Shrink wrap/shrink film and stretch film/stretch wrap, are two very different packaging methods. While both are polymer-based, there are significant differences between the two. Simply put, shrink wrap does not stretch and stretch film does not shrink.
Shrink Wrap
Shrinkwrap, also known as Shrink Film is a packaging material made of polymer-based plastic. When this wrap is applied to heat, it shrinks uniformly to fit around the product. It provides incredible protection and keeps your products safe. Shrink wrap is most commonly used with retail products like frozen foods, beverages, books, DVDs, bulk items, and other merchandise. This is because the packaging allows for products to be easily displayed on shelves or printed shrink wrap can be used for additional branding to catch a consumer’s eye. What an excellent and inventive way to display your items!
Stretch Film
Stretch Film, also known as Stretch Wrap is a packaging material made of polymer-based plastic film that is extremely stretchy. Stretch film is very thin and stretchable, which helps it to bind items very tightly when tension is applied, allowing it to stretch up to 300%. It is most commonly used to wrap and secure pallets of products. You can trust that your products remain completely protected during shipping and transport.
Benefits of Shrink Wrap:
- Protective: Shrinkwrap protects products from weather, moisture, and dust. Also protects products during transportation and in storage from surface damage.
- Breathability: It provides proper ventilation, which reduces the moisture damage that can occur during transport and storage.
- Tamper Visible: It is noticeable if a product has been tampered with.
- Branding: With the option of printed Shrinkwrap you can include business branding.
- Prolonged Shelf life: Shrinkwrap can help preserve and protect the freshness of certain products.
Shrink Wrap Machines & Equipment
In order for Shrinkwrap to be heated to the proper temperature, they require shrinkwrap machines, like L-Sealers, Automatic Side Heaters, Shrink Tunnels, Shrink Bundling Machines. OPC Direct offers these automated machines to ensure you can efficiently and effectively use the product.
- L-Sealers: Uses a heated arm as products pass underneath, useful for low-volume packaging operations.
- Automatic Side Heaters: Uses a mechanical arm to trim and seal products, useful for higher-volume packaging operations.
- Shrink Tunnels: Creates a temperature-controlled chamber to shrink film already applied.
- Shrink Bundling Machine: Uses a horizontal arm to wrap bundles of products.
Benefits of Stretch Film:
- Protective: Stretch Wrap offers product securing while also protecting from elements like dirt, dust, and moisture.
- Safe Shipping: Due to its ability to tightly hold items on pallets, this reduces the amount products shift during transport.
- Cost-Effective: Stretch Wrap and its equipment are less expensive than other pallet wrapping options.
- Versatile: Stretch Wrap’s characteristics allow for it to fit nearly any shape or surface.
- Sustainable: Many types of stretch film is recyclable.
Stretch Film Machines & Equipment
Hand Stretch Film: Applied manually, stretched around pallets using a stretch wrap dispenser.
Machine Stretch Film: Used with automatic stretch wrap machines or semi-automatic machines. Reduce packaging waste and increase efficiency.
- Turntable Stretch Wrappers: Motorized rotating platform, useful for low to medium-sized packaging operations.
- Rotary Arm Stretch Wrappers: Rotate around a load, useful for very heavy or light loads.
- Orbital Horizontal Ring Stretch Wrappers: Feed load through a rotating ring of film, useful for long and wide loads.
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