shrink films - the different types
PVC shrink film centre folded film, Economical film for many applications with various shrink ratios
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 have different capabilities and characteristics that make them suitable for specific applications.
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!
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 rollstock, 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 light-weight 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,
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
- If you utilize a PVC wrap, its important to ensure the highest possible standards for use and disposal are used across your supply chain
- Applications for PVC Shrink wrap include: packaging of CD's/DVD's, boxes for gaming & software, and other non-edible items
- Not good for bundling multiple items together due to its more brittle nature after shrinking
- Releases harmful odors during sealing and heating, caution and proper ventilation are a must
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. Cross-linked wrap also prevents buildup on sealing components of your packaging machinery.
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 prevents build-up on sealing components
- Polyolefin is more expensive, but more durable- not as effected by temperature changes
- FDA approved for food contact
- Excellent tensile-strength and propagation-to-tear
- Pre-perforated POF is available and allows for even shrink surface, no air pockets
- the 4 types we stock are below
DARNEL P3LS
Excellent clarity and high speed * performance 100% Exceptional tensile strength and tear resistance
Very strong static seals
Available in 12.5 - 25 micron
DARNEL P5HS
A 5 layer, multi-purpose film with a high yield
Gives excellent results on manual and automatic high speed machines High shrinkage performance, good optics and excellent hot slip properties
Available in 9 - 25 micron
DARNEL P10
Excellent clarity and high speed performance Exceptional tensile strength and tear resistance
Very strong static seals
Available in 18 - 38 micron
DARNEL P5AF
Excellent clarity and high speed performance Exceptional tensile strength and tear resistance
Very strong static seals
- Available in 13 - 19 micron
DARNEL SAO / SMS for fruit meat and vegetables
Suitable for fresh and raw goods, meats, fruit, vegetables and bakery produce
Keeps food fresh and prevents flavour and odour transfer from food
Conforms to any product shape
Available with or without perforations
Standard or double-layer
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 help you know whats best for your product
Sometimes paying a little extra for better customer service is worth a few extra euro. 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 knowlede needed to make the best choice in regards to your wrap and the supplier you buy from.
call me at 016200077 or email [email protected] if you need any more information for shrink and machinery you require