Shrink film is frequently used in the packaging industry because of its ability to tightly wrap products and protect them throughout travel and storage.
Shrink film demand is increasing as businesses seek efficient and cost-effective packaging solutions to fulfil customer and market demands.
What is shrink film?
Shrink film is a flexible plastic material used for product packaging. When heated, it shrinks tightly around the item and is constructed of polyethylene or polyolefin plastics.
It’s widely used to wrap goods like bottles, boxes, electronics, and food.
What is the composition of shrink film?
1.Polyethylene (PE): Polyethylene is the most commonly utilised substance in the fabrication of shrink films. It comes in a variety of forms, including low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and polyolefin, and it has high strength, flexibility, and clarity.
2.Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC): Another common substance used in shrink film manufacture is PVC. It possesses a high degree of clarity, shrinkability, and seal strength. PVC shrink film is well-known for its glossy appearance and is frequently used in the packaging of food, beverages, and consumer goods.
3.Polyolefin (POF) shrink film: Polyolefin shrink film is a polymer blend that includes polypropylene and ethylene vinyl acetate. It has excellent clarity, improved shrink qualities, and increased tear resistance. PO shrink film is frequently used to package retail items, DVDs, and cosmetics.
Applications.
Let’s look at their applications:
Polyethylene (PE) Shrink Film:
(1)Applications: Polyethylene (PE) shrink film is widely used in industries such as food and beverage, medicines, and consumer goods. It is frequently used to wrap, bundle, and secure objects such as beverages, canned goods, cartons, and household items.
(2)Benefits: PE shrink film has high durability, flexibility, and clarity. It offers good resistance to moisture, dust, and tampering. PE shrink film is also recyclable, making it an eco-friendly option.
2.Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Shrink Film:
(1)Applications: PVC shrink film is widely used in the packaging of a wide range of products, including food, stationery, toys, and consumer goods. It is frequently used to create tamper-evident seals and to display product information.
(2)Benefits: PVC shrink film is clear, has a high shrinkability, and is tear resistant. It gives the wrapped products a glossy and appealing appearance. PVC shrink film is also well-known for its long-lasting sturdiness and effective sealing characteristics. (However, due to the manufacturing process, PVC film cannot be used to package food.)
Shrink Film Made of Polyolefin (POF):
(1)Applications: PO shrink film is frequently used in packaging, particularly for items needing great clarity and presentation, such as cosmetics, DVDs, and retail products. It is also appropriate for oddly shaped goods and heavy-duty packaging.
(2)Benefits: POF shrink film has high clarity, seal strength, and tear resistance. It has high-quality optical qualities that enable product visibility and branding. Furthermore, POF shrink film is odourless and emits no hazardous gases when heated.
Conclusions
The principal materials used in shrink film manufacturing, with polyethylene being the most extensively used due to its versatility and low cost. However, based on the desired qualities and packaging needs, each material has distinct advantages and is appropriate for a variety of applications.