Shrink film is considered as one of the most popularly used and multi-functional packaging materials in various sectors. Whether you’re an entrepreneur aiming for efficient packaging solutions, or a consumer that wants to know more about product wrapping, you can simply go through this detailed guide and you get all the required information about shrink film—what it is, the available types, the main benefits, and typical applications. We also aim to help you by answering some commonly raised questions to dissipate your doubts.
What Is a Shrink Film?
Finished goods are packaged using shrink wrap, a flexible polymer material also known as shrink film or shrink wrap. A conveyor heat tunnel or an electric or gas heat gun can be used to apply heat to the film, which causes it to contract tightly around the object it contains. This procedure creates a transparent, long-lasting protective layer around the goods.
So, how does this occur exactly? Molecular behavior is a useful way to describe the science behind shrink wrap. A shrink film sheet or tube has randomly entangled molecules, which means that they are coiled and twisted without any specific alignment. The structureless parts of the chains are aligned with the direction of orientation and straightened when the film is heated. Or, to put it another way, the molecules eventually reorient from their original random pattern to suit the mold of their contents. The molecular properties of the film are fixed when it is suitably chilled, thus it stays stretched until enough heat energy is provided to cause the molecule chains to return to their initial shape.
Characteristics Of Shrink Film For Product Packaging
Below are 7 characteristics that detail some functions of shrink film. These are important to consider when using it for your product packaging.
1. Shrink Force (AKA Shrink Energy)
The force that the shrink film will apply to your product is indicated by this, which is commonly expressed in PSI. Knowing your shrink force is crucial when packing a multi-pack that needs to be securely contained without causing damage. This is especially true when modifying your shrink machinery. If you’re packing wood and the shrink force is high, this won’t matter.
That being said, this might be important if you are packing lightweight chipboard boxes or a small stack of paper. Polyolefin films are known for having a high shrink force. PVC (polyvinyl chloride) films don’t shrink very much. There is less shrink force with new polyolefin compositions.
2. Shrink Orientation
High shrink PET film are either biaxially or preferentially orientated. Biaxially oriented films shrink equally in both directions (machine direction and cross direction). *
Preferentially oriented film shrinks differently in both directions. The advantages of preferentially orientated film include using less film and avoiding product deformation.
3. Shrink Percentages
You can change the shrink percentage by using preferentially oriented film. You can also lower the shrink percentage by using bi-axially oriented film, such as 40/40, 30/30, or 20/20.
Free Shrink is another trait that is linked. This is an important tip, but it’s not about how to get free shrink wrap. I understand, I understand… What is free shrink? It’s how much a film can shrink before it touches your goods. When there is a lot of free shrink, you can make packages that are hard to shape and size look better.
4. Resistance to Puncture / Tear
This is a measure of the film’s tensile strength, which includes both its initial breakage strength and its subsequent tearing strength.
The tearing resistance of a film is often lower than its puncture resistance, and vice versa. Choose the more vital feature if you must make this compromise; for instance, in the case of a window box, puncture resistance is paramount. Find a shrink film that keeps your product safe while also allowing customers easy access to it. To avoid any film weakening before usage, keep your shrink wrap in a cool place (but not too cold).
5. MVTR (Moisture Vapor Transmission Rate)
This feature indicates the amount of moisture that will or won’t pass through the film.
You should focus on this feature for a longer shelf life if less moisture transfer into or out of your product is crucial. Modified environment packaging is something you should think about for this and to lessen or get rid of fog.
6. Anti Fog
To prevent moisture buildup on the film, anti-fog films are applied to both fresh and frozen food.
The product’s visibility through the film may be impacted by the fog created by the moisture. (You can guarantee that if I’m making a purchase, I’ll choose the package containing the product I can see over the one that is obscured.
7. Odor Barrier
The purpose of odor barrier films is to stop offensive smells from entering or leaving your package. Don’t let your customers down with a bad odor after they’ve bought your stuff. It’s enough.
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Types of Shrink Film
Knowing the variety of shrink film types plays a huge part in the decisions of the proper one to use for certain packing purposes. Ever wondered what the most common are? Here they are:
1. Polyolefin (POF) Shrink Film
- Properties: Clear, strong, puncture-resistant, FDA-approved for food contact.
- Uses: Ideal for retail products, food packaging, cosmetics, and books.
- Benefits: It does not emit harmful fumes when heated and maintains flexibility in low temperatures.
2. Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Shrink Film
- Properties: Glossy finish, high clarity, cost-effective.
- Uses: Used for software boxes, CDs, and other non-food items.
- Dawbacks: Releases harmful fumes when heated and becomes brittle in colder environments.
3. Polyethylene (PE) Shrink Film
- Properties: Tough and stretchable, suitable for bundling heavier items.
- Uses: Used for multipack items like bottled water packs, canned goods, and pallet loads.
- Types: Comes in various densities—LDPE (Low Density), MDPE (Medium Density), and HDPE (High Density).
Benefits of Using Shrink Film
Shrink film has a long list of pros that make it a preferable choice for businesses. Chief among these advantages are the following:
1. Protection
It is a protective shield against any potential hazard that can be caused by the dirty, humid, or contaminated environment.
2. Product Visibility
The transparent film does not prevent consumers from seeing the product. The packaging is still performing its role as a cover for the product, which is a great way of promoting that brand and trust to the consumer.
3. Cost-Effective
The film is so light and occupies less space that consequently, the shipment consumed power would be less which therefore reduces cost.
4. Versatile Application
The shrink film could go from the smallest item to complete pallets, it is very adaptable depending on the product’s size.
5. Tamper Evident
The shrink wrap performs the function of a tamper-evident seal that not only among other things eliminates the possibility of the product being open but also illustrates in a realistic manner that the packaging of the product has not been interfered with, thus instilling in the buyer some level of confidence that the product is in an original form.
6. Eco-Friendly Options
Shrink films of today that are made of polyolefin can be recycled, and they are also derived from biodegradable materials, thus creating a perfect environment for the companies that are Eco- friendly PET shrink film sleeve label by using this kind of materials.
How to Apply Shrink Film
The application of shrink film is normally done through the following stages:
- Insert the product into the shrink film sleeve or bag.
- Seal the edges using an impulse or heat sealer.
- Apply heat using a heat gun or shrink tunnel. The film contracts and conforms tightly to the shape of the item.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Is shrink film recyclable?
Many POF and PE shrink films are recyclable, but follow local rules.
- Is shrink film waterproof?
Shrink film only resists small amounts of moisture or humidity.
- What equipment is needed to use shrink film?
For small jobs use sealers and heat guns; use tunnels or systems for big orders.
- Can I print on shrink film?
Many businesses print on shrink film. This is especially true for the retail packs.
