flexible applications including shrink wrap, bagging. Polyvinyl chloride is a combination of three elements, carbon, hydrogen, and chlorine.
It is recommended for use in well-ventilated facilities due to the strong, harmful odors that are released when heated. Due to its chemical composition and these harmful byproducts released during its creation, and decomposition for that matter, PVC has been banned in many countries.
Brands that hold high regard for corporate & social responsibility have been joining these countries in banning PVC in packaging. This is important to consider if you have toyed with the idea of using it in your packaging, and more so if you already are using it. The Walmart Sustainability Playbook specifically targets PVC reduction in packaging materials for the manufacturers of products sold in their stores.
Need Help Choosing The Right Shrink? Check out our complete guide to Shrink Film!
Fast Facts About PVC Shrink Wrap:
- Once the most commonly used shrink wrapping material in the world
- Temperamental with hot and cold temperature changes, causing brittleness when too cold and wrinkling when too warm
- Higher resistance to propagation of tear, Polyolefin- higher resistance to puncture
POF Shrink Wrap
Polyolefin shrink is an extremely durable and versatile 'premium' shrink wrap. It has taken the place of PVC mentioned above in many applications and is also an FDA-approved food-safe material. Polyolefin materials are available with different characteristics, including cross-linked wrap that provides high-tensile strength and incredible clarity for high-speed packaging applications. The cross-linked wrap also prevents buildup on sealing components of your packaging machinery.
With added strength, the ability to create longer rolls of wrap with thinner gauges available allows for less roll change-over and increased efficiency and productivity. Polyolefin shrink wrap has excellent puncture resistance and seal strength, allowing for irregular-shaped items to have excellent protection throughout their supply chain life-cycle. POF is available in thicknesses as low as 35-gauge (.35 mil) and is more commonly available in 45,60, 75, and 100 (1 mil) gauges.
The versatility and fairly low cost that POF offers for multiple machines and packaging forms make it a go-to form of protective packaging manufacturers of any size. In some instances POF will need perforations added to the wrap; tiny holes added to the wrap before application which allows air to escape during the shrinking process for a smooth package. Pre-perforated shrink wrap is available by many suppliers for this reason.
Fast Facts About POF Shrink Wrap
- Premium quality shrink wrap, AKA high-clarity, decorative shrink wrap.
- Made of 100% recyclable materials
- Excellent clarity and glossy shelf appearance; great for
consumer products where appearance is critical (toys, games, candies, books, foods, most retail items)
- Ability to shrink quickly and completely (
shrinks when heated resulting in a finished good as soon as it comes out of the shrink tunnel)
- Durable, versatile, low cost
- Excellent for bundling multiple items together, like tissue boxes for example.
- Cross-linked POF is great for high-speed applications, providing added strength without compromising clarity and preventing build-up on sealing components
- Polyolefin is more expensive but more durable- not as affected by temperature changes
- FDA approved for food contact
- Excellent tensile-strength and propagation-to-tear
- Pre-perforated POF is available and allows for an even shrink surface, no air pockets
PE Shrink Wrap
Polyethylene is a type of polyolefin, meaning it is a single monomer wrap that is formed with the addition of ethylene during polymerization. PE is used in several forms of flexible protective packaging including shrink wrap and stretch wrap and performs very differently for each.
There are multiple forms that PE can take, but the three most common would be Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE), Linear Low-Density Polyethylene (LLDPE), & High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE). Each of these is best used in different industrial applications, but for shrink packaging, LDPE would be the most common form.
The benefits of using LDPE over the other forms of shrink packaging would be added strength and durability for heavier, larger items, like multipacks of beverages. These wraps are also printable and can have excellent graphics added while still maintaining the image and the strength required.
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Where POF and PVC are limited in gauge thickness to usually around 100 gauge, higher gauges of PE are possible up to gauge! These thicknesses are used in Marine industrial applications, like shrink-wrapping a boat for storage. The disadvantages of PE for shrink are that it doesn't have a high shrink rate, usually around 20%, and it has significantly lower clarity than the other wraps.
The Difference Between Shrink Wrap And Stretch Wrap
Shrink wrap and stretch wrap are often confused as they look very similar, but they perform very differently. When PE is used in a shrink wrap application, it is loosely placed over a single item or multiple items and will shrink around them when heat is applied, creating a tight, tamper-resistant seal of protection. When PE is used in stretch applications, it is formulated differently to be able to stretch around items.
