What Thickness of Shrink Film Do I need? - Packaging Blog

The question of shrink film thickness is a question anyone considering using shrink film for packaging should ask. To determine the thickness of shrink film needed the user must first determine the type of shrink film that is best for their specific application. View our previous post about shrink wrap varieties to help determine the type of shrink wrap you need.

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Once the type of shrink film is determined, understanding how shrink film is measured will help. Most shrink film is measured by gauge. Polyethylene shrink film is often measured in Mil thickness. A mil is one-thousandth of an inch. This is numerically written .001. A gauge is a unit of measurement used for everything from plastic to wire and sheet metal. One gauge is one-hundredth of a mil or one hundred thousandths of an inch. Another common measurement when referring to plastic is micron. A micron, short for micrometer is one-millionth of a meter. See the conversion chart below for a better understanding.

Plastic Thickness Conversion Chart

1 Gauge = One-hundredth of a Mil

100 Gauge = One Mil Thickness

1 Gauge = .254 Microns

100 Gauge = 25.4 Microns

1 Mil = One-Thousandth of an Inch

1 Mil Also equals 25.4 Microns

Now that we have the confusion out of the way we can look at a few shrink films to help discover the proper thickness needed for each application. The easy one to start with is PVC shrink film.

PVC Shrink Film

PVC shrink film can be found in a variety of thicknesses, but by far the most common is a 75 gauge. The 75 gauge thickness is so common we only stock our PVC centerfold rolls in a 75 gauge thickness. We do stock our bags in a 100 gauge thickness. PVC shrink film thicknesses are easy to figure because they are not recommended for sharp, heavy objects. It is a great option for boxes, CD cases, and other uniform objects, but not for heavy pointed objects in excess of 25-30 lbs.

PVC shrink film becomes brittle and hard after heat is applied. These characteristics keep PVC shrink wrap from being the best option for wrapping heavy pointed objects. Our PVC shrink bags are thicker because they are smaller and stronger seams are ideal for bags. If you are using a PVC shrink wrap and experiencing ripping or tearing another type of film may be a better option.

Polyolefin Shrink Film

As explained in several previous blog posts, polyolefin shrink film is a great option for packaging products in a wide range of industries. One of the main reasons it is preferred is because it is food safe and FDA approved.

As explained in a previous blog post, the word polyolefin means “oil like”. This explains the way polyolefin shrink film feels to the touch. Polyolefin feels oil-like or waxy. It is a much softer film than PVC. It does not contain Chloride like PVC does which is one of the main reasons it is food safe.

Polyolefin comes in a variety of stock thicknesses. The most common thicknesses are 60, 75, 80, and 100 gauge. One great feature of polyolefin shrink wrap a thicker film still offers great clarity. The advantage of using a thinner film is the roll length. Rolls of the thinner 60 gauge film are considerably longer than the 100 gauge film. Below is a breakdown of each polyolefin thickness and some general uses.

60 Gauge

This is the thinnest stock polyolefin film we offer. Some companies use a 50 gauge film for food products, but typically a 60 gauge polyolefin film will work for most light shrink film applications.

Our 60 gauge centerfold polyolefin rolls come in lengths of feet. A 60 gauge shrink film does not require much heat to shrink or seal. It will have a fair amount of puncture and tear resistance.

The most common uses for 60 gauge polyolefin shrink film are light food applications. We have several bakeries that use a light polyolefin roll to wrap small bundles of cookies and other baked goods.  Other customers commonly using a 60 gauge shrink film are stationery companies, printers, and confectioners.

Keep in mind a 60 gauge shrink film is for light applications. It is for products with limited or no sharp edges and corners. Because the 60 gauge film is lighter, it requires less heat to shrink and conform to the product. Too much heat will result in holes and burns.

75 Gauge

Rolls of 75 gauge centerfold shrink film come in ft. thicknesses. This is the standard shrink film thickness for both PVC and Polyolefin shrink film. Even though the films are the same thickness, the polyolefin offers better tear resistance. This is because the PVC shrink wrap becomes hard after heat is applied. If a puncture does occur, tearing will quickly begin.

