Shrink Film 101

Shrink Film Information

• A Guide to Heat Shrink Film
• Frequently Ask Shrink Wrap Questions
• Common Shrink Wrap Terms
• Industries That Commonly Use Shrink Wrap
• Common Shrink Wrapping Problems
• Shrink Wrap Videos

A Guide to Heat Shrink Film

Shrink Film – a material made up of polymer plastic film. When heat is applied, it shrinks tightly over whatever it is covering. There are a variety of uses for Shrink wrap and shrink film. Some typical applications of shrink wrap are for wrapping food, gift baskets, boxes, toys, books, soaps, etc. Below is a breakdown of the two most commonly used types of shrink.

PVC Shrink Film – A type of shrink wrap used for a variety of applications. The PVC stands for Polyvinyl chloride. Polyvinyl chloride is the third most-produced plastic in the world. PVC shrink wrap was the most commonly used shrink film until replaced several years ago by polyolefin (POF) shrink wrap.

Common Uses of PVC Shrink Film – PVC shrink wrap uses include packaging boxes, CD and DVD packaging, software, small canisters, and other non-edible items.

Drawbacks of PVC Shrink Film – Sealing Strength, storage issues, and sealing by-products are common drawbacks of PVC Shrink Wrap. The plasticizer in PVC Shrink wrap hardens in cold conditions and softens under hot conditions, therefore compromising the strength of the seal and the plastic. PVC shrink wrap also releases small quantities of hydrogen chloride into the air and carbon deposits onto the sealer. Proper ventilation is required when sealing PVC shrink wrap.

Polyolefin Shrink Film – A type of shrink wrap that has become the preferred choice for packaging products, both edible and non-edible. Polyolefin Shrink wrap is preferred for a variety of reasons, including fewer odors when sealed, stronger seal, and more flexible storage. Polyolefin shrink films do not have any chlorine; therefore, they do not produce hydrogen chloride gas. Polyolefin shrink wrap does not have any plasticizers, so the temperature is not an issue. Polyolefin can be stored in a wide range of temperatures and does not harden and soften in different environments like PVC shrink film.