How Is Shrink Film Used?

Shrink film is a material that is used relatively often in the packaging industry. Some of the most common companies that use this film are food, grocery, pharmaceutical, and beverage. Its primary purpose is to keep items contained and secure during transportation. Shrink wrap film is a preferred item to use due to its simplicity and the ability to form various shapes. 

How Does Shrink Film Work?

Shrink film is most commonly applied with a machine. It is made pretty simple. It wraps the items and heats it to form and secure the package. This film is purchased in different thicknesses to fit the needs that you have for it. For example:

• Business Cards and Baked Goods Are Wrapped in 45 Gauge

• Board Games and Toys Are Wrapped In 60 Gauge

• Items Weighing Over 12 LBS Are Wrapped In 75 Gauge

• Items Weighing Over 30 LBS Are Wrapped In 100 Gauge

• Boats and Other Large Items Are Wrapped In 2-20 MIL

The film is made out of different materials depending on the type of gauge and protection that is needed. The heating temps will vary and the rate at which it shrinks as well. Shrink film offers the packaging to be puncture resistant and gives strength to the packaging. 

Other Items That Are Wrapped In Shrink Film

There are a wide variety of items that are wrapped in shrink film. If it is food-related products, they use FDA-approved materials. Other items don’t require the need for FDA-approved materials but need the assurance of protection from outside elements. Some of the additional items that are in shrink film are:

• Sporting Goods

• Paper Products

• Electronics

• Cd’s and DVD’s

• Houseware

• Cleaning Products

• Hardware and Tools

• Vitamins and Prescriptions

• Water Bottle Cases

• Canned Goods

• Canned Soda

• Sauces and Dressings

Why You Should Use Shrink Film

For packaging companies, it is necessary to have a reliable product to protect your merchandise. It negatively reflects your company if your items do not arrive at their destination in good condition. Shrink film is an affordable and easy-to-use product to give you the protection that you need. 

The shrink film is tightly surrounded around the items that there is little room for movement. This allows maximum protection when it comes to glass products. In addition to fragile warnings and good packing skills, your items can arrive at their destination undamaged. 

Are Stretch Film and Shrink Wrap The Same Thing?

No, they are not the same product. Yes, they are used in similar ways. Shrink film wrap uses heat to seal, and the stretch film does not. Stretch film is simply stretched around a product to keep it secure. 

After doing your research to see what the benefits of each material are, you can decide which will work best for you. They both hold their own specific advantages and uses that they are suitable for. Shrinkwrap changes in size and shrinks to form to the package it is wrapped around, unlike stretch film.