The elastic memory of the wrap, along with its ability to cling to itself, keeps a tight layer of protection around the items. Stretch wrap is generally used for palletizing, AKA unitizing, multiple items on a pallet to keep them from shifting during shipment. Stretch wrap usually stretches about 100-300% where shrink wrap will typically only stretch to around 50-75% before breakage occurs.
Fast Facts About PE Shrink/Stretch Wrap
- LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene)- low melting point, good stretch & strength - commonly used for foods and meat products and stretch wrapping/palletizing
- LLDPE (Linear Low-Density Polyethylene)
- thinner than LDPE, just as strong, decent clarity - used for bulk foods, frozen foods, prints, grocery, trash bags, palletizing/stretch wrapping
- HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene)
- one of the most common polymers in plastics packaging - USDA/FDA-approved for food contact, lightweight, durable, water-resistant, bad O
2
-resistance- good for certain foods, retail products, clothing, stretch wrap for pallets
- Good for lower-end applications and unitization (24-pack of waters), replacement of master corrugated shippers, larger items
- More expensive, but durable
- Polyethylene shrink wraps are recyclable
- Thicker- offering more stretch-ability
- Shrinks as it cools rather than heats, requiring additional cooling space at the end of the tunnel
- Applications include large heavy items including bundling multipacks of water
- In thicker gauges and larger applications, wrapping boats for storage
Final Thoughts On Shrink Wrap And Stretch Wrap
No matter what the application, knowing your options can help save you money in the long run. It's always best to connect with a supplier that can answer any of your questions that you haven't found clear answers to. They can also help you with custom packaging solutions that match your needs for efficiency, protection, and visual presentation.
If you are using shrink wrap to package your products, we've created a Shrink wrap Cheat Sheet to reduce your packaging costs and increase your packages-per-roll!
Once you have decided on the right wrap for your specific packaging needs, take a look at a minimum of three vendors. Take some time to review product ratings on different brands of wrap. Contact the three chosen vendors and ask each of them for a quote.
Take notes on the quality of the customer service experience from each vendor. Also note the dynamics of the wrap products offered including price, shipping cost, and expected time of delivery. You will want to choose a vendor who treats you like a human rather than a number. If possible, speak to a human being and avoid companies that use a completely automated system with robotic or artificial voice commands and prompts.
Sometimes paying a little extra for better customer service is worth a few extra dollars. In the end, you will want to find a balance between quality customer service and quality products. By utilizing all the information above, you will be armed with the knowledge needed to make the best choice in regards to your wrap and the supplier you buy from.
31 July
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyolefin (POF), and polyethylene (PE) (also known as polythene) shrink films are durable, strong, and reliable materials used both for packaging products themselves, and also for protecting and securing palletised goods during transit. Shrink films are a popular choice because they are low cost, easy to use, and provide excellent protection in transit, and for goods being displayed on shelves for consumers.
Each material possesses different qualities and so choosing the correct type of film is important to ensure that your goods arrive in the best possible condition. But how do you know which is the right film for your needs?
In this article we will explore the advantages and disadvantages of polyolefin, PVC and polythene shrink wraps, so that you can choose the most appropriate for your needs. (If you&#;re new to the industry and want to learn more about shrink films in general, check out our &#;Complete Guide to Shrink Wrap&#; article.)
Polythene Shrink Film
Polythene shrink film is made of a plastic that shrinks when it is heated, allowing it to conform around the product that needs wrapping. It is a common choice of packaging for the distribution of beverage bottles, hand soap and cans due to its durability to wrap around multiple products. Polythene shrink film (PE) can come in the forms of Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE), Linear Low-Density Polyethylene (LLDPE), Medium Density Polyethylene (MDPE), and High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE).
The main differences consist of the molecular structure, their properties and purpose:
LDPE is the most common form of plastic film and is the least dense of the four types in terms of structure density. It is flexible, transparent, and very resistant. This material is often used for plastic, frozen and waste bags, meat and food products for the consumer to use in their home. Typically, it has a density of 0.917g/cm3 to 0.93g/cm3 and is normally around 0.4 mil to 40 mil thick.
LLDPE is more of a linear polymer structure. Its malleable strength provides a good cover to prevent any tearing and puncturing. It can be used for a range of versatile products including heavy duty bags, toys, and cable covers. LLDPE typically has a density of 0.965g/cm3 or more, and around 0.4 mil to 40 mil in thickness.
