Jan. 13, 2025
Apparel
Buying shrink film for the first time can be a confusing experience, especially if you're unfamiliar with the different types and their specific applications. Whether you are looking to package products, seal items for protection, or enhance product presentation, its essential to choose the right shrink film for your needs. To help guide you through the process, here are some critical questions to ask when purchasing shrink film for the first time.
The first step in buying shrink film is understanding the different types available. Shrink film comes in various formulations and types, each suited to specific uses:
Polyolefin (POF): This is the most common and versatile shrink film, known for its clarity, strength, and flexibility. Its ideal for retail packaging, food packaging, and shrink-wrapping products.
Polyethylene (PE): Known for its thickness and durability, PE shrink film is typically used for heavier products, such as large bundles or heavy equipment, where more strength is required.
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride): PVC shrink film is often used for shrink wrapping products like CDs, DVDs, and electronics. It is rigid and less flexible than POF or PE but provides an excellent finish.
Consider your product size, weight, and type when deciding which shrink film to purchase. For example, if you need flexibility and a clear finish for retail-ready products, polyolefin shrink film is likely the best option.
Shrink Film
The thickness and size of the shrink film are critical factors in determining how well it will perform. Shrink film comes in various gauges (thicknesses), and the choice depends on the size and weight of the item being wrapped:
Thin Film (50-75 gauge): Ideal for small to medium-sized products, especially those that do not require heavy protection.
Medium Film (75-100 gauge): Suitable for larger items or those that require a balance between protection and flexibility.
Thick Film (100+ gauge): Typically used for heavy-duty packaging, such as bundling heavy items or sealing bulk products.
Additionally, shrink film comes in different widths. Be sure to select a size that fits the dimensions of your products to avoid unnecessary waste and to ensure a snug, professional-looking wrap.
The shrink ratio refers to how much the film shrinks when heat is applied. A typical shrink film will shrink in both directions (width and length), and the ratio can range from 30% to 75%, depending on the type of film. Understanding the shrink ratio is vital for getting a tight, secure fit around your products.
High Shrink Ratio (60-75%): Best for tightly wrapping small, irregularly shaped items. This ensures a snug fit and helps prevent product movement during shipping and handling.
Medium Shrink Ratio (30-50%): Suitable for larger products or items that need less compression.
If you're wrapping multiple products together, a higher shrink ratio may be beneficial as it ensures the film tightly seals and secures them.
The intended application of the shrink film should be a primary consideration in your decision. Some films are better suited for machine applications, while others are designed for manual use:
Machine Shrink Film: This type of shrink film is designed for automatic or semi-automatic shrink-wrapping machines. Its ideal for businesses that require high-volume packaging.
Hand Stretch Shrink Film: This is a thinner and more flexible option designed for manual wrapping. It's often used for small operations or for wrapping a few products at a time.
Consider how the film will be applied, the machinery you have available, and your production volume when deciding on the type of film.
The seal strength of shrink film refers to how well the edges of the film seal together once heat is applied. A weak seal can lead to the film splitting or coming apart, compromising the integrity of the package. Make sure to ask the supplier about the seal strength, particularly if you plan to wrap heavy or sharp-edged products. Films with a higher seal strength are ideal for products that need extra durability during shipping and storage.
If youre using shrink film for packaging food products, it's essential to ensure that the film is food-safe. Look for films that are specifically labeled as non-toxic and FDA-approved for food contact. Films that are food-safe are free from harmful chemicals and will not contaminate the contents they protect.
Additionally, make sure that the film is breathable if you're wrapping perishable items. Some shrink films are designed to allow for air circulation, which is crucial for maintaining the freshness of food items.
It's important to consider how the shrink film will perform under varying conditions, such as temperature, humidity, and exposure to UV light. If your products will be exposed to extreme conditions during shipping or storage, choose a shrink film that offers the necessary protection:
Temperature Resistance: Some shrink films are better suited to withstand extreme temperatures, both hot and cold, without losing their integrity.
UV Protection: UV-resistant shrink films are ideal for products that will be exposed to sunlight, preventing the film from degrading or discoloring.
Moisture Resistance: If your products are sensitive to moisture, select shrink film that provides a high level of water resistance to protect your goods.
By understanding the environmental conditions your products will face, you can choose a shrink film that will offer the best protection.
