These two terms sound similar- but are they really the same? What are the differences between shrink wrap vs stretch wrap for packaging? And which type of plastic wrap do you need for your products? Folene Packaging addresses this topic in depth so you can make an informed decision for your company’s packaging.
What are Shrink Film and Stretch Film?
Shrink film and stretch film are two different types of plastic films, both used for secondary packaging. Each has very different properties and performance and is best used for different applications.
Shrink wrap reacts to heat, contracting the plastic polymers to create a tight and snug seal around the product being packaged.
Stretch wrap is incredibly elastic; when it is stretched, the tension activates the tackifier additive, which causes the layers of film to cling together tightly. The more tension applied, the tighter the seal.
Both solutions serve the same purpose – to secure products – but have different material properties and processes.
The Difference Between Shrink Wrap vs Stretch Wrap
Shrink film is a packaging material usually made from either polyethylene or polyolefin polymer-based plastic that shrinks uniformly around the product when heated, either with a manual shrink gun or mechanically in a shrink tunnel. In contrast, stretch film is an extremely stretchy polymer-based plastic film used to wrap pallets of products for shipping. The film can either be stretched manually (usually using hand-stretch wrap) or mechanically with a stretch wrap machine designed for wrapping pallets at top speed. The main difference between shrink film and stretch film is their application and functionality.
Applications of Shrink Wrap and Stretch Wrap
Shrink wrap has a wide range of applications and is commonly used to package different types of products, including frozen pizza boxes, produce, and other food and consumer goods. Since these packages are often on shelf display, superior optics are more important. Therefore, shrink films tend to boast higher gloss and clarity than their stretch wrap counterparts.
Stretch wrap is used to wrap pallets of pre-packaged goods prior to shipping, providing load containment and protection. Since its use is mainly industrial, optics are of little to no importance, as the wrap will be discarded upon the shipment’s arrival. That’s why stretch wraps tend to have poor clarity, gloss, and other optical properties.
Equipment Used for Shrink Wrap and Stretch Wrap
Shrink wrap machines, such as heat tunnels and shrink bundling machines, are used to apply shrink wrap to products. Hand-held shrink guns are also available to apply even heat to shrink wrap in much smaller quantities.
Stretch wrap machines, such as turntable stretch wrappers and rotary arm stretch wrappers, are used to apply stretch wrap to pallets, usually with specially designed machine stretch film. Hand stretch film is generally used for manually applying stretch wrap to pallets.
Benefits and Considerations
Both shrink wrap and stretch wrap have their distinct packaging benefits. What will ultimately guide your decision of which material to use for packaging is your packaging requirements.
Shrink wrap provides a tight seal that is ideal for packaging food and other products that require a high level of protection from dirt and contamination while presenting well for the consumer experience. Stretch wrap is a cost-effective and dependable way to secure product loads, but it does not seal out dirt or contaminants; it is only suitable for wrapping pallets of products for shipping.
Points to consider when deciding on the type of wrap to use:
Type of product you are packaging
Desired level of protection
Equipment and resources available
Folene Packaging Offers a Full Range of Shrink Wraps
Folene Packaging offers a complete line of shrink wraps, suitable for packaging a wide range of products, from food to pharmaceuticals. While we do not carry stretch wrap, we do offer cost-effective industrial shrink films that work well for heavy-duty industrial applications. Unsure about the best packaging material for your product? Reach out to our packaging specialists at Folene Packaging, we are happy to assist you.
Conclusion
Shrink wrap and stretch wrap are two different types of plastic films used for secondary packaging. Understanding the difference between shrink film and stretch film is crucial for sourcing the right material for your packaging needs. Consider the application, equipment, and benefits of each type of wrap to choose the right option for your needs.
