Polyolefin Shrink Film

What is Polyolefin Shrink Film?

Polyolefin shrink film is a popular type of plastic film widely used across various industries, including food, medical, industrial, and consumer goods packaging. Derived from synthetic polymers primarily made from petroleum or natural gas, polyolefin films offer excellent strength, durability, and clarity. The two main polyolefins used in shrink films are polyethylene and polypropylene, both of which contribute to the film's remarkable performance.

In packaging, especially in the food sector, polyolefin shrink film plays a critical role in protecting products from external elements like moisture, oxygen, light, and physical damage. Its ability to shrink tightly around items when exposed to heat provides a secure and attractive protective barrier, ensuring that products remain in optimal condition during storage, transport, and display.

What Makes Polyolefin (POF) Shrink Film Unique?

Product Type: Biaxially Stretched Heat Shrinkable Film
Product structure: new and thinnest (compared to other membranes in the description)
Available thicknesses: 10 micron, 12 micron, 15 micron, 19 micron, 25 micron and 30 micron
Transparency: has better clarity
Glossiness: good gloss

Different Types of Polyolefin Shrink Film for Your Needs:

• Single Roll Paper: Ideal for manual or small-scale applications.

• Tubular Roll: Suitable for automated packaging systems, providing continuous wrapping solutions.

• Customizable Colors: Choose from a wide range of colors to match your brand or product requirements.

• Thickness Range: Available in a thickness range of 10 to 38 microns, allowing for flexibility in protection and film strength depending on the application.

Application of Polyolefin Shrink Film:

Food packaging: It is often used to package milk tea, clear soup noodles, etc., which can effectively maintain the freshness and taste of food and extend the shelf life of food.
High-end product packaging: For products that require exquisite presentation, such as gift boxes and chocolates, jtpackage polyolefin shrink film can significantly enhance the visual effect and appeal of the product with its high definition and low haze properties.
Cosmetic packaging: In the cosmetics industry, polyolefin (POF) shrink film are used to package various beauty products, which not only protects the products from external contamination, but also demonstrates the sophistication and elegance of the products.
Pharmaceutical packaging: It is also suitable for the packaging of pharmaceuticals to ensure the sealing and safety of pharmaceuticals while facilitating identification and storage.
Furniture and Hardware Packaging: In the furniture and hardware industries,  our products are used to protect items from scratches and damage while facilitating handling and storage.

Benefits of Using Jtpackage Polyolefin Shrink Film for Your Business:

Polyolefin shrink film has strong, high-definition characteristics and can shrink stably and evenly, ensuring that packaged products are not damaged during transportation and storage. The soft corner design prevents scratches or abrasions on the product during packaging.
This material will not release harmful gases during use, ensuring the safety and environmental protection of the product.
The characteristics of high definition and low haze make the packaged goods more beautiful, which can improve the display effect and attractiveness of the goods.
It is suitable for packaging of a variety of commodities, such as milk tea, clear soup noodles, gift boxes, chocolates, etc., which can enhance consumers' desire to buy.
Polyolefin shrink film is an affordable packaging material that can reduce packaging costs, thereby saving costs for businesses.

How the Thickness of Polyolefin Shrink Film Affects Performance

• Protective Performance: Thicker films offer enhanced physical protection, such as improved resistance to tears, punctures, and impacts. This makes them ideal for packaging heavier or more fragile items that require extra safeguarding.
• Shrinking Effect: A thicker film can adhere more tightly to the surface of the product, resulting in a more uniform shrink and improving both the stability and visual appeal of the packaging.
• Machine Efficiency: While thicker films provide stronger protection, they can also impact the efficiency of the shrink machine. The increased thickness may slow down the shrinking process and lead to higher energy consumption, potentially reducing overall operational efficiency.

Key Factors Influencing the Cost of Polyolefin (POF) Shrink Film

The cost of polyolefin (POF) shrink film is determined by several factors, including:

   Material Type: The type of polymer used, such as high-density polyethylene (HDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), or polypropylene (PP), influences the price based on their properties and uses.
   Clarity Requirements: Films with higher clarity or enhanced transparency, often needed for product visibility, typically come at a higher cost due to additional processing or additives.
   Size and Format: Larger rolls or custom-sized packaging formats often require specialized production equipment, which can drive up costs.
   Market Conditions: Fluctuations in raw material prices and energy costs can lead to changes in the price of POF shrink film, so businesses must be mindful of broader economic trends.

