Winning Tactics for Shrink and Stretch Packaging

Shrink and Stretch Wrap Packaging

While it’s not uncommon to confuse stretch film and shrink film, they are two different materials made for completely different applications. Wrong application of the products could result in very serious complications so it critical we understand the differences.

Both types of material are widely used to securing and protecting goods during transport and storage. Here are some winning tactics for both types of packaging.

Stretch Film Packaging:

Film selection – Choose the most suitable film for your operation based of load weight, type of product, transport method to ensure optimal protection.

Tension control – Adjust the tension of your application with ergonomic hand dispensers to ensure load stability without breaking the film or damaging the product due to over tensioning.

Even coverage – ensure the film covers the goods evenly and consistently to avoid vulnerable area that can be susceptible to damage.

Shrink Film Packaging:

Film thickness – Select the appropriate film thickness based on the size and weight of the product as well as it’s handling requirements.

Heat distribution – Ensure even heat distribution during the shrinking process to prevent weaker areas and achieve a consistent professional appearance.

Temperature control – Adjust the heat tunnel temperature accordingly to suit the different film types being used.

Staff training – Educate machine operators in effective wrapping techniques and properties of the different grades of shrink film to ensure quality and appropriate application every time.

Sealing strength – Ensure a strong and secure seal to prevent the film from opening during handling and transport.

The Benefits of Shrink and Stretch Packaging (In The Supply Chain Industry)

Shrink Wrap Packaging Benefits

1. Product protection – Shrink wrap tightly confirm to the shape of the product to prevent against dirt moisture and external elements.
2. Tamper evident packaging – any tampering attempts are immediately visible giving consumers confidence in the product’s quality.
3. Improved shelf life – by protecting against external elements, shrink wrap extends the shelf life of perishable items like food.
4. Cost effective – generally more affordable than other packaging methods such as clamshells or boxes.
5. Branding opportunity – custom printed shrink wrap allows businesses to showcase their brand on wrapped products.

Stretch Film Packaging Benefits

1. Load stability – Securely wraps around the pallet and its content creating a tight and uniform hold.
2. Cost effective – Compared to other wrapping methods such as strapping or banding, stretch film is generally more cost effective and less time consuming to operate.
3. Versatility – Suitable to almost every product, including very heavy and irregularly shaped items and pallet loads. It is also available in a range of different thicknesses and length enabling it to be used across a very wide range of industries.
4. Transparency – Easy identification of the contents without unwrapping, whilst also being able to scan barcodes through the stretch film.
5. Protection – Creates a strong protective barrier around the goods shielding from dust, dirt and moisture allowing the products to arrive in perfect condition.

How Shrink and Stretch Packaging Impacts the Environment

Although plastic packaging is still one of the most used packaging materials in the world, it’s important to be aware of the impact it has on the environment.

When shrink wrap and stretch film are thrown away, they end up in landfills or the natural environment and can take hundreds of years to decompose leading to long lasting damage.

To mitigate these environmental impacts, consider using a plastic packaging that contains recycled content and is 100% recyclable. Alternatives that are biodegradable or compostable also go a long way in reducing the impact your plastic packaging has on the environment.

What Is the Difference Between Shrink Wrap and Stretch Wrap?

	Shrink Wrap	Stretch Film
Materials	Plastic film designed to fit tightly around an item	Plastic film designed to stretch and cling around items
Application	Applied loosely then heated to shrink to the shape of the product providing protection	Applied manually or with a machine to wrap products tightly together providing stability in transport
Uses	Often used for individual product packaging or creating multi-packs for example in the food industry	Often used for palletising goods and securing multiple items together for transportation
Packaging Process	Involves sealing the film around the product and then using heat to shrink the film for a tight and sealed wrap	Applied by unrolling the film and stretching around the goods for protection and stability

When to Use Shrink Wrap

Shrink wrap can be used for a variety of items and is often the easiest way to protect irregular shaped, large items from external factors. Shrink wrap is also often used around smaller individual items in the retail or food industry.

When to Use Stretch Wrap

Stretch wrap is more commonly used in industrial settings such as warehouses. Often used to secure goods to a pallet, stretch film is particularly good at protecting goods that are being transported and need to be held stable.

Shrink Wrap vs Stretch Wrap: Which One Should I Use for My Project?

When deciding between shrink wrap and stretch wrap there are several things you should consider:

• Product size and shape – shrink wrap is ideal for wrapping individual or irregularly shaped items, whereas stretch film is better suited for wrapping multiple items together.
• Packaging speed – shrink wrap generally requires more time and equipment to apply heat whereas stretch film is generally ready to use as it is.
• Product visibility – shrink wrap is usually easier to see through where stretch wrap is generally thicker or more layers making it more difficult to identify branding or products.
• Experience and equipment – asses your team’s expertise and the availability of equipment for both styles of wrapping.

Where to Buy Stretch and Shrink Wraps?

Grip Systems offers a large selection of stretch films to suit a range of different requirements. From transparent stretch wrap to opaque and quiet stretch films there’s something for everyone.

Most packaging distributors offer a range of shrink films and equipment and will help you establish the one best suited to your operation.

Select the Right Materials for Your Product! Grip Systems has the knowledge and experience to help you design the right packaging solution for your product.