Shrink Film Characteristics

The characteristics of shrink film is important to consider when using it for product packaging. Here are 7 characteristics of shrink film that detail some of the functions.

1) Resistance to Puncture / Tear

The resistance to puncture and tear measures how hard it is to actually break the film. It also measures how hard it is to tear the film once it has been punctured. Oftentimes, films with high resistance to puncture have a lower resistance to tear and vice versa. So, if you need to make this trade-off, then we suggest selecting the characteristic that is more important to your operations. Choose a shrink film that balances the security of your product with ease of access to the actual product. On top of that, it is important to keep your shrink wrap stored in a cool storage area. This prevents any weakening of the film before using it.

2) Shrink Force (AKA Shrink Energy)

Shrink force is typically measured in PSI and tells you the amount of force that the shrink film will exert on your product. If you are packaging a multi-pack that needs to be tightly contained without damaging, then understanding your shrink force is very helpful. However, if the shrink force is high and you are packaging wood, this will not matter. But if you are packaging a small stack of paper or lightweight chipboard boxes, then the shrink force may come into play. Historically, polyolefin films are high shrink force films and polyvinyl chloride films have low shrink force. New polyolefin formulations offer reduced amounts of shrink force. Check in with us to see what sort of shrink film packaging options we have available.

3) Shrink Orientation

Shrink films are either bi-axially oriented or preferentially oriented. When shrink film is bi-axially oriented, it shrinks equally in both directions. Preferentially oriented film shrinks differently in either direction. By doing so, you can save film by using less of it at a time and prevent product distortion.

4) Shrink Percentages

Using bi-axially oriented films, you can potentially lower the shrink percentage. Preferentially oriented film merely alters the percentage. Then there is something called "free shrink," which is the amount of shrink-ability in a film before it makes contact with your product. When you have high levels of free shrink, it allows for a better-looking package. Especially when it comes to packaging difficult shapes and sizes.

5) Moisture Vapor Transmission Rate

The moisture vapor transmission rate, or MVTR, is a characteristic that measures how much moisture will or will not travel through the film. If low moisture transmission into or out of your package is important to you, then you should pay attention to this characteristic as it will improve the shelf life. Another aspect you will want to consider for this to reduce or eliminate fog is modified atmosphere packaging.

6) Odor Barrier

Odor barrier films are used to prevent unacceptable odors from either traveling into or out of your package. You do not want to let down your customers after they already purchased your product by having a foul smell inside the packaging.

7) Antifog

Antifog films are used on food both fresh and frozen. It mitigates moisture build-up on the film. The moisture can cause a fog that affects the viewing of the product through the film, which can hurt sales because people want to see what they are buying.

Get a Quote Today!

Preferred Plastics is a trusted supplier and distributor of quality shrink films, bags and food films. We provide customers around the country with quality packaging materials for their shipping needs, which includes shrink film. Shrink film is a crucial packaging material for many different industries. For more information about our selection of shrink film and how to order it, please contact our office today.

Get Quote

When you reach out to us, we will gladly answer any questions or concerns you may have regarding our line of products. And though located in New Jersey and doing much of our business throughout the New York tri-state area, we also ship to customers around the United States. Here is a list of our locations:

1 Cory Rd.
Morristown, New Jersey 07960
6A Fitzgerald Ave
Monroe Township, New Jersey 08831
40-1 Aero Rd.
Bohemia, New York 11716
940 Columbia Ave.
Riverside, California 92507
Cleveland, Ohio
(440) 725-0469
906 E 6th Ave
Emporia, Kansas 66801
8101 Tristar Dr.
Irving, Texas 75063

Other types of packaging materials we sell includes: