In the tide of modern commodity economy, packaging is like a "silent salesman" of products. It not only shoulders the responsibility of protecting products, but also plays a key role in attracting consumers' attention and conveying brand value. As a shining star in the family of packaging materials, polyolefin shrink film is showing its prowess in many fields with its excellent performance and wide applicability.
1. Definition and composition of polyolefin shrink film
Polyolefin shrink film, as the name suggests, is a film with shrinkage properties made of polyolefin as the main raw material. Polyolefin is a polymer of olefins, and the common ones are polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP). When producing polyolefin shrink film, these raw materials are carefully formulated and processed with special technology, and are given unique properties.
From the perspective of microstructure, polyethylene gives the film good flexibility and low temperature resistance, so that it can maintain a stable physical state in different environments, and is not easy to become brittle and cracked due to low temperature, which provides protection for packaging products transported or stored in cold areas. Polypropylene contributes high strength, heat resistance and excellent transparency, allowing the shrink film to clearly show the appearance of the product while protecting the product from external impact, enhancing the visual appeal of the product and standing out on the shelf.
2. Performance characteristics shine
High shrinkage rate, tight fit: The shrinkage rate of polyolefin shrink film is very good, usually up to 50%-70%. This means that when heated, it can quickly and tightly fit the contour of the product, whether it is a regular rectangular product or a complex shaped object, it can achieve perfect wrapping, forming a "second skin"-like fit effect, providing all-round protection for the product, and effectively preventing collision and friction damage during transportation and storage.
High transparency, good appearance: Its extremely high transparency is a significant advantage, almost close to a colorless and transparent state. This allows the packaged product to be clearly presented, and consumers can observe the details and quality of the product without hindrance, greatly improving the display effect of the product and helping to promote sales. In industries such as cosmetics, crafts, and electronic products that have high requirements for appearance display, this feature of polyolefin shrink film is fully utilized.
Flexibility and strength coexist: The shrink film has good flexibility and can be bent at will without breaking, which is convenient for operation during the packaging process; it also has considerable strength and can withstand a certain degree of stretching and extrusion to protect the product. For example, when packaging heavier multi-packaged beverages or large mechanical equipment parts, it can rely on its own strength to ensure the safety of the product during transportation.
Good cold resistance and adaptability to low temperatures: In low temperature environments, polyolefin shrink film can still maintain good flexibility, and will not crack even at temperatures as low as - 50°C. This feature makes it an ideal packaging material for frozen foods, refrigerated medicines and other products that need to be stored and transported under low temperature conditions, effectively ensuring the quality and safety of products in cold chain logistics.
Environmentally friendly and non-toxic, green choice: Compared with some traditional packaging materials, polyolefin shrink film has outstanding environmental protection performance. It is non-toxic and harmless, does not produce toxic gases during processing, meets the strict standards of the US FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and USDA (United States Department of Agriculture), and can be directly used for food packaging, allowing consumers to eat with confidence. At the same time, with the enhancement of environmental awareness and the development of recycling technology, polyolefin shrink film has a certain degree of recyclability, which has made a positive contribution to reducing the pollution of plastic waste to the environment.
3. Classification of Polyolefin Shrink Films
Polyolefin shrink films are thermal shrinkable packaging materials primarily made from polyolefins such as polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP), produced through processes like extrusion blow molding, casting, or biaxial stretching. Thanks to their excellent shrinkage, transparency, mechanical strength, and chemical stability, they are widely used in food, pharmaceuticals, daily necessities, electronics, and other industries. Based on raw materials, production processes, and performance characteristics, polyolefin shrink films can be classified into the following main categories:
(1) Classification by Raw Material Type
· Characteristics:
Excellent flexibility and ductility, maintaining good toughness at low temperatures, suitable for packaging frozen foods and cold drinks.
Moderate transparency and puncture resistance, but poor high-temperature resistance (typically ≤80°C).
Environmentally friendly and recyclable.
· Common Types:
Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) Shrink Film: Soft and highly elastic, widely used for collective packaging of daily necessities and textiles.
Linear Low-Density Polyethylene (LLDPE) Shrink Film: Better tensile and puncture resistance, suitable for heavy packaging (e.g., bottled water, palletized goods).
Applications: Bundling of beverage bottles, supermarket fresh produce trays, industrial product wrapping and fixing.
(2) Polypropylene (PP) Shrink Film
· Characteristics:
High transparency(Close to the texture of glass) and gloss, making it aesthetically suitable for high-end product packaging.
Better high-temperature resistance (up to 100°C or higher), suitable for hot-filled foods or products heated in microwaves.
