Biodegradable VS Plastic Shrink Film: Pros And Cons

Think back before the arrival of COVID19. Many people were reducing their use of plastic products. Plastic shopping bags, single-use containers, and packaging were all being slowly fazed out.

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Shortly after the arrival of the pandemic, however, things changed—the EPA relaxed environmental protections. And then, some states banned reusable bags. In their place, the resurgent single-use plastics.

This move was a complete 180 in plastic consumption trends to that point. Since the pandemic, we’ve seen a big comeback of single-use plastics.

The packaging industry was no different. There was an initial boost of interest in bio-based shrink films before the arrival of the pandemic. But, after COVID arrived, many companies switched back to traditional plastic films.

You might be thinking that plastics are all bad. But, you might be surprised to learn about the real pros and cons of plastic shrink film. But, which type of film is right for you? Bio-based film or plastic film?

With over six decades in the packaging industry, Industrial Packaging has learned a lot about shrink films. During that time, we have found that sometimes, traditional plastics are actually the better choice. And, sometimes, bio-films would make more sense for specific applications.

This article will take a look at the pros and cons of biodegradable films and plastic films. As a result, you’ll have a better understanding of each product. And, you will be able to make an informed decision about the proper film for your needs.

What Are The Pros And Cons Of Biodegradable Shrink Films?

Pros Of Biodegradable Shrink Films

•  Earth-friendly
•  Appealing to consumers
•  Biodegradable
  

Biodegradable Shrink Film Is Appealing To Consumers

Many consumers are focused on trying to reduce the harm to our planet earth. As such, biodegradable plastic alternatives are quickly becoming popular in Google searches. Just as it is with other types of bio-based plastic alternatives, bio-films are becoming very popular with consumers and are highly marketable to those seeking "green" options.

Bio-Based Shrink Film Is Earth-Friendly

Bio-polymer-based films like Nature Star are made from plants. Nurel is another brand of biodegradable plant-based film alternative. These products are made from biopolymers. And, they are the earth-friendly "plastics" of the emerging modern world.

Bio-Films Are Biodegradable

These materials have a similar physical texture and aesthetic to traditional plastics. But, they are created from plant-based, biodegradable, and sustainable compounds. These compounds break down naturally into their plant-based byproducts.

This process happens much faster than traditional plastics. Traditional plastics can take over thousand years to break down. And, this results in the presence of micro-plastics in our water sources.

For the environmentally minded, biopolymer-based films may seem like a godsend. Some might even call them a miracle. This cutting-edge technology might be both of those things. But, there are some drawbacks to using these bio-polymer-based film alternatives.

Cons Of Biodegradable Shrink Films

•  More expensive than plastic film
•  Not tested on many applications yet
•  Requires in-home or industrial composting

Bio-Films Are Generally More Expensive Than Traditional Shrink Films

Bio-polymer-based shrink films like those detailed above are few and far between. There are currently only a few brands available. And they can be pricey when compared to traditional plastic films.

Biodegradable Shrink Films Have Not Been Tested Extensively In Real World Applications

These bio-films are not commonly used on many packaging lines the world over (yet). So, these new materials have not been put to the test in many real-world applications. It is unclear if they will be able to offer the same qualities that plastic film provides. Those qualities include strength, clarity, gloss, haze, and other related elements.

Bio-Films Require Home Based Or Industrial Composting

While many people think you can just toss bioplastics and bio-based films on the side of the road or in the woods to decompose, this is not true. To get the ecological benefits from these materials, you need to compost them properly.

That means they must be composted at an industrial composting site or a home-based composting pile. If they are not properly disposed of in one of the ways above, they will not biodegrade properly. Additionally, bio-films are not recyclable. If they are tossed into the recycling, they will be removed and thrown in a landfill.

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What Are The Pros And Cons Of Traditional Plastic Shrink Films?

Pros Of Traditional Plastic Shrink Films

•  Easy to source
•  Recyclable
•  Enhances shelf appeal
•  Time tested and approved for many applications

Plastic Shrink Film Is Easier To Source

Plastic shrink films are easy to source. Even with the disruptions in the global supply chain, they are easier to obtain than their biodegradable counterparts.

