When it comes to protecting products throughout storage and shipment, one of the most common questions we receive is whether stretch wrap vs shrink wrap should be used. Even though both of these types of wrap have several differences, they are commonly confused.
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Fortunately, the experts at AAA Polymer are here to to provide clarification on the similarities and differences between stretch wrap vs. shrink wrap. Continue reading to learn more about shrink wrap vs stretch wrap and the applications where each may be used.
Stretch wrap — also called stretch film — is a clear type of plastic film with the consistency and appearance of saran wrap. This material is commonly used to bundle or wrap items together and offer an added a level of stability for storage and/or shipment. Also called cling wrap, stretch wrap or stretch film has the tendency to stick together when it is wrapped over itself.
Stretch wrap can be applied manually by simply wrapping the material around the product. In addition to being able be applied by hand, stretch wraps can be applied by machines as well. Stretch wrap machines are engineered to quickly and efficiently apply the film to pallets of products. With stretch wrap, cling wrap, or stretch film; you do not need to use heat to apply.
Price - One of the key benefits of stretch wrap is its cost effectiveness. It's far less expensive than other types of materials used to wrap pallets. At the same time, stretch wrapping equipment can be significantly cheaper than comparable machines for wrapping.
Protection - Stretch has been used for several decades to securely protect products from moisture and dust. Depending on the type of film you need, it can also offer protection from UV as well.
Adaptability - Stretch wrap is extremely versatile can be suitable for virtually any and every application. Stretch wrap it even applicable for different types of surfaces.
Shrink wrap is another type of plastic film that is clear. Yet, shrink wrap doesn't have those same clingy-type of saran wrap or stretchy characteristics. In most instances, shrink wrap may be used to wrap a single product, but it may be used to wrap multiple products together.
Unlike stretch film that is wrapped around a pallet of products or a product several times, shrink wrap is actually cut around the product using a shrink wrap bar or a heat sealer. Once heated, the shrink film compresses around the product forming a seal. In the end, shrink wrap offers a protective, tamper proof barrier with the appeal and look of a professionally packaged product.
Protection - Similar to stretch wrap, shrink wrap is excellent for delivering protection from weather, dust, and dirt. Shrink wrap is also excellent for providing an added level of moisture protection.
No surface damage - Whenever the shrink wrap is applied properly, you minimize the likelihood of damage during shipping.
Breathability - Today's shrink wrap can be ventilated, which will significantly reduce the likelihood of moisture damage.
Now you have a better understanding of each materials and how it's used, let's discuss the differences between stretch wrap vs shrink wrap.
One of the first differences between the stretch wrap vs shrink wrap is the material the plastics are made from. While stretch wrap is typically made from polyethylene resins, shrink wrap is created from polyolefin films.
Stretch wrap is a stretchable plastic that is wrapped tightly around a load of products. The elasticity of the stretch wrap is what keeps the load together. In contrast, shrink wrap can be loosely applied to a product and will shrink to securely cover the product once heat is applied.
Stretch wraps are commonly used throughout different warehouses and distribution centers to wrap pallets of products for storage and or shipment. Stretch wraps are offered in a wide array of specialty custom films, such as colored stretch film, UV stretch wrap, pre-stretched film, and much more.
In contrast, shrink wraps are commonly used to protect a single product from weathering or dust. Shrink wrap can also be used to tightly combine smaller products together. Although shrink wrap may be used to combine products on a pallet, it's less likely. Shrink wrapping is far more common for protecting items like boats, outdoor furniture, and food items (vacuum sealing).
Since 1974, AAA polymer has been the leading name in providing high-quality stretch wraps and films. In addition to offering a vast range of stretch film products, we offer the expertise to guide you to the best solution.
Contact AAA Polymer today to learn more about the several stretch wrap applications.
When you want to hold several items together for transportation, there are two advised methods that can help keep your items bound together; shrink wrapping and stretch wrapping.
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Both methods include tightly binding a thin layer of plastic around the items you wish to bind, holding them together even during potentially vigorous movement. However, both methods are different and yield their own advantages, so it’s important to know the difference between both of them and how each one works before you make your final choice on what method you choose to use when packaging.