Higher hardness and tear resistance, but prone to brittleness at low temperatures.
· Applications: Packaging for candies, biscuits, instant noodles, and transparent outer packaging for cosmetics and electronics.
(3) Polyolefin Copolymer Shrink Film
· Characteristics:
Formed by copolymerizing PE and PP or adding other olefin monomers (e.g., ethylene-propylene copolymers) to balance the performance advantages of both.
Combines high transparency, puncture resistance, and temperature resistance for broader applications.
· Applications: High-end gift packaging, sterile packaging for medical devices, etc.
(1) Blown Film Shrink Film
· Process Features:
Molten raw materials are blown into a tubular bubble through an extruder, then cooled and drawn into film.
Lower equipment cost, suitable for producing wide-width films, but with slightly poorer thickness uniformity than cast films.
· Product Features:
Higher longitudinal (machine direction) shrinkage rate, lower transverse (perpendicular to machine direction) shrinkage rate.
Commonly used in packaging scenarios requiring longitudinal tightening (e.g., bottle labels, pipe wrapping).
(2) Cast Film Shrink Film
· Process Features:
Molten raw materials are rapidly cooled and formed by a casting roller, with good thickness uniformity and high surface flatness.
Suitable for producing ultra-thin films (thickness as low as below 10μm).
· Product Features:
Higher transverse shrinkage rate with uniform shrinkage force, suitable for high-speed automatic packaging lines.
Used in scenarios requiring high packaging precision (e.g., small-sized pharmaceuticals, snack bags).
(3) Biaxially Oriented Shrink Film (BOPP/BOPET, etc.)
· Process Features:
Molecular chains are oriented through two-step stretching (longitudinal and transverse) to enhance film strength and shrinkage performance.
Requires specialized stretching equipment, with complex processes but excellent product performance.
· Product Features:
Balanced biaxial shrinkage rate (up to over 50%), tightly conforming to the packaged item for aesthetic shaping.
Typical product: BOPP (biaxially oriented polypropylene) shrink film, used for moisture-proof packaging of cigarettes and audio-visual products.
(1) Standard Shrink Film
· Characteristics:
Basic performance meets conventional packaging needs, with low cost.
Suitable for scenarios with low requirements for temperature resistance and mechanical strength.
· Applications: Carton sealing, bundling of loose items, light industrial product packaging, etc.
(2) High-Temperature-Resistant Shrink Film
· Characteristics:
Modified through raw materials or processes to withstand temperatures above 120°C.
Can endure pasteurization, high-temperature cooking, and other treatments.
· Applications: Packaging for canned foods, pet food cans, and medical devices requiring high-temperature sterilization.
(3) Antistatic Shrink Film
· Characteristics:
Added with antistatic agents to reduce static electricity accumulation on the film surface, preventing dust adsorption or interference with electronic devices.
· Applications: Packaging for precision electronic components, semiconductor devices, and optical instruments.
(4) Degradable Polyolefin Shrink Film
· Characteristics:
Made from bio-based polyolefins (e.g., PLA-modified polyethylene) or added with degradable additives, capable of gradual decomposition in natural environments.
Meets environmental policies and reduces white pollution.
· Applications: Eco-friendly packaging for fresh foods and takeout containers, especially in markets with strict plastic restrictions (e.g., the EU).
(1) Single-Layer Shrink Film
· Characteristics:
Made from a single raw material, simple in process and low in cost, but with limited performance (e.g., pure LDPE film is soft but lacks strength).
· Applications: Low-end daily product packaging, temporary protective films, etc.
(2) Multilayer Co-Extruded Shrink Film
· Characteristics:
Composite structure (e.g., 3-layer or 5-layer) with different functions for each layer (e.g., scratch-resistant outer layer, strength-enhanced middle layer, heat-sealable inner layer).
Superior comprehensive performance for high-demand scenarios.
· Typical Structures:
PE/PE/PE three-layer co-extruded film: Middle layer of LLDPE for tensile strength, outer/inner layers of LDPE for heat sealability and softness.
PP/PE/PP composite film: Outer PP layers for transparency and hardness, middle PE layer for impact resistance.
· Applications: Packaging for high-value electronics, cold-chain foods (e.g., frozen dumplings, prepared meals).
With stricter environmental regulations and upgraded consumer demands, polyolefin shrink films are evolving toward high performance (e.g., higher shrinkage rate, stronger toughness), diversified functions (antistatic, antibacterial, degradable), and lightweight design (thinner thickness with maintained strength). For example, bio-based polyolefins (e.g., sugarcane-derived PE) and recyclable multilayer co-extrusion technologies have become research hotspots, further driving the industry toward green and intelligent transformation.
