It is frequently used in packaging, particularly in the food and beverage industries, where it provides tamper-evident and protective wrapping for a variety of items.
What exactly is PVC shrink film?
PVC (Polyvinyl chloride) shrink film is a form of plastic film that shrinks well when heated.
It is frequently used in packaging, particularly in the food and beverage industries, where it provides tamper-evident and protective wrapping for a variety of items.
Advantages of PVC shrink film
PVC shrink film has various distinguishing features that make it ideal for packaging applications.
1.Shrinkability: PVC shrink film is extremely shrinkable. When exposed to heat, often via a heat tunnel or a heat gun, the film shrinks significantly, typically by 40% to 70%.
This causes the film to adhere to the shape of the goods securely, resulting in a snug, secure package.
2.Tamper-evident packaging: Tamper-evident packaging can be made using PVC shrink film. It tightly seals the product when properly applied, making it obvious if the packaging has been tampered with. This increases consumer trust and ensures product integrity.
3.Cost-effective: When compared to other materials, PVC shrink film is often the most cost-effective packaging solution. It is widely available, simple to handle, and has a cheap material cost, making it an affordable alternative for many packaging applications.
Disadvantages of PVC Shrink Film
While PVC shrink film has many advantages, there are also environmental and health problems linked with its use.
Here are several drawbacks to using PVC shrink film:
1.Environmental problems: Because of the production and disposal of PVC-based products, PVC is a form of plastic that creates environmental concerns. PVC is sourced from fossil fuels and takes a substantial amount of energy to manufacture.
Furthermore, when PVC products, including shrink film, are burnt, toxic compounds such as chlorine gas and dioxins are released, which are harmful to human health and the environment.
2.Difficulties with recycling: PVC shrink film can be difficult to recycle. Because of its unique chemical composition, it cannot be easily recycled with ordinary polymers.
PVC in the recycling process can contaminate the entire batch of recovered materials, making it impossible to efficiently recover and utilise other plastic products.
3.Limited heat resistance: PVC shrink film is less heat resistant than other shrink films, such as POF.
When exposed to high temperatures during storage or transportation, it may shrink prematurely or distort, thereby compromising packaging integrity.
As a result of these unfavourable effects, many sectors and businesses are shifting to alternative shrink films, such as POF or PE shrink film, which are said to have superior environmental properties and fewer health concerns.
Why can’t PVC shrink film be recycled?
PVC shrink film is often not considered recyclable for a variety of reasons, including:
1.Compatibility: PVC shrink film does not mix well with other frequently recycled polymers as PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) and HDPE (High-density polyethylene). When PVC is mixed with other plastics during the recycling process, the recycled material quality suffers.
2.Contamination: PVC shrink film frequently contains additives and contaminants such as dyes, labels, and adhesives, which can make recycling more difficult. These impurities must be isolated and eliminated, which is difficult and expensive.
3.Toxicity: PVC contains additives that can be detrimental to the environment and human health, such as plasticizers and stabilisers. When PVC is recycled, these compounds may be released, making it difficult to assure that the recycled material meets safety standards.
Because of these issues, PVC shrink film is often not accepted in recycling programmes. It is usually disposed of in a landfill or burnt.
Final words
If you’re seeking for more environmentally friendly alternatives to PVC shrink film, consider shrink films made from more easily recyclable plastics like Polyolefin (POF) or Polyethylene (PE). These materials are frequently favoured since they are more recyclable and generally accepted in recycling.
