The packaging world finds an answer to their concern with shrink films. Shrink films protect items while maintaining the items’ aesthetic appeal. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyolefin (POF), and polyethylene (PE) shrink films are the three most popular kinds of shrink films. Each category possesses unique benefits, characteristics, and applications. This article will juxtapose and highlight the differences among the PVC, POF, and PE shrink films and help one make a wise decision when it comes to choosing the right packaging solution for one’s needs.

PVC Shrink Film

Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) is manufactured as a thinner plastic. Packaging of CDs and DVDs utilizes PVC as the material. The process of packaging involves applying the film around the object and is then heated. The film clings to the item which effectively seals the product and prevents tampering.

Advantages of Polyvinyl Chloride Shrink Film

Wide Scope: The lightweight property of PVC makes it a popular choice for varying products in different shapes and sizes.

Appeal: PVC’s tamper-free and damage-free properties allow it to be more appealing to the clients who purchase the item

Usability: The thinner width of the PVC allows the consumer to open the product more easily.

Disadvantages of PVC Shrink Film

Singularity: The thinner nature of the PVC shrink film prevents it from packaging bundled items. It is limited to wrapping individual products only.

Temperature: when the shrink film is exposed to a not-so-ideal temperature, the film might be unstable and damaged.

When the temperature of the shrink film is not ideal, there is a risk of it becoming unstable and brittle for the consumer.

Polyethylene Shrink Film

Polyethylene shrink film is a kind of plastic that shrinks when heated. PE is commonly used in beverage bottles, hand soap, and cans because of its high durability in wrapping different products.

The properties, molecular structure, and purpose are what sets these the four kinds of PE shrink films. These include Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE), Linear Low-Density Polyethylene (LLDPE), Medium Density Polyethylene (MDPE), and High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE).

LDPE has the lowest density among the four kinds of PE and is the most popular kind of plastic. It is highly resistant, transparent, and flexible. This type is utilized for waste and frozen bags, meat, and food products that consumers use in their homes. Its thickness ranges from 0.4 mils to 40 mils while its density is from 0.917 g/cm3 to 0.93 g/cm3.

LLDPE is a polymer that is of a linear structure. It has high malleability which makes it difficult to be torn or punctured. It can be utilized in cable covers, toys, and heavy-duty bags. Its thickness ranges from 0.4 mils to 40 mils while its density starts from 0.965 g/cm3.

MDPE is the least common. MDPE is used in pond liners. It is often combined with LLDPE or LDPE to obtain a balance of strength and flexibility.

HDPE is a blend of being light yet strong and tough. It has high resistance similar to LDPE and LLDE. HDPE is a staple in construction materials such as pipes and consumer products like milk cartons and shampoo bottles. Its thickness ranges from 12 mils to 100 mils while its density ranges from 0.93 g/cm3 to 0.97 g/cm3.

Advantages of Polyethylene Shrink Films

Transparency: PE provides good visibility for consumers in inspecting palletized goods and seeing the packaged products.

Protection: It protects products against damage and tampering. It also impedes contact with dirt and moisture.

Flexibility: It is suitable for different products that require wrapping because of its capacity to conform to the shape of the product.

Affordable: It is cheaper compared to other wrapping materials. It is also a material commonly used.

Disadvantages of PE Shrink Films

Temperature Sensitive: It is not recommended for temperature-sensitive products to use PE. If PE shrink films are used on products that are not heat compliant, there will be damage to the item that will make it unusable to the consumer. This will eventually be a loss to the business.

Environmental Impact: PE shrink films have a low carbon footprint. However, there are limits on the recycling of the film resulting in a landfill.

Polyolefin Shrink Film

Polyolefin shrink film (POF) is comprised of thermoplastic polyolefins. It is mostly used in food-related products because of its transparent materials. It locks the moisture of items and preserves the appearance of the wrapped goods. This is beneficial to consumers as they can see what they buy at the supermarket.

Advantages of Polyolefin Shrink Film

Versatility: POF is easy to conform to the material around different shapes and sizes of food products and beverages. The shrink film Is flexible when it is exposed to heat to seal the build of the product.

Strength: Its material is sturdy and strong. It prevents resistance to tears and punctures.

Aesthetic appeal: The POF has a glossy transparency that permits clarity for the consumer to see the product they are buying.

Disadvantages of Polyolefin Shrink Film

Cost: POF is more expensive compared to other shrink films because of its characteristics that are strong, reliable, and can wrap around differently-sized projects.

Limited Temperatures: POF has an estimated shrinkage value of approximately 20%. This implies that the items are not compatible with the wrap. This has a possible loss to the business which may further damage the product.

Zhongcheng is one of the leading suppliers of shrink films. We provide the best shrink materials in the region to align with the current needs of our customers. Contact us for more information.