What Is Shrink Wrap? – Uses, Advantages & Types

If you are new to the packaging industry and curious to know about shrink wrap, then you are on the right platform. At Bagla Group, we believe in providing valuable insights to help you find out how shrink wrap works and what the benefits of using this for business. 

These shrink wraps are commonly seen in packaging, but most people are unaware of their true potential.

So, to understand the benefits of this wrap, let’s dive deep into what shrink wrap is, its applications, and its advantages in various industries.

What Is A Shrink Wrap

Shrink wrap is a polymer film in the packaging industry that is very versatile in nature, helping safeguard & protect products. When the heat is applied through a heat gun or heat tunnel, the wrap shrinks around the product, which helps to create a type of shield due to its resistance to tear in nature.  This helps safeguard the products from outside factors like moisture & dust, it also protects the product during transportation & storage. It also gives a cleaner, subtle & more professional look. This method is widely used across various industries such as retail, food, electronics, etc.

When & Where Shrink Wrap Can Be Used?

Shrink wrap is widely used in packaging across various industries. Some of the industries are as follows:

1. Food Industry – It is used when the food needs to be preserved & sealed for freshness to protect it from contamination. In this production, the shrink wrap is used for packaging frozen food like meat, ready-to-eat food & bakery food.
2. Retail Packaging – In this sector, Shrink wrap is usually used in packing individual or bundles of products. It is used in supermarkets, retail stores & e-commerce for packaging products like toys, books, electronics etc. It gives the product a professional & polished finish.
3. Electronics – It ensures that electronics items are safe from moisture & dust, especially scratches, while storing or shipping the products from place to place. This is usually used to pack products like phones, tablets, computers & accessories in manufacturing plants, warehouses & retail stores. 
4. Transport & Shipping – It is used to make sure that goods are tightly packed so they don’t move during the transportation process & also provides extra safety. Transportation & shipping firms use this wrap to guarantee the safety of cargo, even the vehicles for long-term transport & storage. 
5. Pharmaceutical & Medical Products – In this field, shrink wrap is used to maintain hygiene & give a nice & clear presentation of the packaging, which ensures the integrity of the product. It is widely used in various pharmaceutical companies, hospitals & pharmacies, which helps to protect medical supplies like bandages, syringes & pills. 

How Does Shrink Wrap Work?

Shrink wrap works by using heat to shrink the POF shrink film tightly around any product. The process of shrink wrap work:

1. Step 1- The Product is placed inside the shrink wrap film.
2. Step 2 – Heat is applied through a heat tunnel or heat gun.
3. Step 3 – As the temperature increases, the plastic film shrinks tightly to the shape of the product.
4. Step 4 – Then the wrap cools and creates a protective barrier.

This is one of the best methods for products that need to be protected from external elements or require a sleek, clean, and professional look.

Types of Shrink Wrap

When you look into the market then you will find several different types of material suited for various needs. Here you will get to know about the four most common types:

• PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) – It is used for packaging a wide range of products, including food. It is an affordable option that provides good clarity.
• Polyolefin (POF) – POF shrink films are FDA-approved and widely used for food packaging. It is highly in demand due to its durability and clarity. 
• Polypropylene (PP) – PP Shrink Wrap is known in the market for its strength. It is often used in applications where products need to withstand higher temperatures
• Polyethylene (PE): A durable and flexible material commonly used for larger packaging needs, such as bundling products together for transportation.

Advantages Of Shrink Wrap

Shrink wrap offers several benefits for businesses, including:

• Protection from External Elements – Through this, a manufacturer or packer shields products from moisture, dust, dirt, and scratches to maintain their integrity.
• Cost-Effective Packaging Solution – As compared to the other packaging forms, Shrink Wrap is affordable, especially for bulk goods.
• Professional and Clean Appearance – When you use this, it provides a polished, professional look that can enhance the consumer choice.
• Tamper-Evident – For food security, once it is applied then it is difficult to remove the wrap without leaving signs of tampering.
• Customization: Shrink wrap can be printed on for branding, making it a great way to market your business while packaging. 

Conclusion

Shrink wrap a one of the popular packaging products provided by Bagla Group, a packaging product industry leader. This is used to give food a fine finish that improves sales of products. So, choosing an FDA-approved packaging shrink film is a good idea for all types of food packaging industry. So, choose the best after the guidance of the Bagla Group packaging products experts’ support team.