Polyolefin shrink film has become the preferred choice over PVC shrink film, thanks to its outstanding clarity and odorless composition. It is the top material for shrink wrapping due to its suitability for tamper-proof, clear packaging and safe direct contact with food, adhering to FDA and USDA regulations. We offer two types of shrink film: 201 and IR. For most shrink wrapping needs, the 201 film is an excellent choice, compatible with both manual and semi-automatic shrink wrapping equipment.
Remember that polyolefin shrink film is just one of the three components needed for effective shrink wrapping. Don’t forget to include a sealer to enclose your product and a heat source to activate the shrink process. Reach out to your authorized Sealer Sales distributor for the best options tailored to your shrink wrapping applications.
Why Shrink Wrap?
Shrink wrapping ensures product stability, cleanliness, and tamper-proofing, all of which contribute to the safety of consumption. It’s also used to overwrap products like cartons and cans for bulk sale.
What is Shrink Wrapping?
Shrink wrapping is a cost-effective packaging technology widely adopted across various industries, including food, beverages, and pharmaceuticals. It involves loosely wrapping a polymeric shrink film around the product and subjecting it to heat using a shrink tunnel, creating a snug fit. Shrink tunnels are heat chambers placed over a conveyor.
How Do You Shrink Wrap?
Shrink wrapping requires three basic tools:
- Film (PVC or POF) to wrap your product
- Sealer to seal the film, such as an I-Bar or L-Bar Sealer
- Tunnel or Heat Gun to shrink the film around your product
Selecting the Right Shrink Film:
What Type of Shrink Film Do I Need?
We stock two primary types of shrink film: the 201 and IR. In most cases, the 201 film is the ideal choice for your shrink wrapping needs, especially if you’re using manual or semi-automatic equipment.
What Size Do I Need?
Our centerfold (CF) shrink film is folded in half lengthwise. To determine the required film width:
- Add the width and height of your product and add 5-10% for safety.
- For shrink film (typically sold as centerfold film), choose the smaller of the two measurements.
- If your desired size isn’t available, you can use a larger size, as shrink films can shrink by up to 40% in all directions. We offer shrink film widths ranging from 8” to 24”, ensuring you’ll find the right fit.
What Thickness Do I Need?
The gauge represents film thickness, and we offer shrink film in various gauges: 45, 50, 60, 75, and 100. Our 75G shrink film is the most popular and suitable for most applications, while thicker gauges are ideal for heavier products.
For further details and tips on shrink wrapping, check out our blog post here: Shrink Wrapping 101
You can also watch a video demo of basic shrink wrapping in action on our YouTube channel: Watch Video
sealers101 