Shrink wrapping involves loosely covering the group of packages with shrink film, a thin but durable material generally made from polyolefin plastics. Due to the molecular makeup of these types of plastic, shrink film is designed to contract with heat, shrinking it over the group of packages in order to create a tight seal.
Shrink wrap is incredibly hygienic, protecting the items contained from dust and bacteria, which is one of the reasons it’s commonly implemented in food containment. However, when it comes to packaging, this tight seal can help to protect boxes from even the wettest of conditions, making it optimal for outdoor transportation even in poor weather.
A major benefit of opting for shrink wrap is that its application doesn’t damage your outer packaging. The nature of the shrink film means that, when applied properly, there shouldn’t be any material chafing or scuffing. While you do need a heat gun or another form of heating machine to apply it properly, possession of one makes the job incredibly easy.
Rather than having to thoroughly wrap plastic around the packages, shrink wrapping saves you time and effort, as it only requires a single, loosely wrapped layer while the heat gun does the rest of the work for you.
Finally, shrink wrap offers the versatility to seal it in a way that it’s still ventilated. A major concern when transporting packages is that they get wet, and moisture can end up sealed within the group of packages by using different types of packaging supplies. However, with shrink film, you avoid any potential damage from excess moisture.
Shrink wrap can vary greatly depending on its purpose. For protecting boats against the weather, boat shrink wrap is implemented. Whereas, when you need to wrap a cylindrical object, or if you need a precut sleeve, then shrink tubing is often the go-to option. However, the most common form of shrink wrap is provided in large rolls.
There are three main types of shrink wrap rolls, each categorized by the type of material they use. Each material has its own advantages and situations in which they’re more suited for.
PVC is cheap and light, and once dominated the market as the go-to shrink wrap. Its rigidity makes it ideal for heavier packages, however, it’s recommended that any load using PVC shrink wrap is kept in a well-ventilated area. PVC is made up of many harmful chemicals, thus it should be handled with caution.
As mentioned above, polyolefin (or POF) is the most common type of material used in the creation of shrink wrap. It’s durable, creates a strong seal, and is very puncture resistant. Additionally, POF shrink wrap is incredibly safe, and is FDA-approved, causing no protection risks to the packager.
Also known as PE shrink wrap, Polyethylene is quickly becoming a strong alternative to PVC when it comes to larger or heavier items. While more expensive, this material is firmer and can have designs printed upon it without weakening its structural integrity.
Unlike shrink wrap which is wrapped loosely and then sealed with heat, stretch wrapping involves stretching flexible plastic around the products to keep them in place. A group of packages are typically wrapped in the stretch film multiple times to help keep the packages together.
Stretch wrap is much cheaper than other types of plastic wrap, making it one of the most economical packaging supplies. Stretch wrap also keeps dirt and moisture away from the packages and certain types of stretch wrap also offer UV protection. It doesn’t need any special equipment and you layer multiple pieces of stretch wrap on an item/items to create as tight of a seal as possible.
Stretch film is super versatile and can be used on any shape or size of product you wish to wrap. It’s ideal for short transportation, as its low retail price means it can be used as frequently as needed without costing you a lot of money.
Unlike shrink wrap, stretch wrap comes in a wide array of forms, predominantly determined by the method you use to wrap the packaging. Here are some examples:
This type of hand stretch film is produced in the form of long rolls, designed to be easy for people to unravel and use by hand. It’s the type of stretch wrap that is most commonly found in kitchens across the world for keeping food safe but is widely implemented in the packaging industry too.
Hand stretch wrap can be subdivided further into multiple categories. These categories include: cast, blown, pre-stretch, bundling, identi-wrap, and anti-static.
Machine stretch wrap is designed for industrial level jobs and is compatible with a number of different packaging machines. This method is designed to reduce labor costs and valuable time, requiring minimal input from workers.
Machine stretch film can be further divided into the blown and cast subcategories, depending on how the machine operates.
We at The Packaging Company believe in providing high-quality packaging supplies at reasonable prices. We ship all across Canada and the United States and offer a wide array of packaging supplies, including many different options of shrink and stretch wrap. To find out how we can assist you with all of your packaging needs, get in touch with us today!
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