Three Types of Shrink Films You Should Know About
You can never be too careful nowadays when it comes to packaging. This is why materials need to be well packaged no matter their destination and use. To this effect, there are various packaging materials out there in the marketing designed to protect against contamination and are used for both shipping and retail. The three main films that exist in shrink packaging material are polyvinyl chloride (PVC) used in PVC shrink tubing, polyethylene (PE), and polyolefin (POF). Each of these has different applications according to their capabilities and characteristics. They have multilayer films with varying additives offering different barrier properties influencing shelf life and appearance. Below is a breakdown of each of the three films.
1. The PVC Shrink Film
This has been the most common PVC packaging material, in use the world over for a long time. It is quite useful while in a rigid state coming in handy during construction projects and holding home and kitchen products. Its usefulness extends t the shrink bags useful in packing products like soaps, CDs, paper products, toys and a lot other retail marketing products. Due to the health threats it may cause, it is recommended for use in well-ventilated rooms.
2. The POF Shrink Film
The POF shrink film is as popular as the PVC shrink film and is also one of the most preferred packaging materials. It is extremely durable and versatile, coming in handy in sorting out varying societal and industry needs. The POF shrink film’s unmatched puncture resistant capability and seal strength coupled with its relatively low cost has earned it a clean bill of health from many manufacturers. It has also been certified as an FDA approved food safe material.
3. The PE Shrink Film
PE is a type of packaging material used in numerous forms of flexible protective packaging which include shrink film and shrink stretch. PE can be made into several forms but the main ones are low density polyethylene (LDPE), linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), and high-density polyethylene (HDPE). The three forms are used for different applications in the industry however, LDPE is the most ideal for shrink packaging.
LDPE provide strength and durability and are handy in industries such as the beverage industry. This film can also be used for messaging and also as promotional material since it is printable. It is thus perfect for companies who want to add messaging to their packaging material.
How Shrink Film and Stretch Film Differ
They may look similar to the eye but they function quite differently in the industry. PVC used in a shrink film application is placed on an item or a few items loosely only to shrink and tighten around them when heat is applied. When PE is applied for stretch film application, it is formulated differently on the items to be packaged in order to stretch around them, forming a tight layer of protection.
It is important to note these three types of film in order to make good decisions with regard to your proper packaging. Knowledge of PVC shrink tubing can save you money in the long run.
