Why does shrink wrap plastic shrink

As it shrinks, it conforms to the shape of your object and seals itself. You can waterproof, weatherproof and tamperproof just about anything you have.

Since there is no restriction on size to shrink wrap items, you now have a way to protect even the bulkiest of items. Shrink wrapping has many applications across various industries as it is easy to use and it offers a wide range of benefits.

Once sealed, the items are protected from damages which can be caused by dust, dirt or moisture. Being made of low density polyethylene — or polythene — means that the answer to is plastic shrink wrap recyclable is yes. Polythene is widely recycled and can be put into the recycling waste and reused.

To recycle it, simply keep it once you have removed it and either put it in the standard recycling or, if you find you have a lot of it, there are companies that will come and collect it and take it away to recycle. They will shred it and melt it down to make polythene beads which may very well end up being used to make new shrink wrap. For all your packaging advice, our Packaging Experts are here to help you find the right solutions.

Simply call us on 44 28 or visit www. Hello, it depends on the application, if you are wrapping a small retail item like a toy or something quite large like furniture. Please call 44 28 or email sales rajapack. Many thanks. How does shrink wrap work? Blog Packaging Industry News How does shrink wrap work? Shrink wrap is so versatile it is even used to wrap up US Navy helicopters for transport Image: Wikipedia But what is shrink wrap made of, how does shrink wrap work and is shrink wrap recyclable?

What is shrink wrap? This protective packaging comes in sheets and on rolls So, when was shrink wrap invented? What is shrink wrap made of? The molecular structure of Polyethylene Image: Wikipedia Shrink wrap is made of plastic. The tight seal created during this process means that the packaging is more tamper proof, as well as able to protect the product inside from cross-contamination, oxidising and many other dangers.

The benefits of using shrink wrap plastic as a packaging method are almost endless, from protection purposes as mentioned above, to marketing. The clear film means that you can still see the products inside and check its quality without compromising on the protection of whatever item is contained. Image: Marco Bellucci under Creative Commons. This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.

Polyolefin Shrink wrap is preferred for a variety of reasons, including fewer odors when sealed, stronger seal, and more flexible storage.

Polyolefin shrink films do not have any chlorine; therefore, they do not produce hydrogen chloride gas. Polyolefin shrink wrap does not have any plasticizers, so the temperature is not an issue. Polyolefin can be stored in a wide range of temperatures and does not harden and soften in different environments like PVC shrink film. Common Uses of Polyolefin Shrink Film - Polyolefin shrink film is used for almost every kind of application. Applications include toys, sporting goods, printed wrap, foods, stationery, and cards, just to name a few.

Drawbacks of Polyolefin Shrink Film - Cost and machine compatibility are the two significant drawbacks of Polyolefin shrink film. Polyolefin is commonly more expensive than PVC shrink wrap. Many packagers prefer PVC because of this reason. There are types of polyolefin shrink wrap that are more compatible with machines, but Polyolefin machine compatibility has been an issue of packagers.

Cross-Linked Polyolefin Shrink Film - Irradiation is applied to standard polyolefin shrink film to make the film stronger, and capable of better seal strength. Cross-linked shrink film is sterile, and FDA approved for direct food contact. It offers excellent clarity to display packaged products. To view in detail about making and the history of cross-linked shrink film view, our blog post titled What is cross-linked shrink film. Cross-linked shrink film also leaves less residue on sealers, promoting longer sealing blade or wire life.

Cross-linked shrink film is made for use with high-speed machines and high output operations. Common Uses of Cross-Linked Polyolefin Shrink Film - Cross-linked shrink film is used with the same products as standard polyolefin shrink film. The cross-linked film is often used in high output operations. It can also be used for heavier products; a conventional polyolefin shrink film can not correctly package.

Drawbacks of Cross-Linked Polyolefin Shrink Film - Cross-linked shrink film requires higher seal and shrink temps than a standard polyolefin shrink film. Higher temps can damage and deform products sensitive to heat. Higher seal and shrink temps. Measuring for shrink film is relatively simple, but is determined by the type of shrink product you intend on using.

See below for measurement formulas for every kind of film. Remember, if the exact size needed is not available, go to the next size up. The same formula as above to determine the bag width, for length, add inches to allow room for making a seal. For squared objects, use the same formula as above, but most people use tubing for cylindrical purposes.

If measuring for a circular object, use the equation below. Polyethylene Shrink Film - Polyethylene shrink film is used for packaging heavier products. Polyethylene shrink film bundling film is most often extruded onto single wound or flat rolls. The rolls are used on shrink bundling machines that have a sealing bar and shrink tunnel. Drawbacks of Polyethylene Shrink Film - Polyethylene shrink film requires a shrink bundling machine to run products efficiently.

Shrink bundling machines with a shrink tunnel can be expensive and cost thousands. Polyethylene shrink film also requires more prolonged heat exposure to shrink fully. Products sensitive to heat can melt or become damaged while the shrink film is obtaining a full shrink. Product measurements are essential to ensure the right size of shrink roll is purchased. Thin-film that is soft to the touch with stronger seal and increases puncture resistance, Excellent Clarity.

Standard Film thickness, soft to the touch with good puncture resistance and seal strength Excellent Clarity. Shrink wrap is commonly used to protect and package a single product, like toys or a CD.

It also is used to help bundle multiple products together.