The Complete Guide to Shrink Film

It's important to identify some specifics about your product to be packaged before diving into the details of the films available to you. Without question, a packaging supplier is key to selecting the appropriate film for your needs. Their industry experience and ability to understand your needs gives them the expertise to ascertain which types of films will and won&#;t work for your product.

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Some of the packaging considerations  you&#;ll need to be aware of include:

• What type of product you are packaging

• The product&#;s weight, shape, and dimensions

• Your objectives for color and labeling

• Whether the film can be printed to meet your needs

• How the product will be packaged into the flexible film (manually or via machine, and what type of machine

• The product&#;s journey from creation to shipment to the shelf and beyond

• Whether it will be handled often and/or subject to rough handling

• The types of climates/environments it will experience

• Whether it requires specific film additives to keep it fresh (e.g., oxygen or moisture barrier)

• Requirements for anti-tampering and security of the finished good

  
  

With so many types of flexible packaging film available, you are sure to find the right packaging for your product. Whether you need an option with a high melting point, one that emphasizes durability, or one that prioritizes recyclability and sustainability, there is a shrink film product available to suit your needs. With all of the opportunities for a custom finish to any product, it&#;s always important to do your research and consider your specific needs to determine the best options.

Also, you&#;ll need to do some homework regarding equipment. If you have an automatic shrink wrapper or are planning to purchase one in the future, it&#;s important to keep an eye on your bag length and running speeds. Sometimes operators adjust the bag length from the original specs to make running the line easier. This is particularly more noticeable on older pneumatic shrink wrap equipment. Running your film at just 1" larger than necessary can equate to 2,000 extra feet of film used per day. That&#;s approximately 118 wasted rolls of film.

Be sure to think about how capable your internal maintenance technicians are. Adding a shrink film wrapper to your packaging line will require technical support on a regular and as-needed basis. Assess your internal maintenance team&#;s comfort level with working on the new machine(s), and make sure you have a backup technician for when service is needed and your internal team can&#;t handle the repair.  

Before purchasing and storing shrink film, make sure you know its storage requirements. You don&#;t want to try to work with climate-compromised packaging. Your supplier should have this information available if you&#;re unsure what your material requires. Overall, shrink packaging is best stored in temperatures between 30 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit. Naturally, summer and winter are the seasons that require you to be most attentive to your storage environment.

Summer:

Your facility will likely be subject to high heat in the summer, if not during springtime. If shrink sleeves are kept in temperatures exceeding 100 degrees, they may prematurely shrink and compromise their ability to protect your goods. During these hot months, keep your shrink materials stored in the coolest areas of your facility without subjecting them to refrigeration.

They should be kept cool, but not too cold. The coolest spots in your warehouse are typically close to the floors &#; on the lowest part of your pallet racks &#; and away from windows or places that are subject to a lot of sunlight. You&#;ll also want to keep your shrink films away from high-traffic doors because the temperatures in these areas tend to fluctuate greatly.

Additionally, try to schedule your shrink film deliveries early in the day. That way, the materials won&#;t sit in the back of a hot trailer when traveling from warehouse to warehouse. Not only will you avoid the harshest hours of the sun, but you&#;ll also give yourself more time to store them before the temperature reaches its peak.

Winter

:

As mentioned, packaging films tend to become especially brittle in cold temperatures, which greatly reduces their stretching and shrinking properties. While the PVC may crack, it can even shatter like glass if left in extremely cold conditions for too long.

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As in the summer, store your rolls away from doors to avoid temperature fluctuations. You also want to ensure rain or snow won&#;t create unwanted moisture in the rolls. If you&#;ve been using PVC shrink film to package frozen foods or other products that spend time in a freezer truck or refrigerator, consider switching to a polyolefin film. This is a more durable, food-safe, and recyclable material that will keep your package intact during transit and packaging.

