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:
- 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.
- Colored shrink wrap can also help you track and identify inventory. This can be especially helpful if you have a large inventory of products.
- 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.
