Shrink film is a material made up of plastic that is used to cover and protect products. It is often used in the packaging of food, beverages, pharmaceuticals, and other consumer goods. When heat is applied to shrink film, it shrinks and conforms to the shape of the product that it is covering. This creates a tight seal that can help prevent tampering or damage to the product. Adding custom print to shrink films can be an additional tool to brand and display your products. Shrink film comes in a variety of colors, thicknesses, and sizes to meet the needs of different applications.
What is Shrink Wrap Film and Why is it Used?
Shrink wrap film is a plastic packaging technique typically used to secure, bundle, and protect products. Shrink film is often used in combination with shrink packaging, whereby a product is placed inside the film before being subjected to heat or steam. When heated or steamed with a heat gun or heat tunnel, the shrink film conforms tightly to the product creating a neat and sealed package. Shrink wrap packaging can effectively secure many shapes and sizes of items for shipment, storage, display, or retail products. It's relatively easy to use and provides an inexpensive yet effective way to package items securely without the need for complicated machinery or equipment. Shrink film packaging provides superior protection from weathering and abrasion and is tamper evident.
Types of Shrink Wrap Films
Shrink wrap films come in a variety of materials and thicknesses, which makes them suitable for a range of applications. PVC is the most common type of shrink wrap film, providing high clarity and glossy finishes to whatever is being wrapped. PVC can also withstand moderate levels of heat, making it an ideal choice for products that require heat sealing as well. Polyolefin shrink wrap films are excellent for sustainability, as they are PVC-free and contain additives to make them safe for food contact. They have great puncture resistance and provide excellent clarity; however, they have limited tensile strength and must be heated to higher temperatures than PVC shrink wrap films. Another shrink wrapping option is Polyethylene shrink wraps. Polyethylene shrink wraps are the most economical option while still providing strong seals that stretch well and protect against environmental elements, making it the best option for shrink bundling. Overall, the different types of shrink wrap films offer a range of benefits depending on each individual's needs.
Benefits of Using Shrink Film
Shrink wrapping can offer several advantages for end users, retailers, and consumers. End users benefit from shrink wrapping as it serves to protect products from dust and other environmental damage which could affect their performance. For retailers, shrink wrapping ensures that products are presented in a neat and organized manner, providing a clean promotional aesthetic with increased brand recognition. Lastly, consumers benefit by being able to easily distinguish high-quality products thanks to the protective packaging material, which provides an additional layer of reassurance during the purchase process. Shrink wrapping offers convenience and reliability across the supply chain which makes it an essential choice for many businesses.
Overall, shrink film is a versatile and cost-efficient packaging solution that can provide superior protection for products of all shapes and sizes. Whether it's used to bundle items or protect against tampering and weathering, shrink wrap creates an effective seal that provides peace of mind across the supply chain. With its wide range of materials and thicknesses, as well as its sustainable characteristics, shrink film is an ideal packaging option for any business.
If you would like to learn more about shrink film, contact one of our shrink film experts today!
