Shrink Wrap Buyer’s Guide: What Are the Types of Shrink Wrap?

★ What Is Shrink Wrap?

★ What Is Shrink Wrap Made From?

★ What Are the Different Types of Shrink Wrap

★ What Is Shrink Wrap Used For?

★ What Is Shrink Wrap for Sublimation?

★ What Are the Benefits of Shrink Wrap?

★ Shrink Wrap Thickness Guide

★ How Do I Choose a Shrink Wrap?

★ FAQ

Shrink wrap is an effective tool for the packaging of loose items, the hygienic protection of consumables, the palletization and storage of fragile goods, and more. It creates a secure seal around products to prevent movement and protect against dirt and other contaminants. But what are the different types of shrink wrap? And which is best for each of your packaging and shipping projects?

In this guide, we look at the different types of shrink wrap, their unique uses and benefits, and the materials that form them – to give you a better understanding of which shrink wrap product to purchase without suffering from buyer’s regret.

What Is Shrink Wrap?

Shrink wrap is a plastic film that shrinks tightly around its contents when heated. It is commonly used to package, protect, and secure various items. A shrink wrap bag or roll of film is wrapped around the item(s) before heat is applied, causing the film to shrink and conform to the contents, providing a protective and conforming covering. Shrink wrap products come in various thicknesses, sizes, and compositions to suit different applications and industries.

What Is Shrink Wrap Made From?

Shrink wrap is a plastic film that is commonly made from a range of different thermoplastics, including polyethylene (PE), polyolefin (PO), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastics. Polyethylene shrink can be further broken down into different variations, including low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), while polyolefin shrink wrap includes materials like polypropylene.

Each shrink wrap product offers unique benefits for different packaging projects…

What Are the Different Types of Shrink Wrap?

Polyethylene (PE) Shrink Wrap:

The most widely used type, available in various thicknesses and clarity levels. Polyethylene is typically used for heavy-duty packaging projects, including wrapping pallets of goods and even boats.

Polyolefin (PO) Shrink Wrap:

Offers clarity, durability, versatility, and a wide shrink temperature range. Due to its odorless properties (and absence of chloride found in PVC), polyolefin is FDA-approved for packaging food, and is often used for other retail goods, such as electronics and bath bombs.

PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) Shrink Wrap:

Requires low shrink temperatures and is used to wrap non-consumable, heat-sensitive products. PVC shrink wrap provides a glossy finish and is commonly used for packaging boxed products, candles, gift baskets, and more.

Shrink Wrap Bags:

Shrink wrap bags are pre-formed bags made of shrinkable plastic film. They are open on one end and sealed on the other, designed for packaging and heat shrinking around small or irregularly shaped items.

PVC Shrink Tubing:

PVC shrink tubing is used for wrapping or bundling together longer items to provide insulation, protection, and secure covering, such as for wires, cables, and wood products.

What Is Shrink Wrap Used For?

Shrink wrap is a versatile packaging solution with many benefits. It is used for various purposes, including:

Packaging and protecting products during shipping, storage, or display.
Bundling items together for easier handling and organization.
Improving the appearance and shelf appeal of products.
Preserving the freshness and extending the shelf life of food items and other consumables.
Providing dust and moisture protection.
Securing and stabilizing goods on pallets during transportation.
Protecting documents, artwork, or fragile items during transit or storage.

For more information on the many uses of shrink wrap, check out our blog on ten items shrink wrap is used for!

What Is Shrink Wrap for Sublimation?

Shrink wrap for sublimation – also known as sublimation shrink wrap or sublimation heat transfer film – is a special type of shrink wrap used in the sublimation printing process. It is designed to wrap around sublimation-printed items, such as mugs and plates, which undergo heat treatment to transfer the sublimation ink onto the surface, resulting in a vibrant and durable image or design. The shrink wrap conforms tightly to the item's shape during the heating process, ensuring a smooth and professional finish.

What Are the Benefits of Shrink Wrap?

Shrink wrap offers several benefits for various applications. Some of the key advantages include:

Protection:Shrink wrap provides a protective barrier against dust, moisture, and other contaminants, preserving the quality and integrity of packaged items.
Tamper-Evident Packaging: Shrink wrap can create tamper-evident seals, ensuring the safety and integrity of products until they reach the consumer.
Versatility: Shrink wrap can be used for packaging a wide range of products, including food, consumer goods, industrial items, and more.
Customization:Shrink wrap can be printed with logos, branding, or product information, allowing for customization and enhanced brand visibility.
Durability: Shrink wrap provides a strong and durable covering that helps protect items from scratches,scuffs, and other potential damage.
Cost-Effectiveness:Shrink wrap is generally more cost-effective than other packaging options, such as rigid containers, and requires less storage and transport space.
Security: Shrink wrap tightly conforms to the shape of the packaged item, providing a secure finish that minimizes movement and prevents shifting during transport.
Preservation: Shrink wrap can help extend the shelf life and freshness of perishable goods, such as food, by reducing oxygen exposure.
Sustainability: Shrink wrap proves more eco-friendly than larger alternative packaging solutions.
Ease of Use:Shrink wrap can be applied effortlessly using equipment like heat guns or shrink wrap machines.