3. Full coverage of multiple application fields
Intimate guard of the food industry: In the field of food packaging, polyolefin shrink film is everywhere. From fresh fruits and vegetables to various baked goods, meat products, canned beverages, dairy products, etc., it can play an important role. On the one hand, its good flexibility and shrinkage performance can tightly wrap food, effectively isolate air, moisture and dust, prevent food from getting damp, oxidized and deteriorating, and extend the shelf life of food. On the other hand, high transparency makes the color and shape of food clearly visible, stimulating consumers' desire to buy. In addition, heat shrink bags, as a common application form of polyolefin shrink film, are widely used in food packaging, such as independently packaged snacks, small cakes, etc., with excellent sealing performance, which can maintain the flavor and taste of food.
Fashionable outerwear for daily chemical beauty: The cosmetics and daily necessities industry has extremely high requirements for the aesthetics and protection of packaging, and polyolefin shrink film just meets these needs. It can neatly package bottles of cosmetics, toiletries, etc. together, not only to protect the products, but also to enhance the overall image and brand value of the products through exquisite printing and transparent display effects. For example, some high-end cosmetic sets are packaged with polyolefin shrink film, with exquisite labels and patterns, which are particularly eye-catching on the shelves and attract consumers' attention.
Safety guarantee of electronic appliances: Electronic and electrical products are usually more sophisticated, and strict requirements are placed on the antistatic, cushioning and sealing properties of packaging. Polyolefin shrink film has certain antistatic properties and can effectively prevent static electricity from damaging electronic products. At the same time, its good flexibility and strength can provide reliable protection for electronic products during transportation and storage, reducing the risks caused by collisions and vibrations. Products such as mobile phones, tablets, and electronic accessories are mostly packaged with polyolefin shrink film when they leave the factory to ensure that the products are intact when they reach consumers.
Reliable barrier for medical and health care: The quality and safety of pharmaceutical products are of vital importance. Polyolefin shrink film has become an important choice for pharmaceutical packaging due to its non-toxic, hygienic and good barrier properties. It can be used for blister packaging of medicines, whole box packaging, and packaging of medical devices, etc., effectively preventing medicines from being contaminated by microorganisms and oxidative deterioration, and ensuring the quality stability of medicines within the validity period. Moreover, the transparency of polyolefin shrink film helps medical staff and patients clearly identify the name, specifications, production date and other information of the medicine, which is convenient for use and management.
Wide application in other fields: In addition to the above major industries, polyolefin shrink film is also widely used in toys, stationery, crafts, plastic products, automotive supplies and other fields. In toy packaging, it can neatly package the various parts of the toy to prevent loss, while showing the appearance and play of the toy to attract children's attention. For stationery and books, polyolefin shrink film can play a role in moisture and dust prevention, protecting paper from damage. In the packaging of crafts and plastic products, it can not only highlight the characteristics and craftsmanship of the product, but also provide necessary protection to prevent the product from being damaged during transportation and sales. In the field of automotive supplies, such as automotive interior accessories, automotive maintenance products, etc., polyolefin shrink film is also widely used for product packaging and protection.
4. Production process secrets
The production process of polyolefin shrink film combines advanced technology and precision technology, mainly including the following key links:
Raw material preparation: Select high-quality polyolefin raw materials such as polyethylene and polypropylene, and accurately proportion them according to product performance requirements. At the same time, in order to further improve the performance of the shrink film, such as antistatic, smoothness, heat sealing, etc., appropriate amounts of additives such as antistatic agents, smoothness agents, heat sealing masterbatches, etc. will also be added.
Extrusion plasticization: The mixed raw materials are put into the extruder and melted and plasticized by heating. During the rotation of the extruder screw, the raw materials are pushed forward and fully stirred and mixed to ensure that the raw materials are heated evenly and the plasticization quality is stable.
Die molding: After the molten raw materials are extruded from the extruder, they enter the specially designed die. The structure and size of the die determine the initial thickness and width of the film. Inside the die, the raw materials are evenly distributed through a specific flow channel and then extruded to form film bubbles.
Biaxial stretching: This is a key step in giving polyolefin shrink film shrinkage properties. The film bubble is stretched synchronously in the longitudinal direction (MD) and the transverse direction (TD) in a specific device. The longitudinal stretching is usually achieved by the speed difference of the traction roller, while the transverse stretching is completed by means of blowing air or stretching clamps. Through biaxial stretching, the molecular chains inside the film are rearranged and oriented, so that it can produce a shrinking effect when heated.