Plastic films are trusted and well-known packaging materials. These films have stood the test of time. They are currently used on millions of packaging lines worldwide.

Plastic Shrink Films Are Recyclable

There are well-known environmental issues with most flexible packaging plastics. But, they still have significantly less of an ecological impact than the most popular alternatives. This is due to their much lower carbon footprint than many forms of rigid packaging.

When it comes to flexible packaging supplies, plastic films are some of the most environmentally friendly packaging materials currently available.

Unfortunately, many people do not realize that shrink films are entirely recyclable. Depending on the volume of film being recycled, some companies may even be able to make a profit from recycling their used films!

Shrink Film Enhances Shelf Appeal

Wrapping your products in shrink film is an easy way to boost shelf appeal. The glossy and reflective surface of plastic shrink films produces an eye-catching shimmer under store lights. If your products glisten on store shelves and your competitors do not, who do you think the consumer will reach for first?

Cons Of Traditional Plastic Shrink Films

•  Complicated to recycle
•  Made of plastic (decreasing in popularity with consumers)
•  Not suitable for highly heat sensitive products
•  Related machinery can be expensive

Plastic Shrink Film Is Complicated To Recycle

Again, while plastic films are recyclable, many people are unaware of this. As a result, they end up in landfills. And, they find their way to waterways, rivers, streams, and eventually, the ocean. In this way, they contribute to a growing problem with ocean plastics.

Plastic Shrink Film Is Not Good For Ultra Heat Sensitive Products

Furthermore, there are some types of products that should not be packaged in shrink film. These products include any product that can not withstand the heat of a shrink tunnel. If your products are very heat sensitive, it is ill-advised to use shrink film to package them.

Plastic Shrink Film Machinery Can Be Expensive

Shrink films are relatively inexpensive materials. But, the machinery required to use them properly is not. The range of investments for shrink tunnels and sealers can range from $10,000 - $100,000.

Do you have the budget or financing capabilities to make such large purchases? If not, shrink film may not make sense for your packaging needs. That being said, you can do small runs of products with a heat gun or table-top shrink tunnel. These types of machinery would cost you significantly less.

Plastics Are Becoming Less Popular With Consumers

Despite the unpopular truth about plastic shrink films, consumers are continually calling upon corporations to discontinue the use of plastic packaging. As consumer demands to ban plastics in an effort to reduce damages to our oceans increases, plastic is becoming less and less appealing over time.

Which Type Of Film Is Right For You?

When trying to decide between bio-films and plastic films, you need to make a few decisions. Some of the questions that you’ll want to ask yourself are:

• Is the type of film you want to use going to be available regularly? Right now, the supply chain is tight. Plastic shrink film made in the USA has the best availability.
• What are you willing to spend on materials in exchange for less of an environmental impact? If you are open to spending more to save the earth, bio-films are your best choice.
• How are your consumers going to react to your choice of material? If your customers are heavily environmentally minded, bio-films are a better choice.
• Can you afford longer lead times? If you answered no, you would want to stick with plastic film.
• Do you have access to a home or industrial compost facility? If you answered no, you would want to stick to plastic film.

Where Can You Learn More About Shrink Film?

Now that you have all the information required to choose between biodegradable shrink film and plastic shrink film, you have another choice to make. Are you going to purchase domestic shrink film or foreign-made shrink film?

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For more Environmentally Friendly Shrink Filminformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.

Are you curious to know what the difference between these two options is? Would you like to know more about the pros and cons associated with each option? If you would like to learn more, we would suggest that you read Domestic Shrink Film VS Imported Shrink Film: Which Is Right For You?

With the information in the article above, you will be able to figure out which choice makes the most sense for your unique packaging requirements.

Shrink film technology has evolved significantly since its introduction. Initially, shrink film was primarily manufactured using polyvinyl chloride (PVC) due to its cost-effectiveness and high shrinkage properties. However, PVC shrink film posed environmental concerns and potential health risks when heated, prompting the industry to seek safer and more sustainable alternatives.