MDPE is the least common. Pond liners for example can be made using MDPE or blended with LLDPE or LDPE to achieve a balance of strength and flexibility.
HDPE is both a lightweight yet strong and tougher material. Similarly to LDPE and LLDPE, it holds good impact resistance. HDPE is typically used for both construction materials such as pipes, and consumer products including shampoo bottles and milk cartons. Typically has a density of between 0.93g/cm3 to 0.97g/cm3 and a thickness which ranges from 12 mil to 100 mil thick.
For a more indepth anaylsis read our article on LDPE vs LLDPE vs HDPE.
Polythene Shrink Film Pros and Cons
When searching for the correct wrapping material for your items, it is important to understand PE&#;s advantages and disadvantages.
PE Pros:
- Protection: provides strong protection against damages from tampering, as well as blocking any contact with dirt and moisture
- Flexibility: it is suitable for a wide range of products that require wrapping, due to its ability to conform to the shape of the product
- Transparency: PE offers good visibility for consumers to see the packaged product, or to aid the inspection of palletised goods
- Affordable: as it is a versatile and commonly-used material, it is less expensive than other wrapping options
PE Cons:
- Heat Sensitive: it is not suitable to use PE for products that are sensitive to heat damage. If used on a product that is not heat compliant, the item risks damage and therefore may not be usable for the consumer, and the business&#; consequential loss.
- Environmental Impact: Although it is made from plastic and has a low carbon footprint, the options to recycle the film can be limited; risking the possibility of resulting in landfill
There is another type of polyethylene shrink film, known as Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET). It is an excellent versatile thermoplastic polymer, often used to create plastic bottles and containers, electronic appliances, and consumer foods such as tupperware. It is UV resistant and can hold a high melting point, for the products that require sterile conditions.
As it&#;s a high performing wrapping film, it is more expensive than PVC and PE. PET has a transparent material, yet sometimes it can be a milky-white colour; it holds tensile strength whilst also being lightweight.
Polyolefin Shrink Film
Made of thermoplastic polyolefins, polyolefin shrink film (POF) is a cost-effective, multipurpose wrap. Its typical use is for food-related products, due to the glossy material transparency. It helps with the appearance of the wrapped goods, while also locking in the moisture of items that may be protected, such as tomatoes, cakes, and meats; making it beneficial for the consumer to see what they are buying when shopping at a supermarket.
POF Pros:
- Strength: it is a strong and sturdy material, preventing resistance to tears and punctures
- Versatility: POF is flexible to wrap the material around different shapes and sizes of food products and beverages; when heated, the shrink film can conform and seal to the build of the product
- Appealing: the glossy transparency of POF allows more clarity for the consumer to see the product they are buying
POF Cons:
- Cost: due to the fact POF is strong, reliable, and can wrap around different sized objects, it is more of an expensive option compared to other shrink films
- Limited Temperatures: compared to other shrink films such as PVC, it has a shrinkage value of approximately 20%. This means that your items will not be compatible with the wrap, risking financial loss to the business, and potential damage to the product
PVC Shrink Film
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) is produced as a thinner plastic, making it a popular choice for the wrapping of DVD&#;s and CD Jewel Cases for consumer purposes. When heated, the film is applied around the object and then heated. The film shrinks tightly to the item, preventing the action of tampering with the product.
PVC Pros:
- Multi-purpose: PVC is a popular, lightweight shrink film that can be used for a multitude of products of different shapes and sizes
- Presentation: the lack of damage and tampering due to its strength enhances its clear and neat packaging around the product, making it more appealing to the consumer buying the item
- Usability: the thinner plastic of PVC makes the product easier to open for the consumer
PVC Cons:
- Temperature: when the temperature of the shrink film is either above or below the heat, it causes a risk of becoming brittle and unstable for the consumer
- Unable to wrap multiple items: the fragile nature of its thinner plastic disables the ability to use the shrink wrap for bundling items. Instead, it must be for individual products
Order Your Shrink Film Today
Industrial Polythene is one of the UK&#;s leading suppliers of polythene packaging products. We provide a fantastic range of strong and durable shrink film materials to match our customers&#; requirements, so that they have the utmost protection when transporting and selling their products.
Whether your products require PVC, Polyolefin, or Polyethylene shrink film, contact us today for a free quote.
If you want to learn more, please visit our website light blocking shrink label.