Cooling and shaping: The stretched film bubble needs to be cooled quickly to fix its stretched shape and performance. Generally, air cooling or water cooling is used to quickly reduce the temperature of the film bubble, so that it changes from a viscous flow state to a highly elastic state, and finally shapes it into a polyolefin shrink film with specific properties.
Winding and packaging: The film that has been cooled and shaped is wound by a winding device to form a coil. During the winding process, it is necessary to ensure that the tension of the film is uniform and the winding is flat to avoid problems such as wrinkles or loose rolls. Finally, the rolled coil is packaged for storage and transportation.
5. Market status and competition pattern
With the development of the global economy and the continuous improvement of consumers' requirements for product packaging, the polyolefin shrink film market is showing a booming trend. In recent years, the global polyolefin shrink film market has continued to grow, reaching a considerable value in 2024, and is expected to maintain a steady growth trend in the next few years, with an estimated annual compound growth rate within a certain range.
From the perspective of regional distribution, the Asia-Pacific region has become the world's largest polyolefin shrink film consumer market due to its large population, rapid economic development, and booming manufacturing industry. As an economic power in the Asia-Pacific region, China occupies an important position in the production and consumption of polyolefin shrink film. With the rapid development of the domestic e-commerce industry and the promotion of consumption upgrades, the demand for polyolefin shrink film continues to rise. The markets in Europe and North America are also relatively mature. Consumers' demand for environmentally friendly and high-quality packaging materials has prompted polyolefin shrink film to be widely used in these regions, and the market size has maintained steady growth.
In terms of market competition, there are many participants in the polyolefin shrink film industry, and the market competition is relatively fierce. There are internationally renowned large chemical companies, such as Dow Chemical and ExxonMobil, which occupy an important share of the global market with their advanced technology, rich product lines and strong brand influence; there are also many domestic production companies, which compete with international giants in the domestic market and some international markets by continuously improving their technical level, optimizing product quality and reducing production costs. In addition, some emerging companies are also emerging, trying to get a share of the market through innovative products and marketing strategies.
6. Outlook for future development trends
Environmental protection and sustainable development: Against the backdrop of increasing global environmental awareness, environmental protection and sustainability will become the core trend of the future development of polyolefin shrink film. On the one hand, production companies will increase R&D investment and strive to develop biodegradable and compostable polyolefin shrink film products to reduce the impact on the environment. For example, polyolefin shrink film is prepared using bio-based raw materials so that it can gradually decompose in the natural environment and reduce the accumulation of plastic waste. On the other hand, improving the recycling rate of products will also become the focus of industry development. By improving the production process, polyolefin shrink film can be made easier to recycle and process, while strengthening the construction of the recycling system, improving recycling efficiency, and realizing the recycling of resources.
Improvement of high performance: With the continuous improvement of packaging requirements in various industries, polyolefin shrink film will develop in the direction of high performance. R&D personnel will further improve the strength, toughness, transparency, shrinkage performance and heat sealing performance of shrink film by optimizing raw material formula and improving production process. For example, develop products with higher shrinkage rate and more uniform shrinkage effect to meet the packaging needs of complex shaped products; improve the barrier performance of shrink film to better protect products sensitive to oxygen and moisture; enhance heat sealing strength and reliability to ensure the sealing of packaging.
Customized service expansion: In order to meet the personalized needs of different customers, polyolefin shrink film manufacturers will pay more attention to the expansion of customized services. Provide tailor-made shrink film solutions based on customer product characteristics, packaging requirements, brand image and other factors. This includes customization in terms of film thickness, width, color, printing pattern, etc., as well as development of shrink film with special functions, such as anti-counterfeiting function, easy tearing function, fresh-keeping function, etc., to provide customers with more differentiated and competitive packaging products.
Intelligent production upgrade: The application of intelligent manufacturing technology in the packaging industry will continue to deepen, and polyolefin shrink film manufacturers will also actively introduce intelligent equipment and systems to realize the automation, digitization and intelligent control of the production process. Through intelligent production, it is possible to improve production efficiency, reduce labor costs, and improve product quality stability. At the same time, it can realize real-time monitoring and data analysis of the production process, provide strong support for the company's decision-making, and enhance the company's competitiveness in the market.
As a packaging material with excellent performance and wide application, polyolefin shrink film has made remarkable achievements in its past development and has great development potential in the future market. With the increasingly stringent environmental protection requirements, continuous technological innovation and diversified development of market demand, polyolefin shrink film will continue to evolve, with a more environmentally friendly, high-performance, customized and intelligent attitude, to provide better solutions for product packaging in various industries, and continue to write a brilliant chapter in the packaging field.
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