Shrink Wrap Film - a Guide to Film Selection

When it comes to shrink wrapping your soap, you have options. In this article we discuss the different types of shrink wrap films, so you can make the best choice for your product packaging.

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Wrapping your soap protects it from the environment, excess handling and your clients, while increasing customer confidence in the integrity of your product. There are several different types of plastics used to make shrink wrap film, and each comes in different weights, with and without perforations. So when it comes to selecting the best for your individual application, the answer depends on a number of factors.

PVC Film

If you don’t want, or don’t care if, the scent of the soap comes through the film, 75 gauge PVC is the best-looking film to use. It is also the easiest to work with. PVC is crinkly, with a beautiful glossy finish. It makes your packages sparkle, which is why PVC is the first choice for gift applications such as Spa Kits, gift sets and gift baskets, as well as single items such as soap or candles. It’s often a good choice for products placed in retail outlets other than your own, as it looks great, and typically, will not allow the scent through quickly, if at all.

The weight of the PVC film makes a difference. We often hear complaints about “hard, rough edges” from soapers who are using the pre-made PVC shrink bags which are typically made from 100 gauge PVC. The recommended thickness for PVC used to wrap small items (such as a bar of soap) is 75 gauge. Anything over that is way too thick and will result in those sharp edges.

For moisture sensitive items such as bath bombs, fizzies and MP soap, the same properties of PVC that keep the scent from escaping will also protect the moisture (or rain!) from getting in. That makes PVC film an excellent choice for these items as well.

Perforated PVC

Tip: Sometimes if you perfectly seal a bar of soap, it will trap some air in the package and puff up like a little pillow as you shrink it down. To resolve this minor issue, squeeze the bar as you handle it normally for shrinking. The air will find a way out and it doesn’t take any extra time.

If you want the glossy look-and-feel of PVC for your soaps and candles but still want the scent to come through the film, think about Perforated PVC. This is the same 75 gauge film, but made with tiny pinholes that will allow the scent to come through. Keep in mind when considering Perforated PVC for moisture sensitive items that there are actual holes in the film that will let in humidity and water.

Polyolefins

If you DO want the scent to come through, polyolefins can be a better choice. It is an FDA-approved-for-food-contact film that is breathable, freezable, microwaveable and allows the scent through the film, whether perforated or not.

Polyolefins are soft shrink films with a feel similar to that of your standard Ziploc-type sandwich bag. There are two processes by which polyolefin is manufactured, the latest of which is a method called cross-linking. Cross-linked polyolefin yields a stronger and more puncture-resistant film than shrink packaging produced by the old method. It’s more expensive than standard films and is usually sold under the “premium” designation. (This is the only type of polyolefin we sell at National Shrinkwrap.)

60 Gauge vs. 75 Gauge Polyolefin

Within the confines of a shop or if you ship mail-order, 60 gauge polyolefins is the film of choice. It is thinner, easier to cut and seal, and quicker to shrink than any of the other films. Keep in mind, though, that it’s also easier to blow a hole through 60 gauge film if you get a little careless with your heat gun.

However, if you are often moving your product (for example to and from fairs, festivals, or farmer’s markets) the stronger, thicker, 75 gauge film will make for stronger packages that will stand up better to the repeated handling during packing and unpacking and setting up your racks or displays. The heavier weight film also offers a bit more protection from customers’ handling of your products.

In the same vein, you might want to wrap Multi-Bar packs, gift sets or soap/dish combinations. These would also benefit from the added strength and durability of 75 gauge polyolefin.

Just to give you some perspective on the film, Apple uses 60 gauge film wrapping iPad boxes. Polyolefin film in 60 gauge is available in standard, perforated and Soft Shrink varieties.

Perforated Polyolefins

At National Shrinkwrap, we originally perforated many of our film selections for the benefit of our customers making goat’s milk and dairy based soap which need to “breathe” (to avoid rancidity from any dairy components).

Another reason many of our soapers, even those not using milk in their recipe, prefer the perforated films is that the perforations make it easier any air trapped in your package to escape.

Finally, the perforations allow the scent through quickly on wrapping. However, given a day or so, the scent of the soap will still come through the non-perforated polyolefin films just as well.

As with perforated PVC, we don’t recommend perforated polyolefin for MP soap, bath bombs, fizzies or other moisture-sensitive products. In humid or rainy environments perforated film allows moisture in more easily; and in an arid environment it may allow for too much moisture evaporation over time. That said, at National Shrinkwrap we do have many customers who us the perforated polyolefin for MP soaps and are happy with it, especially those that do not typically sell in outside environments.

Soft Shrink Polyolefin

Soft shrink polyolefin is a special formulation that requires less heat to shrink down, a big plus for wrapping butters and other heat sensitive items. It also exerts less force during the shrinking process, allowing it to conform to intricate shapes better than other films. If your decorative bars feature delicate designs like the petals on a soap rose, or if you make shaped soaps, like pie slices, cupcakes or frosted items, you might want to opt for this variant of polyolefin film.

Biolefin™

If you’ve “gone green,” Biolefin™ is a biodegradable film that will take 90% less time to degrade in the environment and will decompose into biomass in a span of 3-5 years in a landfill situation.