Shrink Wrapping Process Using Polyolefin Shrink Film

The process of shrink wrapping with polyolefin (POF) shrink film is efficient, adaptable, and suitable for both manual and automated packaging systems. It ensures a clean, professional finish while protecting the product from dust, moisture, and tampering.

a. Product Placement
The product is first placed between two layers of Polyolefin shrink film, which is usually in centerfold form. Alternatively, a single-wound roll may be used in certain machinery.

b. Sealing
Once the product is wrapped, the film is sealed around the item using a heat sealer. The seal must be strong and clean to ensure proper shrinking and to avoid film breakage during the heating process.

c. Heat Application
The sealed product passes through a shrink tunnel or is exposed to a heat gun. The applied heat causes the Polyolefin film to shrink tightly around the item, conforming to its shape. Temperatures typically range from 120°C to 160°C, depending on the film grade.

d. Cooling and Final Appearance
As the film cools, it contracts fully to produce a snug, glossy, and tamper-evident package. The clarity of Polyolefin film ensures excellent product visibility and shelf appeal.

Benefits of This Process:

Compatible with high-speed machinery for large-scale packaging
Minimal waste generation
Uniform shrink results even for irregular shapes
Safe to use around food and sensitive items

Polyolefin shrink film: Material Composition and Properties

Polyolefin shrink film is crafted from a combination of polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP), two of the most commonly used thermoplastics. This unique blend delivers the best features of both materials, making Polyolefin a highly versatile and durable shrink film solution.

Core Properties:

a. Strength and Flexibility
Thanks to its molecular structure, polyolefin shrink film exhibits high tensile strength and flexibility. It resists tearing and puncturing, even when wrapping heavy or oddly shaped items.

b. Optical Clarity
Polyolefin film provides excellent transparency and a glossy finish. This is particularly valuable for retail products where visual presentation directly impacts consumer behavior.

c. Seal Strength
The film creates strong, consistent seals using standard heat-sealing equipment. Seals remain intact even during shipping and handling.

d. Shrink Ratio
Most Polyolefin shrink films offer a shrink ratio of 40–60%, which means the film can shrink uniformly in multiple directions, tightly wrapping around a variety of product shapes and sizes.

e. Food Safety Compliance
Many Polyolefin shrink films meet international food safety standards, making them suitable for direct contact with edible items like bakery goods, chocolates, and meats.

f. Temperature Tolerance
POF maintains its integrity in a wide range of temperatures. It does not become brittle in cold storage and does not emit toxic fumes during the shrinking process, unlike PVC films.

g. Environmental Responsibility
Most polyolefin shrink films are 100% recyclable. Some newer versions are even made with bio-based or compostable components, helping businesses reduce their environmental impact.

Comparing Polyolefin (POF) Shrink Film with PVC Shrink Film and PE Shrink Film

To understand the value of polyolefin shrink film, it's helpful to compare it with other commonly used shrink wrap materials—PVC and Polyethylene (PE)

Summary:
Polyolefin Shrink Film offers a balanced combination of clarity, strength, and safety. It's versatile enough for use across multiple sectors.

PVC Shrink Film is cost-effective but not ideal for food and can release hazardous gases.

PE Shrink Film is great for bulk wrapping but lacks the aesthetic appeal and clarity that POF provides.

Storage and Handling Tips for Polyolefin Shrink Film

Proper storage and handling are essential to maintain the quality and performance of Polyolefin shrink film. The following guidelines can help ensure that your packaging materials remain in optimal condition until they're ready for use:

a. Storage Conditions
Polyolefin shrink films should be stored in a cool, dry environment, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Excessive heat or exposure to UV rays can degrade the film's properties, making it more prone to tearing or uneven shrinkage.

Ideal Storage: Store at room temperature (around 18–22°C or 65–72°F) and keep the film rolls wrapped in protective plastic to prevent dust and dirt accumulation.

Avoid Moisture: Moisture can compromise the film's sealing properties. Ensure that the storage area is well-ventilated and free from humidity.

b. Proper Handling During Transportation
When transporting Polyolefin shrink film, handle the rolls with care. Dropping or rolling the material can cause wrinkles or creases, which could affect shrink performance.

Tip: Use pallets or shelving systems to keep the film rolls upright and secure. Avoid stacking too many rolls on top of each other to prevent compression and deformation.

c. Pre-Use Inspection
Before using Polyolefin shrink film, check for any visible signs of damage or defects. These could include creases, tears, or discoloration, all of which could impact the final packaging quality.

Tip: Perform a quick visual inspection of each roll before loading it into your machine. If any issues are found, replace the roll to ensure consistency and quality in your packaging process.

d. Handling with Machines
Ensure that your shrink packaging machine is compatible with the film you are using. Use the appropriate film gauges and adjust machine settings accordingly to avoid excessive heat or pressure that may cause film breakage.

Tip: Regularly clean your equipment, especially the sealing and shrinking units, to prevent residue buildup that could interfere with the film's performance.