What is Heat Shrink Packaging All About?

Heat Shrink


When it comes to shipping a product, you need to make sure the products are well packed so that the risk of damage is minimized. The best type of packaging for a product depends on the product type. For example, fragile items need to be packed in a carton with plenty of bubble wrap or Styrofoam to keep the product from moving around while it is in transit. Similarly, chemicals need to be packed in a  material that limits their exposure. Things like machines which have multiple components must be packed in such a way that each piece is held in place and protected from damage. This is where heat shrink packaging comes in. 

What is Heat Shrink Plastic Film?

Heat shrink film is a form of very thin plastic. It is formulated such that when heat is directed over the sheet, it shrinks and conforms to the size and shape of the product it is wrapped around. Packers can use a heat gun or a conveyor heat tunnel to apply the heat. The film used for this form of packaging is available in a variety of strengths, thicknesses, shrink rations and clarities. It may be made up of PVC, polyolefin, polyethylene or polypropylene. Film used for specific good such as food items may have multiple layers for added strength. 

Understanding the Science Behind This Shrink Wrap

The shrinking of this film and its application for packaging can be explained as molecular behavior. When the plastic sheet is in its raw form, the molecules are randomly intertwined. This means that they are twisted and coiled without any particular alignment. When heat is applied to the film, the chain structure is straightened out and the molecules are all aligned in a single direction. The molecular reorientation allows the plastic to change shape. As the plastic sheet cools, the molecular chains shrink and return to their original form. This makes sure that the packaging maintains its shape. 

Pros and Cons

Heat shrink plastic material is lightweight, inexpensive and durable. It is also extremely versatile in terms of the variety of things it can be used to pack. That said, there are a few disadvantages as well. After the film is heated and shrunk, it may turn brittle especially when exposed to extreme cold temperatures. For this reason, it is not the ideal material for bonding multiple pieces together. The heating and cooling procedure makes the material highly resistant to tearing but lowers the resistance to being punctured. PVC is also known to have a high carbon footprint. The other thing you need to consider is that PVC can be difficult to recycle.

Also Read: Honeycomb Packaging and Its Uses

Knowing what the right packaging material for a product is only one half of challenge. You must also be able to source the best quality heat shrink material and connect with professional packers who can efficiently package your cargo. Professional packers know how to use packing materials and let you focus on more important tasks. This ensures that your cargo stays secure for the entire duration and reaches the destination without any damage. 


Location: Dubai - United Arab Emirates

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