Shrink wrap also known as shrink film is a versatile polymer material used for the packaging of finished goods. When heat is applied to the wrap, it shrinks tightly around the item placed within. It is effective in protecting the goods from environmental damage like UV rays, dirt, humidity, etc. It can also prolong the life of products that would otherwise spoil quickly such as perishable foods. Regardless of the size or shape of the product, shrink wrap would be the best packaging material available to protect the product. Partnering with a shrink wrapping services provider would ensure that the shrink wrapping is customised to match your requirements. There are three main types of wrap used in shrink wrapping: polyvinyl chloride, polyolefin, and polyethylene. Each of these materials features different capabilities and characteristics that make them suitable for specific applications. They can be formed into flattened roll stock, bags, overwrap, banding, and tubing. With a variety of shrink wraps available in the market, a few functions of the shrink wrap are important to be considered when using it for product packaging
• Shrink Force or Shrink Energy It is the amount of force that the shrink wrap will exert on your product. It is measured in PSI. Knowing your shrink force is essential if you require tightly contained packaging without damaging the product within. Understanding the shrink force would help to adjust the machinery accordingly.
• Shrink Orientation Shrink wraps are either bi-axially oriented or preferentially oriented. Bi-axially oriented wrap shrink equally in both directions and preferentially oriented wrap shrinks differently in either direction. Preferentially oriented wrap prevents product distortion and less usage of wrap material.
• Resistance to Puncture / Tear Puncture resistance denotes the relative ability of a shrink wrap to inhibit the intrusion of a foreign object and resistance to tear measures how hard it is to tear the wrap once it has been punctured. Wraps with high resistance to puncture have lower resistance to tear and vice versa. Shrink wrap choice should balance security of the package with ease of access to the actual package.
• MVTR (Moisture Vapour Transmission Rate) MVTR depicts the amount of moisture that will or will not travel through the wrap. For improved shelf life of a product, wrap with a low moisture transmission rate would be beneficial.
• Antifog Antifog wraps are used on food either fresh or frozen to lessen moisture build-up on the wrap. The presence of moisture within the packaging would affect the viewing of the product through the wrap.
• Odour Barrier Odour barrier wraps are used to prevent odours from either traveling into or out of the package. It helps to keep external contaminations from entering the product while keeping the good odours packed in the package safe.
Also Read: Heat Shrink Wrapping of 32 Meter Column
Packaging plays a very important role in marketing your product. Shrink wraps can be customised to print information and images making them attractive and appealing to the consumers. It helps to build the brand image and also acts as an advertising tool for the brand. Shrink wrapping services providers with their expertise and know-how would be able to guide you in selecting the appropriate shrink wrap required for your business requirements.
