PETG vs. PVC Shrink Film: What's The Difference?

PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol) and PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) are two popular materials used for shrink film packaging. Both materials offer unique characteristics and advantages depending on the specific application. Here's a comparison between PETG and PVC shrink film:

Material Properties:

• PETG Shrink Film: PETG is a transparent thermoplastic polyester film. It has high clarity, allowing for excellent product visibility. PETG has good tensile strength and toughness, making it resistant to tearing or puncturing. It also has excellent dimensional stability, meaning it retains its shape and size after heat shrinking.

• PVC Shrink Film: PVC is a versatile thermoplastic film known for its clarity, flexibility, and shrinkage properties. PVC shrink film is available in various thicknesses and grades. It has good shrinkage characteristics, allowing it to conform tightly to the shape of the product being packaged.

PLA Shrink Film

Clarity and Appearance:

• PETG Shrink Film: PETG offers exceptional clarity, resulting in a high-quality, transparent packaging solution. The film allows the product to be clearly visible, enhancing its presentation and appeal on store shelves. PETG shrink film does not yellow or becomes brittle over time, maintaining its appearance even after extended periods.

  
  

• PVC Shrink Film: PVC shrink film also provides good clarity, although it may not be as crystal clear as PETG. However, PVC shrink film offers a glossy and smooth finish after heat shrinking, giving products an attractive appearance.

Shrinkage Properties:

• PETG Shrink Film: PETG has low shrinkage properties compared to PVC. It typically shrinks at a lower temperature and with less force. PETG offers controlled and consistent shrinkage, making it suitable for heat-sensitive products or those that require more gentle shrinkage.

• PVC Shrink Film: PVC shrink film has high shrinkage properties, enabling it to conform tightly to the shape of the product. It provides excellent shrinkage at lower temperatures, resulting in quick and efficient packaging.

  
  

PETG Shrink Film

Environmental Considerations:

• PETG Shrink Film: PETG is considered more environmentally friendly than PVC. It is a recyclable material, and some PETG shrink films are manufactured using recycled content. PETG does not emit chlorine or other harmful gases during the heat-shrinking process.

• PVC Shrink Film: PVC shrink film is not as environmentally friendly as PETG. PVC contains chlorine, and when heated, it can release chlorine gas, which is harmful to the environment. PVC shrink film is not easily recyclable, and improper disposal can contribute to environmental pollution.

  
  

Heat Resistance:

• PETG Shrink Film: PETG has excellent heat resistance, allowing it to withstand high temperatures without warping or deforming. It has a higher melting point than PVC, making it suitable for applications that require exposure to elevated temperatures.

• PVC Shrink Film: PVC has good heat resistance but has a lower melting point compared to PETG. It is important to carefully control the heat application during the shrinking process to avoid overheating and potential damage to the film or the product being packaged.

Applications:

• PETG Shrink Film: PETG shrink film is commonly used for packaging products that require excellent product visibility, such as cosmetics, personal care items, beverages, and food products.

• PVC Shrink Film: PVC shrink film is widely used for packaging various products, including food items, electronics, CDs/DVDs, pharmaceuticals, and promotional materials.

In summary, both PETG and PVC shrink films have their unique properties and advantages. PETG offers excellent clarity, dimensional stability, and environmental friendliness. It is suitable for heat-sensitive products and applications that require controlled shrinkage. 

HYF is a professional shrink film manufacturer, you can find various thicknesses, various widths, and various sizes of 100% biodegradable shrink film here. Getting in touch with us.