This shift led to the development of polyolefin shrink film, which gained widespread adoption due to its versatility and reduced environmental impact. Polyolefin shrink film is derived from oil and natural gas polymers, offering a more sustainable option compared to PVC. It exhibits superior clarity, high strength, and is safe for food contact applications.

Recent technological advancements have resulted in the creation of cross-linked polyolefin shrink film, which provides enhanced strength and puncture resistance. These innovations have significantly improved packaging efficiency and sustainability within the industry.

Recent innovations in shrink film technology include films made from compostable, like polylactic acid (PLA),  and biodegradable materials, like revolutionary product of Bioaqualife’s Bio Wrap, helping to reduce environmental impact.

Key Takeaways

• Shrink film technology has evolved to become more advanced and efficient over time, offering better performance and cost-effectiveness.
• Advanced shrink film technology provides benefits such as improved product protection, enhanced shelf appeal, and increased production efficiency.
• Innovations in shrink film materials have led to the development of eco-friendly options, including biodegradable and recyclable materials.
• Sustainability is a key focus in shrink film technology, with advancements in materials and processes aimed at reducing environmental impact.
• Advanced shrink film technology is widely used in various industries, including food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and consumer goods, for packaging and protection purposes.

Benefits of Advanced Shrink Film Technology

The advancements in shrink film technology have brought about numerous benefits for businesses and consumers alike. One of the key benefits is the improved sustainability of shrink film materials. With the shift towards polyolefin and cross-linked polyolefin shrink films, businesses can now choose packaging materials that are more environmentally friendly without compromising on performance.

This has become increasingly important as consumers are becoming more conscious of the environmental impact of packaging materials. Another benefit of advanced shrink film technology is the improved strength and durability of the materials. Cross-linked polyolefin shrink film, in particular, offers exceptional puncture resistance and tear strength, making it ideal for packaging products with sharp edges or irregular shapes.

This not only ensures that products are well-protected during transit and storage but also reduces the likelihood of product damage and returns, ultimately saving businesses time and money. Furthermore, advanced shrink film technology has also led to improvements in packaging efficiency. The high clarity and shrinkage properties of polyolefin shrink film allow for a tight, secure wrap around products, enhancing their appearance and shelf appeal.

This not only helps products stand out on the shelves but also reduces the amount of material needed for packaging, leading to cost savings for businesses.

Innovations in Shrink Film Materials

In recent years, there have been significant innovations in shrink film materials that have further improved their performance and sustainability. One such innovation is the development of bio-based shrink films, which are made from renewable resources such as corn or sugarcane. These bio-based shrink films offer similar properties to traditional polyolefin shrink films but with the added benefit of being derived from sustainable sources.

This makes them an attractive option for businesses looking to reduce their environmental footprint. Another innovation in shrink film materials is the incorporation of additives to enhance specific properties. For example, anti-fog additives can be included in shrink films to prevent condensation from forming on the surface, ensuring that products remain visible and appealing to consumers.

UV inhibitors can also be added to shrink films to protect products from sun damage during outdoor storage or transportation. These innovations allow businesses to customize shrink film materials to meet their specific packaging needs while ensuring product protection and presentation. Additionally, advancements in nanotechnology have led to the development of nano-composite shrink films, which offer superior barrier properties and mechanical strength.

These films are designed to provide enhanced protection against moisture, oxygen, and other external factors that can affect product quality. Nano-composite shrink films are particularly well-suited for packaging perishable goods such as fresh produce, meat, and dairy products, where maintaining product freshness is crucial.

Infused with a blend of organic materials, like Bioaqualife’s unique Bio Wrap, these plastics are specifically designed to biodegrade under landfill conditions.

Sustainability and Shrink Film Technology

Sustainability has become a key focus in the packaging industry, and shrink film technology has not been left behind in this regard. The shift towards more sustainable materials such as polyolefin and bio-based shrink films has significantly reduced the environmental impact of packaging. These materials are recyclable and can be processed through standard recycling streams, making them a more eco-friendly option compared to traditional PVC shrink films.

