Different Types of Shrink Film and Their Uses

16 Dec.,2024

 

Different Types of Shrink Film and Their Uses

Shrink Wrapping uses three major types of films to protect and secure products for retail and shipping environments: polyvinyl chloride, polyolefin, and polyethylene. Each of these materials has its capabilities and qualities that make it ideal for specific applications. Furthermore, each can be co-extruded into multilayer films with different additives to generate unique barrier qualities that improve shelf life or a special appearance.

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Flattened roll stock, bags, overwrap, banding, and tubing can all be made from shrink films. They can give packed goods a layer of tamper-resistant protection. Here's a rundown of the three primary varieties of shrink film and their most popular applications:

 

Polyvinyl Chloride(PVC)

PVC was previously the most widely used shrink packaging material globally due to its lightweight nature, low cost, and multi-purpose capabilities. For various reasons, including the health risks posed during production and incineration, as well as its level of sustainability, it has now given way to polyethylene (PE) and polyolefin (POF).

In its rigid form, PVC is a long-lasting material that is employed in construction projects and household goods. PVC is used in rigid and flexible packaging structures (such as blister and clamshell packaging) (like shrink film and bagging).

 

PVC Has a Bad Wrap

PVC comprises three different elements: carbon, hydrogen, and chlorine. It is suggested for usage in well-ventilated facilities due to the solid and unpleasant scents emitted when heated. It is outright banned in some countries because of its chemical composition and the hazardous byproducts emitted during synthesis and breakdown. Even in nations where it is permitted, firms committed to corporate and social responsibility have prohibited the use of PVC in their packaging. The Walmart Sustainability Playbook, for example, focuses on reducing PVC in packaging materials used by makers of products sold at Walmart shops. If you use PVC film in your supply chain, it's vital to establish the highest possible standards for usage and disposal.

 

It's Sensitive

A notable downside to PVC is its reaction to hot and cold temperature changes. It can become brittle under certain low temperatures and subject to wrinkling under certain high temperatures. Its resistance to tearing after being punctured is on the higher side, but its resistance to being stuck is lower.

 

It's Got Some Issues

Due to its fragile nature after shrinking, this type of film is not suited for packaging many things together. PVC is also known to develop carbon deposits on the sealer, implying that consistent operation necessitates adequate and regular maintenance. It has a preferred orientation (only shrinks in one direction) and has a low shrink force. It's a #3 recyclable material, which means it can't be recycled in most circumstances.

 

Where is it used?

PVC is used in various industries, including the building and construction industry, as well as the healthcare, electronics, and automobile industries. Pipe and siding, blood bags and tubing, wire and cable insulation, windshield system components, blister packs, clamshells, and other items, are all made using it. PVC shrink film is used for packaging CDs and DVDs, games and software boxes, and other non-edible things.

 

Polyolefin (POF)

Polyolefin shrink film is a premium alternative since it is exceptionally robust and adaptable. It has replaced PVC in various uses and is FDA-approved as a food-safe material. POF materials come in a variety of shapes and sizes. The cross-linked film is one choice for high-speed packing applications since its high tensile strength and exceptional clarity. The cross-linked film also avoids accumulation on your machinery's sealing components.

 

POF shrink film provides outstanding puncture resistance and seal strength, ideal for protecting irregularly shaped products along the supply chain. POF's increased power allows for the production of long rolls of film with thinner gauges. This reduces roll change-over time while also increasing efficiency and output. POF is available in various gauges, including 35-gauge (.35 mil) and the more typical 45, 60, 75, and 100 (1 mil) gauges.

 

Polyolefin film is a Go-to choice.

POF is a go-to option for protective packaging makers of all sizes because of its versatility and low cost when applied to a variety of equipment and packaging types. In some cases, perforations, or microscopic holes, must be added to POF film before using it. These perforations allow air to escape during the shrinking process, resulting in a smooth package with no air pockets and an even shrink surface. Many suppliers offer pre-perforated shrink film for this reason.