Biolefin serves the same purposes as standard film, and is available with or without perforations. As with all polyolefins, it allows the scent of your soaps through whether perforated or not. NOTE: Biolefin is only available in 60 gauge.

Summary

So, in a nutshell, here are your film options, in order of popularity, amongst our legions of soapmaking customers.

Shrink film is a versatile packaging material widely used for protecting products, bundling items together, or enhancing the appearance of retail packaging. Whether you're packaging food, electronics, or industrial goods, selecting the right shrink film is critical to achieving a durable, professional, and cost-effective solution. In this guide, we’ll cover six essential ways to ensure you’re buying the right shrink film for your needs.

1. Understand the Different Types of Shrink Film

Shrink films come in various types, each with unique properties suited for different applications. The most common types are:

• Polyethylene (PE): Affordable and widely used for simple shrink wrapping, especially in food and beverage packaging.

• Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC): Offers excellent clarity and a strong shrink ratio, ideal for retail packaging and bundling products.

• Polyolefin (POF): A flexible, high-quality film with superior strength and shrinkage properties, often used for food, pharmaceuticals, and high-end retail products.

• Polyester (PET): Known for its strength and durability, PET shrink film is ideal for packaging heavy-duty or sharp-edged products.

Understanding the properties of each type of shrink film is crucial when choosing the right one. Consider the material’s strength, clarity, and shrink ratio, as well as its environmental impact and cost-effectiveness for your specific application.

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Want more information on PE Shrink Film? Feel free to contact us.

2. Consider the Shrink Film’s Gauge (Thickness)

The gauge of shrink film refers to its thickness, and it plays a major role in determining its strength, durability, and shrink performance. Shrink film comes in various thicknesses, usually measured in mils or microns. Choosing the correct gauge depends on the weight and fragility of the products being packaged.

Questions to ask:

• Is my product lightweight or heavy?

• Will the shrink film need to withstand rough handling during shipping?

A thinner gauge film (e.g., 50-60 gauge) works well for lightweight and low-volume products, while thicker films (e.g., 75-100 gauge) are better for heavier or bulkier items. Thicker films offer added protection and durability, but they come at a higher cost.

3. Match the Film’s Shrink Ratio with Your Product

The shrink ratio of the film refers to how much the film shrinks when heat is applied. It’s crucial to select shrink film with a shrink ratio that aligns with your packaging requirements. A higher shrink ratio means the film will shrink more tightly around your product, providing a snug fit. The right shrink ratio depends on the size and shape of the item you're wrapping.

Questions to consider:

• What is the shape and size of the product?

• Will the shrink film need to conform closely to irregular shapes?

Films with a shrink ratio of 2:1 are common for standard, uniformly shaped products, while those with a higher shrink ratio (e.g., 3:1) are ideal for irregularly shaped or oversized items.

Shrink Film

4. Choose the Right Shrink Temperature

Different types of shrink films require different temperatures to shrink effectively. If you apply the wrong temperature, the film may not shrink properly, or it may melt and damage your products. It’s essential to choose a shrink film with the right shrink temperature range for your equipment and products.

Questions to ask:

• What type of heat source am I using (heat tunnel, heat gun, or shrink wrap machine)?

• What is the recommended temperature range for the shrink film?

Ensure the shrink film you select is compatible with the temperature settings of your equipment. For example, Polyolefin shrink films typically shrink at lower temperatures (around 250-300°F), while PVC films often require higher heat (around 350-400°F). The wrong temperature could result in poor sealing or product damage.

5. Consider the Clarity and Appearance of the Film

Clarity is an important factor if you want your products to be visually appealing and enhance consumer perception. Clear shrink films allow for a transparent view of the packaged items, which is important for retail products. On the other hand, some products may benefit from colored or opaque shrink films to add branding or conceal the contents.

Questions to ask:

• Do I need the shrink film to showcase the product?

• Is product visibility a priority for my packaging?

Polyolefin and PVC films are typically clear and provide excellent visibility, while opaque films (e.g., colored or matte finishes) can offer more privacy and a branded appearance. Consider your marketing and packaging goals when selecting the clarity of your shrink film.

6. Evaluate Environmental Considerations

As consumers and businesses alike are becoming more environmentally conscious, it's important to consider the sustainability of the shrink film you choose. Many shrink films are now available in biodegradable or recyclable options, allowing you to reduce your packaging’s environmental impact.

Questions to ask:

• Can the shrink film be recycled after use?

• Is there an eco-friendly option available for my product packaging?

Polyolefin films are often considered a more eco-friendly option compared to PVC, as they are recyclable and have a lower environmental footprint. Additionally, films made from renewable resources or biodegradable materials are gaining popularity for businesses looking to minimize their impact on the environment.

Conclusion

Choosing the right shrink film for your packaging needs is an essential step in ensuring product protection, visual appeal, and cost efficiency. By considering factors such as the type of shrink film, gauge, shrink ratio, shrink temperature, clarity, and environmental impact, you can make an informed decision that meets your requirements. Whether you're wrapping food, electronics, or retail products, selecting the right shrink film will improve the quality of your packaging and enhance the overall consumer experience.