Furthermore, advancements in shrink film technology have also led to improvements in energy efficiency during the manufacturing process. Newer shrink film materials require lower processing temperatures and shorter dwell times during the shrinking process, resulting in reduced energy consumption and lower carbon emissions. This not only benefits the environment but also helps businesses reduce their operational costs.

In addition to material sustainability, advancements in shrink film technology have also led to improvements in packaging design and efficiency. The ability to create tight, secure wraps around products using advanced shrink films allows for reduced material usage, leading to less waste generation. This is particularly important in industries with high-volume packaging operations, where even small reductions in material usage can result in significant environmental benefits.

Applications of Advanced Shrink Film Technology

The versatility and performance of advanced shrink film technology have made it suitable for a wide range of applications across various industries. In the food and beverage industry, polyolefin and bio-based shrink films are commonly used for packaging fresh produce, meat, poultry, seafood, and dairy products. The high clarity and excellent shrinkage properties of these films help showcase the quality and freshness of the products while providing protection against contamination and spoilage.

In the retail sector, advanced shrink film technology is widely used for packaging consumer goods such as electronics, toys, cosmetics, and household products. The ability to create custom-fit wraps around products not only enhances their visual appeal but also provides tamper-evident packaging for added security. Additionally, the use of bio-based shrink films in retail packaging aligns with consumer preferences for sustainable and eco-friendly products.

Another important application of advanced shrink film technology is in the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries. Shrink films are used to package medical devices, pharmaceutical products, and personal care items, providing protection against moisture, tampering, and contamination. The high barrier properties of nano-composite shrink films make them particularly well-suited for these applications, ensuring that products remain safe and effective throughout their shelf life.

Last but not least, shrink films are widely used in the marine, construction, and agriculture industries.

Future Trends in Shrink Film Technology

Looking ahead, there are several key trends that are expected to shape the future of shrink film technology. One such trend is the continued development of bio-based and compostable shrink films as businesses seek more sustainable packaging solutions. These materials offer similar performance to traditional shrink films but with the added benefit of being biodegradable, reducing their impact on the environment.

Another future trend is the integration of smart packaging technologies into shrink films. This includes features such as QR codes, RFID tags, or temperature-sensitive indicators that provide real-time information about product freshness, authenticity, and handling conditions. These smart packaging solutions not only enhance product traceability and consumer engagement but also contribute to improved supply chain management and product safety.

Furthermore, advancements in material science are expected to lead to the development of even stronger and thinner shrink films with enhanced barrier properties. This will allow for further reductions in material usage while maintaining or improving product protection and presentation. Additionally, the use of advanced printing technologies will enable businesses to create more visually appealing packaging designs on shrink films, further enhancing brand recognition and consumer appeal.

Considerations for Choosing the Right Shrink Film Technology

When choosing the right shrink film technology for a specific application, there are several key considerations that businesses should take into account. Firstly, it is important to consider the properties of the products being packaged, such as their size, shape, weight, and sensitivity to external factors. This will help determine the type of shrink film material needed to provide adequate protection and presentation for the products.

Another consideration is the environmental impact of the shrink film material. Businesses should prioritize materials that are recyclable or biodegradable to minimize their carbon footprint and align with sustainability goals. Additionally, factors such as energy efficiency during manufacturing and transportation should also be taken into account when evaluating the environmental impact of shrink film technology.

Furthermore, businesses should consider the overall cost-effectiveness of different shrink film options. While advanced materials may have a higher upfront cost, they can lead to long-term savings through reduced material usage, improved product protection, and lower operational costs. It is important to conduct a thorough cost-benefit analysis to determine the most suitable shrink film technology for specific packaging needs.

In conclusion, advanced shrink film technology has brought about significant improvements in sustainability, performance, and efficiency within the packaging industry. With ongoing innovations and future trends shaping the landscape of shrink film technology, businesses have an opportunity to choose materials that not only meet their packaging needs but also align with their environmental and cost considerations. By carefully evaluating these factors and staying informed about emerging technologies, businesses can make informed decisions when selecting the right shrink film technology for their products.

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