When you take shrink film out of storage, you may not know how to tell if it&#;s been compromised. One key sign is sticky rolls. If PVC rolls stick together, they were likely exposed to too much heat. Don't risk downtime on the packaging line by trying to use them anyway. Skip over the rolls that are stuck together. Bagging and sagging are also signs of overheated film. The rolls may begin to sag on the edges or show bagging within their layers. Using these rolls can interfere with the tracking on your machines, so avoid using these compromised rolls as well.

Remember, even the highest-quality shrink film and packaging materials are apt to deteriorate when subject to these environmental factors. No matter what quality film rolls you&#;re purchasing, take the time to assess how you&#;ll store them to ensure they protect and present your product exactly as you&#;ve planned.

Audience:

Finally, keep your target audience at the forefront of your packaging design. The type of material you choose is a part of your brand, so any disconnect between that and your brand&#;s message will confuse consumers and make them lose trust. To appeal to your customers, you have to research and understand them enough before you make these key marketing and branding decisions. Market research is a great way to learn what your target audience values and decide how to pair those details with your budget, transportation, and sustainability needs and goals. Always listen to your key demographic and cater to their needs specifically.

For a quick look at some additional considerations regarding your use of shrink wrap film, check out this free shrink film cheat sheet.

When seeking shrink film for sale, businesses must make informed choices to meet their packaging needs effectively. Shrink film is a versatile and widely used packaging material, but selecting the right type requires consideration of various factors. Here's a guide to help you make informed decisions when purchasing shrink film.

1. Film Material and Type

Shrink films are available in various materials, each offering unique characteristics. Common types include PVC, polyolefin, and polyethylene. Consider the specific properties required for your products, such as clarity, strength, and shrinkage temperature, when selecting the material and type of shrink film.

2. Thickness and Gauge

The thickness of shrink film is measured in gauge or microns. Thicker films generally offer more strength and durability. Consider the weight and nature of your products to determine the appropriate thickness. Heavier or irregularly shaped items may require a thicker gauge for adequate protection and stability.

PETG Shrink Film

3. Shrink Ratio and Temperature Sensitivity

Understanding the shrink ratio of the film is crucial. Different films have varying levels of shrinkage when exposed to heat. Consider the equipment you'll be using for the shrinking process and the required temperature. Some films have a lower shrink temperature, making them suitable for heat-sensitive products.

4. Clarity and Appearance

The clarity of shrink film can impact the visual appeal of your products. Clear films are popular for showcasing the product, while colored or printed films can add branding elements. Consider the aesthetic requirements of your packaging and choose a shrink film that complements your brand image.

5. Seal Strength and Durability

Ensure that the shrink film provides sufficient seal strength to protect your products during transportation and handling. The durability of the film is essential for preventing tears or punctures that could compromise the integrity of the packaging. Consider the resilience required for your specific products and distribution channels.

PETG Shrink Film

6. Environmental Impact and Sustainability

Increasingly, businesses are considering the environmental impact of their packaging choices. Explore shrink film options that are recyclable or made from recycled materials. Sustainable packaging not only aligns with environmental values but can also appeal to environmentally conscious consumers.

7. Compatibility with Packaging Machinery

Ensure that the shrink film you choose is compatible with your packaging machinery. Different films may require specific equipment or settings for optimal performance. Consult with your machinery supplier or the film manufacturer to verify compatibility and avoid any operational issues.

8. Cost Considerations

While quality is paramount, it's essential to consider the cost implications of your shrink film choice. Evaluate the overall cost of the film per unit and balance it with the desired qualities. Sometimes, a higher upfront cost may be justified by improved performance or reduced material usage.

Conclusion

Choosing the right shrink film for sale involves a thorough evaluation of your product and packaging requirements. By considering factors such as film material, thickness, shrink ratio, clarity, seal strength, sustainability, compatibility with machinery, and overall cost, you can make informed decisions that contribute to effective and efficient packaging solutions for your business.

What questions do you have about shrink film choice? If you&#;d like more information about the right shrink film for your business, then contact us to schedule a free assessment.