Shrink Wrap Packaging Solutions

Shrink Wrap Is Ideal for a Host of Packaging Needs

Shrink wrap is widely used for industrial and consumer product goods (CPG) packaging applications. Manual, semi automatic, and fully automatic shrink systems are available to accommodate small, medium, and large volume packaging requirements. Shrink systems require periodic maintenance. We recommend a complete review of shrink films at least once per year, since new film formulations are introduced on a regular basis. Improvements in film and equipment technology allow firms an ongoing opportunity to maximize productivity and reduce per package costs. Productivity can be improved without investing in new equipment, however. Regular parts replacement, along with occasional machine refurbishing and retrofitting, will increase throughput and reduce downtime.

Industries and Applications

Major industries have relied on shrink wrap for decades. These include toys and games, beverage, pharmaceutical / medical, processed food, building and construction, printing and publishing, electronics, small parts packaging, and automotive. Shrink packaging is most often used to bundle products for shipment or shelf display, provide tamper evidence, prevent contamination, and enhance the shelf appearance of consumer products. Films can be used for very large items, such as palletized loads of boxes, or for very small items, such as individual CDs or DVDs. It is the flexibility that makes this approach so popular across such a wide range of industries.

Types of Shrink Wrap and Equipment

Most shrink wrap films are polyolefin plastic, and come in a variety of thicknesses and formulations. PVC films are also available, though not widely used. Films vary in terms of strength, clarity, and strength. Selecting the right film for the application is critical in order to assure reliable and consistent sealing and shrinking. Industrial grade films, such as bundling films, provide enough strength and durability to secure bulky and heavy materials such as case packs of bottled water, carpet rolls, and even palletized units of bricks. At the other extreme, high clarity films are widely used for cosmetics and other high priced consumer products because the films make primary packaging graphics “pop” on the retail shelf.

Shrink systems can be as simple as a semi manual L-bar sealer and “hair dryer” shrink gun. Semi automatic and fully automatic equipment is manufactured in horizontal and vertical styles. Sealers and wrappers are often sold as a complete unit, but components can be mixed and matched to optimize sealing and shrink performance. Sealers and wrappers are designed for relatively specific needs in terms of product size, product profile, conveyor line speed, and environmental conditions. All systems are not alike. Our expertise and experience this area of packaging enables us to help customers identify the right system for their application. Link back to the top of this Shrink Wrap page.

For other options, visit our packaging solutions main page.