Choosing the best packaging material is essential to ensure that your products are secure during storage or transit. Many people find it difficult to differentiate between a stretch wrap and a shrink wrap. After all, both are water-resistant and tear-resistant and made of polythene. They are used to pack up a bundle of items. If you find yourself confused, this informative blog will help you resolve all your doubts, so that you can choose the right packaging product.
The fundamental difference between the two lies in the wrapping process and the purpose. Dive deep for further information.
A stretch wrap is a thin, highly stretchable plastic film made from polyethylene that is used to package goods on a pallet. When a stretch wrapping machine is used to wrap the products on a pallet, the film is stretched up to 300 % of its length. It helps in tightly gripping the products that keep them secure on a pallet or bundle.
It is made from linear, low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), which gives it flexibility and strength. A stretch film stabilizes larger loads and safeguards products against damage and environmental factors. This film or wrap is ideal for wrapping boxes, bottles, furniture, or any stackable goods. The more you stretch it, the tighter the grip, which helps reduce product damage during transit.
Stretch wraps have various types, and each is designed to fulfill a specific packaging role. Here are the most common ones:
This is manually applied. It is best suited for smaller operations or packaging fewer loads. It allows more control during wrapping but is slower for large-scale use.
Machine stretch wrap is developed to fit automatic or semi-automatic stretch wrap machines. It is ideal for high-volume packing. It makes the tension constant and saves the film and time of packaging.
Another plastic film is the shrink wrap, but it functions differently. It does not stretch, but contracts closely around the product in the presence of heat. The heat activates the polymer structure of the film, making it shrink and create a tight seal.
This wrap is standard in wrapping a single product, such as food containers, DVDs, bottles, or electronic appliances. It gives a clean and tamper-evident look and keeps the products clean and dry.
Shrink wrap is made up of materials like polyolefin, PVC, or polyethylene. The different varieties of materials have their advantages based on the shape, size, and level of clarity needed in the product.
There are multiple types of shrink wraps, dependent on their usage and the items they are wrapping. Herein, we will consider the most popular ones.
The most common shrink wrap is PVC shrink film. It is not bulky and is economical. It comes with good shrinkage and visibility. However, it releases odors when heated, and thus is better for wrapping non-food products.
A more useful and safer option is polyolefin shrink film. It has great clarity, strength, and flexibility. The FDA has approved its safety for food contact, hence it is widely used in the food and retail sectors.
This heavy-duty film is used for bundling larger or heavier items, such as beverage packs or industrial goods. It’s thicker, durable, and offers superior puncture resistance.
Despite looking the same, both have very different applications and performance. Let’s go through the key differences that distinguish them.
Stretch wrap is used by wrapping the product with the tension of the film. No heat is needed. Shrink wrap, however, requires using a heat gun or shrink tunnel to hold and secure products firmly.
Stretch wrap is primarily applied in the process of locking loads to pallets when shipping or storing. Shrink wrap is used to package a single product or a small set of products so as to have a complete retail look.
Stretch wrap is generally composed of LLDPE that renders it elasticity and stickiness. Shrink wrap, on the other hand, is made of such materials as polyolefin, PVC, or polyethylene, which shrink due to heat.
Stretch wrap provides strong load stability and protection against dust, dirt, and moisture. Shrink wrap offers better tamper evidence and a sealed appearance, ideal for consumer packaging.
Stretch wrap is typically clear, but may be a little hazy depending on the type. Shrink wrap gives the product a clear, tight, and glossy appearance, which makes the product look good.
Stretch wrap can be applied manually or with a wrapping machine, depending on the scale. Shrink wrap always needs a heat source to seal properly.
Stretch wrap is likely to be cheaper when used in bulk packaging and transportation. Shrink wrap is a bit costly because it requires a heat application process, although it is better at displaying products.
The choice of stretch wrap or shrink wrap is up to you, depending on what you want to do with packaging. When you require pallets to be shipped or when you want to keep a lot of goods safe, then stretch wrap is the solution. It is flexible, strong, and cost-effective. However, when it comes to wrapping an individual retail product that needs a professional and tamper-evident package, you should use shrink wrap.
Each of the two materials possesses distinct advantages and is applicable in various circumstances. The correct option guarantees greater security, display, and effectiveness when it comes to packaging.
Packaging plays a key role in ensuring your products remain safe and appealing. Whether you choose stretch wrap or shrink wrap, understanding their differences helps you make informed decisions. Both options provide excellent protection and functionality when used for the right purpose. If you’re still unsure which type suits your needs best, our packaging specialist at A. N. S Plastics Corp can help you find the perfect solution for your packaging requirements. We offer a large variety of plastic packaging products of high quality, and that is why your goods are safe, secure, and ready to be shipped at all times.