Cost is a crucial factor when buying shrink film. Prices can vary significantly depending on the type, thickness, and quantity of film. When shopping for shrink film, consider the following:
Bulk Purchasing: If you plan on using a large quantity of shrink film, purchasing in bulk may help you save money in the long run. Many suppliers offer discounts for larger orders.
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Supplier Reputation: Look for reliable and experienced suppliers who can provide high-quality shrink film. Check reviews and ask for recommendations to ensure you're buying from a trusted source.
Shipping and Handling: Dont forget to factor in shipping costs, especially if you're ordering large quantities of shrink film. Be sure to compare total costs from different suppliers.
Getting the best deal involves not just finding the lowest price, but ensuring you are purchasing high-quality film that meets your needs.
Q1: Can I use shrink film without a shrink tunnel or heat gun?
A1: While its possible to use a heat gun or oven for small batches, using a shrink tunnel or automatic machine is recommended for faster, more consistent results, especially for larger volumes.
Q2: Can I print on shrink film?
A2: Yes, many shrink films are printable. If branding or customization is important for your products, check with the supplier to ensure the film is compatible with your printing methods.
Q3: Whats the best shrink film for retail packaging?
A3: Polyolefin (POF) is typically the best choice for retail packaging, as it offers a clear, professional finish and is versatile enough for a variety of products.
Q4: Can I use shrink film for wrapping fragile items?
A4: Yes, shrink film can be used to wrap fragile items. It provides a tight fit and can help protect items from dust, dirt, and minor impacts during transportation.
Did you enjoy this video? Follow Rocket Industrial on LinkedIn for more helpful packaging and automation content. If you'd like to chat more with Wes on this topic, connect with him on LinkedIn.
Want to learn more about our Zenith stretch wrap line? You can learn more about our exclusive stretch film line in our Zenith launch announcement and purchase both machine and hand wrap right on our website.
While many companies focus solely on the price of a roll of stretch film, thats only part of the equation. True savings come from understanding the cost per load, which takes into account at a minimum:
By factoring in these variables, you can calculate the actual cost of securing each load, uncovering potential savings hidden behind lower roll prices.
Heres a more detailed, but simple explanation of how to calculate true stretch film cost:
Find Roll Weight:
Multiply Width x Length x 12 x Mil Thickness and divide by 30,000 to get the roll weight in pounds.
Example: 20" x ' x 12 x 0.8 / 30,000 = 32 lbs
Find Cost Per Pound:
Divide the roll cost by the roll weight.
Example: $41.80 / 32 lbs = $1.31 per lb
Find Cost Per Load:
Weigh the stretch film used on one pallet, convert it to pounds, and multiply by the cost per pound.
Example: 0.5 lbs x $1.31 = $0.655 per pallet
Why It Matters:
Cheaper stretch films may seem like a good deal, but they often require more film per pallet. A higher-performance film, while costing more per pound, could save money by using less material.
Additional Example Comparison:
By calculating the cost per load, you can choose the best film for both performance and savings.
According to Wes, "We've seen as much as 35% in cost savings just by optimizing stretch film usage." One recent success comes from a stretch film analysis for a paper manufacturer, where we helped the company reduce film usage while improving load containment. Switching from a standard film to a high-performance film resulted in material savings of over $25,000 per year. You can read the full details in our case study here.
1. Bulk Purchasing - Purchase stretch film in bulk for volume discounts. Work closely with suppliers to explore cost-saving options
2. Optimize Film Usage - Choose the correct film gauge based on load weight and shipping conditions. Use pre-stretched film to reduce material usage while maintaining load stability.
3. Improve Wrapping Processes - Ensure your stretch wrapper is correctly calibrated, including settings like tension, pre-stretch, and wrap pattern. Proper settings can reduce film waste and improve load stability.
4. Equipment Preventative Maintenance - Regular maintenance of stretch wrappers prevents breakdowns and ensures consistent wrapping performance.
5. Routine Audits & Training - Conduct periodic packaging audits to identify areas for film reduction. Train operators on best practices for load wrapping and equipment use.
Not sure where to start? Our packaging engineers can test your stretch film in our in-house packaging lab or at your facility during a site visit to determine the most efficient film type and application settings for your operation. Well help you reduce costs while ensuring that your products remain secure during transit. Contact us today to Package With Less and see how much you can save.
For more information, please visit Heat Sealable Film.
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