Enclose the product with a clear roll of plastic, apply some heat and watch the plastic envelop the product completely regardless of its size and shape. Not only does this sheet cover the product and protect it from dust and water, but it also allows customers to see them clearly as well. The roll of plastic we’re talking about here is heat shrink wrap.
Shrinkwrapping is an easy process and can be done by individuals at home as well. All you have to do is cover a certain product with the shrink film and apply heat to it through a blow dryer or even a heat machine.
Several companies around the world use heat shrink wrap as a way to protect their products and enhance their appearance. heat shrink wraps are durable, flexible and can be easily printed over making them ideal for branding and differentiating from the competition. Shrink films are a versatile packaging material and this guide will take a deeper look into different kinds of shrink film and their advantages.
Different Types of Shrink Film
There are three main kinds of shrink film that are used to wrap products.
- Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
Polyvinyl chloride or PVC was once perhaps one of the most used packaging materials in the world. PVC is inexpensive, easy to use, and has multi-purpose capabilities making it great for different uses. The Healthcare industry, manufacturing industry, retail stores, individual brands, electronic companies, and several different companies use PVC for packing their products.
It does releases harmful odour while heating, however, and is banned by several countries and socially responsible companies.
- Polyolefin (POF)
Since PVC is harmful, safer alternatives like POF have taken their place. It is approved by FDA to be safe for packing food materials and are available in different characteristics depending on the packaging you need. It is extremely durable, has excellent seal strength and puncture resistance and is reasonably priced as well.
- Polyethylene (PE)
Polyethylene is a kind of polyolefin and has three common forms: Linear Low-Density Polyethylene (LLDPE), Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) and High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE)
LLDPE is used most commonly than other forms and is excellent for stretching purposes. LLDPE and LDPE films are generally found in frozen foods, snacks, carrier bags, and more.
Benefits of Heat Shrink Wrap
There are numerous benefits of using heat shrink wrap for business. Here are some of the most notable ones:
- It protects the contents of the packaging from water, weather, tamper, dust, or other hazards.
- Suitable for packing oddly shaped and sized products.
- Enhances the appearance of the product with see-through film and printable cover.
- POF and PE films are recyclable and good for environmental-focused companies.
- Reduces packaging costs as it replaces corrugated paper and other packaging materials.
- Can be used in large enterprises as well as smaller startups.
- Protects the contents during transit.
Also Read: Heat shrink wrapping of 32 meter column
Takeaway
heat shrink wrap is a beneficial packaging material for small and mid-sized companies. It is easy to use, can wrap around any product, doesn’t require heavy machinery to be used, and protects the product from environmental hazards as well. It is versatile, flexible, recyclable and checks most boxes a business needs with their packaging material.
