Different Types of Shrink Film Packaging

Shrink film packaging is a versatile and efficient way to protect and package various products for storage, shipping, and retail display. With different types of shrink films available, businesses can choose the most suitable option based on their specific packaging requirements. Here are some common types of shrink film packaging:

1. PVC Shrink Film

PVC shrink film is known for its high clarity and glossy finish, making it ideal for retail packaging where product visibility is essential. It shrinks quickly and evenly when heat is applied, creating a tight, secure wrap around the product. PVC shrink film is commonly used for packaging CDs, DVDs, software, and other retail products requiring a sleek and professional appearance.

 PVC Shrink Film

2. PLA Shrink Film

PLA (polylactic acid) shrink film is a type of biodegradable and compostable packaging material derived from renewable resources such as corn starch or sugarcane. It is often used as an eco-friendly alternative to traditional shrink films made from petroleum-based plastics like polyethylene. 

PLA shrink film is environmentally friendly, as it is made from renewable resources and is biodegradable, meaning it can break down into natural compounds under the right conditions, reducing environmental pollution and waste accumulation.

 PLA Shrink Film

3. PETG Shrink Film

PETG (polyethylene terephthalate glycol-modified) shrink film is a type of thermoplastic polymer film known for its excellent clarity, strength, and shrinkability properties. It is derived from PET resin through the addition of glycol during polymerization, resulting in a material with enhanced flexibility and heat resistance compared to standard PET.

PETG shrink film is commonly used for packaging applications where high clarity and product visibility are essential, such as retail packaging for food, beverages, cosmetics, and consumer goods. Its clarity allows for effective showcasing of packaged products, enhancing their aesthetic appeal on store shelves.

 PETG Shrink Film

4. CPET Shrink Sleeve Label Film

Crystallizable PET (cPET) shrink sleeve label film is used to make washable shrink sleeves, which can be 100%  fully recyclable with the bottle flakes, will help to increase the yield and quality of rPET. In order to avoid the need for material separation and thus improve the yield and quality of rPET, CPET shrink sleeve label film has been developed as a technically comparable alternative to PETG shrink label film. In contrast to PETG, crystallizable PET is compatible with the PET bottle recycling stream and does not adversely impact the rPET-quality, enabling the recycling of both materials, the bottle PET and the cPET shrink sleeve simultaneously.

CPET Shrink Sleeve Label Film

Questions and Answers

Q: Can shrink film packaging be recycled?

A: Some types of shrink film, such as polyethylene and polyolefin, can be recycled through certain recycling programs. However, PVC shrink film is not widely recyclable and should be disposed of properly.

Q: Is shrink film packaging suitable for food products?

A: Yes, certain types of shrink film, such as polyolefin and polyethylene, are FDA-approved for direct contact with food and are commonly used for packaging food products like meats, cheese, and produce.

Q: What equipment is needed for shrink film packaging?

A: Shrink film packaging typically requires a heat sealer to create a secure seal around the product and a heat shrink tunnel or heat gun to shrink the film tightly around the product.

Q: Can shrink film packaging be used for tamper-evident packaging?

A: Yes, shrink film packaging can be customized with tamper-evident seals or bands to provide security and tamper resistance for products.

Choosing the right type of shrink film packaging depends on factors such as product type, packaging requirements, and budget considerations. Whether you need high clarity for retail display, enhanced strength for heavy-duty applications, or custom printing for branding purposes, there's a shrink film option available to meet your needs.

We serve clients all across Europe, offering high quality films and the most recent product innovations in the shrink sleeve packaging, pharmaceutical industries and biodegradable materials.