Advantages to using shrink film.
- Increased margins by reducing or cutting out the use of paper packaging products
- Merchandise is held together securely
- No tape, adhesives, staples or fasteners required
- Greater "Eye Appeal"
- Products of any shape can be tightly packaged
- Multi-packs are easily unitized
- Packages are protected from dust and moisture
- Packages are pilfer evident
- Storage, display and handling are made easier
- Products protected from deterioration
- New packaging concepts are easy to design
Differences be the types of films.
Polyolefin
This film is the most versatile film available and has good clarity. It is generally associated with medium or higher speed applications where "eye-appeal" AND form are important. It has good tear resistance and is considered very "forgiving" to error. Examples vary from the print and paper trade to retail single and multi-packs, toys and food.Polyethylene
It has the least clarity. This film is generally associated with high speed applications where you are not concerned with "eye-appeal". It tends to be "hazy" or "cloudy". It frequently comes in heavier gauge associated with heavier packages. It has very high tensile strength & high TEAR resistance. It is much less expensive per lb. than the other 3 films. Examples of PE shrink usage: cases of soup or soda, bundles of magazines.
Polypropylene
This film has the HIGHEST clarity. It is generally associated with SUPER HIGH speed applications of light weight packages or individually wrapped products. Typically it is low gauged with VERY little tear resistance. Typical applications are for "form, fill and seal" equipment. Examples: audiocassettes or cigarettes.