POF is built entirely of materials that are 100% recyclable. This shrink film is ideal for consumer products requiring a high presentation level due to its exceptional clarity and glossy shelf appearance. It's also helpful in combining various products, such as tissue boxes. POF is a long-lasting material that is less impacted by temperature variations. It possesses good tensile strength and tear propagation and the ability to shrink fast and thoroughly, resulting in a finished product as soon as it exits the shrink tunnel.

 

Where is it used?

Toys, games, candies, books, cuisines, most retail items, and any consumer product where the look is essential are all common uses for POF shrink film. We don't exaggerate when we claim it's adaptable. Additives can be mixed to provide you precisely with this packaging film, depending on your need for barrier layers or MVTR.

 

Polyethylene(PE)

Polyethylene is a type of polyolefin, which means it is a single monomer film created by adding ethylene to the polymerization process. PE is utilized in various flexible protective packages, such as shrink film and stretch film, and each performs differently.

Link to Zhongfu Packaging

 

High-Density Polyethylene, Low-Density Polyethylene, and Linear Low-Density Polyethylene are the three most common types of PE.

 

High-Density Polyethylene(HDPE)

HDPE (high-density polyethylene) or PEHD (polyethylene high-density) is a petroleum-based polyethylene thermoplastic. HDPE is used to make plastic bottles, corrosion-resistant pipelines, geomembranes, and plastic lumber because of its high strength-to-density ratio. HDPE is routinely recycled in both rigid and flexible forms (e.g., containers and bags), and it has a resin identification code of #2.

 

It is the most frequently used plastic, and it is used in a wide range of products, from hard helmets to milk bottles, due to its fantastic adaptability. Beverage bottles, personal care goods (such as shampoo), and home products are common uses. HDPE is used to make grocery store bread bags, thin plastic produce bags, and cereal box liners. It's also used for heavier-duty stretch wrapping, such as packing food on farms. It usually comes in a roll like other films, but it's more of a net that allows the objects it surrounds to breathe.

 

Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE)

LDPE is a low-density polyethylene similar to high-density polyethylene but has a lower density (as the name suggests). This indicates that it has a lower mass-to-volume ratio. Impact, moisture, and chemical resistance are all high points for LDPE. LDPE is commonly used in heat-sealing applications, the fabrication of some flexible lids and bottles, and wire and cable applications. Rigid LDPE items (e.g., bottles, containers, lids, caps, etc.) are frequently collected in curbside recycling programs.

 

Linear Low-Density Polyethylene(LLDPE)

This is one of the most widely used films in the packaging sector. LLDPE is the most flexible of all the polyethylene films. LLDPE is a blended version of Low-Density Polyethylene with higher strength and conformability than standard Low-Density Polyethylene, making it ideal for stretching. It doesn't shrink as much as other films, but it's perfect for stretch-wrapping pallets and transporting bulky items. Because it looks so similar on the roll, this film is frequently mistaken for shrink films like basic polyolefin. It does, however, operate substantially differently in terms of packaging protection. Pallet wrapping, snacks, frozen meals, and carrier bags are frequent uses for LLDPE and LDPE films.

 

Low-Density Polyethylene has several advantages over other types of shrink film packaging, including increased strength and durability for heavier, larger goods (e.g., beverage multipacks). It is possible to add clear graphics while retaining the image and the appropriate power. These films can also be printed.

 

PE has the disadvantages of a reduced shrink rate (typically about 20%) and much lesser clarity when shrinking. Unlike POF and PVC, which are limited in gauge thickness (typically approximately 100 gauge), PE can be gauged up to gauge. Shrinkwrapping a boat for storage is one application for these thicknesses in the marine industry.

 

Conclusion

Bringing your product to your customer should be a pleasurable experience. How do your items compare to similar products on the market, from how they seem to the way they feel to how long they last? Shrink Wrapping is a simple technique that requires only two things: the correct shrink film and heat. With simply a roll of shrink film and a heat source, you can waterproof, weatherproof, and tamper-proof anything, regardless of its size. You'll also be able to give your customers a boost of confidence and stand out with the protective shine of shrink wrap when used correctly!

