Shrink Film vs Stretch Film：Choose the ideal packaging solution

In the dynamic world of packaging, selecting the right materials can significantly impact product safety, cost-efficiency, and sustainability. Two widely used packaging solutions in various industries are stretch film and shrink film. Both serve the primary purpose of securing products during storage and transit, yet they differ in material properties and application. This article will discuss these factors when choosing between shrink film and stretch film for your packaging needs.

Properties

Stretch film is a highly elastic plastic material commonly made from linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE). It is used to wrap and secure products on pallets for transport or storage. The film is stretched around items and recovers its initial size to keep the load tightly bound. It's ideal for unitizing multiple items and offers protection against dust, moisture, and tampering.

Shrink film is made from various polymers, i.e. PP and PE, and is designed to shrink tightly around an item to protect when heat is applied. This property makes it suitable for packaging individual items or smaller groups of products, providing a clear, tamper-evident seal. It's commonly used in a great variety of industries. Especially for POF heat shrink film, it is approved by FDA to be contacted with food directly and is widely used in food & beverage industry.

Applications

Stretch film is best suited for larger, irregularly shaped items or loads that need to be bundled together on a pallet. It's ideal for securing boxes, preventing movement, and stabilizing products during transportation.

Shrink film is more suited for individual items or smaller, grouped products that benefit from a tighter fit and a more polished presentation, such as perishable goods, cosmetics, books and magazines, etc.

Equipment and Cost

Stretch film application typically requires less sophisticated machinery. Manual, semi-automatic, and automatic pallet wrappers are available, catering to different volume needs. The cost of stretch film packaging can be lower due to simpler application processes and less energy consumption.

Shrink film requires a heat tunnel for the shrinking process, which can mean additional investment in equipment costs. However, because of the automatic machines and system, the production productivity can be massively increased. As a result, the overall cost can be decreased

Protection and Security

Stretch film offers excellent protection against dust and moisture and is capable of securing heavy loads. Its puncture resistance and load retention make it ideal for industrial and bulk goods.

Shrink film provides a clear, tight seal that is perfect for retail items, offering both protection and an attractive presentation. It also serves as a tamper-evident seal, which can be crucial for consumer goods.

Sustainability Considerations

Both types of films come in various grades and thicknesses, both of which are designed to be fully biodegradable, which can align with sustainability goals. Especially for POF shrink film, it is not only biodegradable, but also 100% recyclable, which can minimize packaging waste.

How to choose

Choosing the right packaging solution between stretch film and shrink film depends on various factors, including the type of products, protection requirements, budget constraints, and environmental considerations, and the balance of these factors. When to decide to choose shrink film or stretch film, it is necessary to carefully assess the nature of products, the volume of items to package, the budget for equipment and materials, and sustainability objectives. Through assessments, it is able to select appropriate packaging solution wisely, achieving the goals of protecting product while reducing cost maximally and affecting environment minimally.