Shrink Wrap Thickness Guide

Gauge	Properties
45 - 50	Lower gauges are made from cross-linked polyolefin. This creates a thinner but stronger material. Commonly used to wrap consumer products such as chocolates, cosmetics, kitchen items, and more.
60	This gauge is a common polyolefin or cross-linked polyolefin thickness. It is clear and best for tamper-evident seals for lighter products under five pounds. Crosslinked 60 gauge is better for withstanding sharp edges.
75	The most common thickness for retail heat shrink wrap. It is common in PVC, polyolefin, and crosslinked polyolefin materials. Still thin and easy to open but can wrap products up to 15 lbs. Still too thin for parcel shipping.
100	Commonly used for retail packaging involving multiple heavier items up to 25lbs, including metal objects. 100-gauge heat shrink wrap has excellent seal and tear strength. Cross-linked 100 gauge shrink film can be used for exterior parcel shipments for products under 20 lbs.
125-150	Used for slightly heavier applications over 100-gauge. Best for product sleeves and tamper seals. Excellent hold strength for multi-packs.
2 Mil - 4 Mil	The starting point for bundling shrink wrap for cases of water. Can hold a case of a dozen 12oz bottles. Available in polyolefin, but most commonly polyethylene.
4 Mil - 10 Mil	Beyond 4 mil, shrink wrap is often made for larger industrial jobs or covering larger items like patio furniture. Shrink wrap this thick is usually cloudy or opaque. Made with UV additives to protect from sunlight, many varieties and options are available for industrial or marine shrink wrap.

Shrink wrap comes in different thicknesses to provide the perfect level of protection for different products. Here, you’ll find a guide to different shrink wrap thicknesses and their unique properties:

For help converting micron measurements to gauge measurements, check out our helpful micro-to-gauge conversion chart.

How Do I Choose a Shrink Wrap?

Looking for the perfect shrink wrap product to secure your items for storage or transport? These are the top considerations:

Material: It’s best to select a shrink wrap material that suits your specific needs, such as polyolefin or PVC. Essential factors to consider are durability, clarity, and compatibility with your product.
Film Thickness: Consider the film thickness needed to adequately protect your product. Thicker films offer increased puncture resistance and seal strength.
Transportation Security: Shrink wrapping styles and types for transport can vary. Consider if the item will be case packed after shrink wrapping or if the material will be exposed during shipping.
Application and Equipment:Manual and semi-auto machines do not require cross-linked shrink film the same as automatic shrink wrap machines. It is also important to know if the machine requires a layflat, single wound film or centerfolded shrink film.
Heat Resistance: Heat-sensitive products will need materials that shrink at lower temperatures. Before making a sizable investment, it is necessary to test the shrink material and machines with delicate products.
Film Performance: Review the film's performance characteristics, such as clarity, cling, and noise level during application, to meet specific requirements or preferences.
Supplier Support: Consider the supplier's reputation and reliability. Look for providers with good customer support, on-time delivery, and quality assurance.

US Packaging & Wrapping is a leading supplier of heat shrink wrap . For more information on the variety of heat shrink wrap products we provide, check out our products or chat with our expert team today.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Is All Shrink Wrap the Same?

A: Not all shrink wrap is the same. Shrink wrap can vary in terms of material composition, thickness, clarity, shrink properties, and intended applications. Different types of shrink wrap are designed for specific purposes, such as packaging food, industrial products, or retail goods.

Q: What Is the Difference Between Shrink Wrap and a Shrink Sleeve?

A: The main difference between shrink wrap and a shrink sleeve is the shape. Shrink wrap is a flat or centerfold film wrapped around an object, sealed, and shrunk using heat, while a shrink sleeve is a pre-formed tube that is slipped over an object and shrunk to conform to its shape. Rarely is a sealer used with a shrink sleeve.

Q: Do You Need a Heat Sealer for Shrink Wrap?

A: A heat sealer is not always necessary for shrink wrap. Sleeves, and other types of wrap do not require a sealer.. However, a heat sealer may be needed to create secure seals before applying heat for shrinking.

Q: Is Pallet Shrink Wrap the Same as Heat Shrink Wrap?

A: Pallet shrink wrap is different from heat shrink wrap. Also known as stretch film, pallet wrap is used to stretch around the material by pulling and stretching. No heat is required for pallet shrink wrap.

Q: Can You Heat Shrink Saran Wrap?

A: Saran wrap or food cling wrap is not made to be heated and shrunk. The food wrap will melt and distort if direct heat is applied. This video helps to demonstrate the differences between heat shrink wrap and saran wrap.

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Shrink Wrap Buyer's Guide