The difference between shrink packaging and stretch packaging

The difference between shrink packaging and stretch packaging

Shrink packaging and stretch packaging are often confused because they look very similar, but their performance is very different. When PE is used in shrink-wrap applications, it is loosely placed on a single item or multiple items and shrinks around them when heated, resulting in a tight, tamper-proof protective seal. When PE is used for stretching applications, its formula is different so that it can be stretched around the article.

The elastic memory of the package, as well as its own ability to adhere, keeps a tight layer of protection around the item. Stretching packaging is usually used for palletizing, also known as unitizing, and multiple items on pallets to prevent them from moving during transportation. Stretch packaging is usually stretched by about 100-300%, while shrink packaging is usually only stretched by about 50-75% before fracture occurs.

Fast facts about shrink/stretch packaging of polyethyleneLDPE (Low Density Polyethylene)-low melting point, good tensile strength-is commonly used in food and meat products and stretch packaging/palletizing.LLDPE (Linear Low Density Polyethylene)-thinner than LDPE, as strong and transparent-is used for bulk food, frozen food, printed matter, groceries, garbage bags, palletizing/stretch packaging.HDPE (High Density Polyethylene)-one of the most common polymers in plastic packaging-USDA/FDA-is approved for food contact, light in weight, durable, waterproof and oxygen-resistant-suitable for stretch packaging of certain foods, retail products, clothing and pallets.Suitable for low-end applications and unitization (24 packs of Waters), changing the main corrugated shipper, and large projects.More expensive, but durable.Polyethylene shrink packaging can be recycled.Thicker-provides greater stretching ability.Shrinkage due to cooling rather than heating requires additional cooling space at the end of the channel.Include that application of large weight, including bundle multiple bags of water.In thicker specifications and larger applications, packaged ships are used for storage.