Shrink Wrap Film 101: How to Choose the Right Type of ...

When it comes to shrink wrap film, there are a wide variety of options available on the market. Not only do you need to decide what type of film is best for your product, but you also need make sure it's the right type of packaging for your application. In this blog post, we will discuss the different types of shrink wrap film and how to choose the right one for your application.

What is shrink film?

Shrink wrap film is a polyethylene plastic film that is used to protect and wrap products. It is heated and then tightly wrapped around the product, causing it to shrink in size. This creates a watertight and tamper-proof seal. There are three main types of products that are most commonly found in the shrink film market.

General Shrink Applications

Polyolefin shrink film is a type of shrink wrap film that is made from polyethylene. It is the most common type of shrink film and more affordable option than PVC shrink wrap. Polyolefin films have a wide range of shrink solutions because of it's well balanced shrink characteristics. This type of shrink film can be used for stationary, food, electronics and many other applications. It is also non-toxic and recyclable.

Candle and Soap Applications

PVC shrink film is a type of shrink wrap film that is made from polyvinyl chloride. PVC shrink film is available in both clear and opaque varieties. It used to be the most common style of shrink film but has since changed because of its shrink properties and characteristics, it requires very special handling and storage. PVC shrink film is most commonly used in candle and soap applications.

Bundling Applications

Polyethylene shrink film is also known as bundling film. This film lacks ideal optical characteristics which results in very limited shrink potential. Bundling shrink film is a type of shrink wrap film that is used to secure multiple items together. It is most commonly used in the packaging industry to keep products together during shipping.

Types of Specialty Films

Glossy

When it comes to shrink wrap film, glossy is often the preferred type for packaging products. There are several benefits of using glossy film, including:

  • A high gloss finish that makes products look more appealing
  • Improved clarity and vibrancy of colors
  • Enhanced printing quality
  • Greater protection from UV radiation

These benefits make glossy shrink wrap ideal for packaging products that need to look their best, such as food items, cosmetics, and high-end retail products. If you're not sure whether glossy or opaque would be better for your product, our team of experts can help you make the right decision.

Opaque

Opaque shrink wrap is beneficial for a few reasons. First, it provides extra security and tamper evidence for products. If a customer tries to remove the shrink wrap, they will be easily able to tell that it has been tampered with. Additionally, opaque shrink wrap can help protect products from UV light damage. It is a great option for products that are sensitive to light or need to be stored in a dark environment. Finally, opaque shrink wrap can also help control temperature inside of a package. This is beneficial for products that are temperature sensitive or need to be kept cold during shipping.

Metallized

Metallized shrink wrap is a type of film that has a metallic coating. The metallic coating reflects heat and light, which helps to keep the product inside the packaging cool by preventing the product from being exposed to light. This type of film is beneficial for applications where the product needs to be protected from heat or light.

Colored

There are a number of reasons why colored shrink wrap can be beneficial for your packaging application. Some of the benefits include:

  1. Colored shrink wrap can add a visual pop to your product and make it more eye-catching. This can help your product stand out on store shelves and increase sales.
  2. Colored shrink wrap can also help you track and identify inventory. This can be especially helpful if you have a large inventory of products.
  3. Colored shrink wrap can also provide UV protection for your product. This is important for products that are sensitive to light or heat.

When choosing colored shrink wrap for your packaging application, it is important to consider the following factors:

  • The type of product you are packaging.
  • The environment in which the product will be stored or used.
  • The type of equipment you have for packaging.

If you have any questions about choosing the right type of shrink packaging film for your application, please contact a packaging expert.

Thanks for reading!

Choosing the right type of shrink wrap film for your product and application can be difficult. That's why it&#;s important to know about all of the different types that are available, their benefits, and what they should be used for. In this article we reviewed what shrink film is and the most popular types of shrink film available. Keep in mind, you will also need to consider your shrink film size, thickness of shrink film, and length of the roll of film. If you're still unsure which shrink wrap film is right for you, reach out and speak with a shrink film specialist today.