Polyolefin shrink film is softer and has more flex after heat is applied. The additional flex offers better puncture and tear resistance. If you have determined polyolefin shrink film is the type of film you would like to use, more than likely a 75 gauge film will work for you. If your products are in excess of 30-35 lbs. you may want to consider using a thicker 100 gauge film.

100 Gauge

Our 100 Gauge centerfold shrink film rolls are feet in length. We recommend this thickness for anyone having troubles with burns, tears, and rips on lighter films. Because the 100 gauge film is thicker, it requires higher amounts of heat for shrinking.

We have a variety of customers that prefer the 100 gauge thickness for their applications. We recommend the 100 gauge for anything over 30-35 pounds with sharp or jagged edges. We have a variety of customers wrapping heavy wooded and metal objects with the 100 gauge polyolefin shrink film.

Polyethylene Shrink Film

This is the type of film many people think of for industrial applications. Polyethylene film can come in thicknesses up to 12 mils. Converted, that is gauge! Polyethylene shrink film is used for cases of water, pallet shrink bags, wrapping boats, and wrapping other large industrial items.

JFPolyFilm Product Page

Polyethylene shrink film does not have the same shrink rate as polyolefin and PVC. The lower shrink rate often makes polyethylene preferred for printing. Many of the printed water bottle cases in the store use polyethylene shrink film.

We do not stock many polyethylene shrink film products, but we are familiar with some common thicknesses. Our pallet shrink bags are made from polyethylene shrink film. Pallet shrink bags commonly come in 4-6 mil thickness.

Most marine polyethylene shrink rolls range in thickness from 4-12 mil. The heavier thickness is often used for large heavy items. Marine shrink wrap often comes blue and white in color.

If you are still unsure what thickness of shrink film you need, call us at 1-800-441-. A knowledgeable member of our sales staff would love to assist you.

Companies must stay abreast of the latest advancements and innovative solutions to streamline their operations and achieve competitive advantage in an ever-evolving packaging industry. Among the many packaging materials available, shrink films have emerged as a popular and versatile choice for businesses looking to enhance product protection, shelf appeal, and efficiency. As a leading supplier of shrink wrapping, pallet wrapping, flow wrapping, shrink sleeve applicators, and heat sealing packaging equipment, Australian Wrapping Company offers unmatched expertise and solutions to help you make the most of shrink films in your packaging strategy.

We understand the importance of packaging in business, and that’s why we’re excited to introduce you to the world of shrink films. These versatile films have quickly become popular for all sorts of packaging needs, and we’re here to guide you through everything you need to know. This article covers the different types of shrink films and their various applications so you can make informed decisions and take your packaging performance to the next level. 

Whether you’re looking for product protection, tamper-evidence, bundling, or promotional packaging, shrink films offer a wide range of benefits that make them a highly sought-after option across many industries. We’re confident that you’ll find this guide informative and helpful in your packaging endeavours.

Types of Shrink Films

Understanding the different types of shrink films is crucial for determining the most suitable material for your business needs. Here, we explore the most common types of shrink films:

1. PVC Shrink Film

Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) shrink film is a cost-effective and versatile option that offers excellent clarity, gloss, and printability. With its ease of use and ability to shrink quickly at low temperatures, PVC is a popular choice for retail packaging, such as boxes, toys, stationery, and consumer goods.

2. Polyolefin Shrink Film

Made from polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) materials, polyolefin shrink film is stronger, more flexible, and durable than PVC shrink film. Offering resistance to punctures and tears, this type of film is a popular choice for food packaging and other items that must tolerate harsh shipping conditions.

3. Cross-Linked Shrink Film

Cross-linked shrink film features extended shelf life, anti-oxidative qualities, and high-temperature resistance. This type of film is commonly used for applications that require robust, high-performance shrink films, such as product bundling and heavy-duty packaging.

4. PET Shrink Film

Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) shrink film is a highly transparent film with unparalleled strength and high-temperature resistance. It is commonly chosen for its tamper-evident and recyclable properties and is ideal for beverage and cosmetic product packaging.

Shrink Film Applications Across Industries

Owing to its versatile properties, shrink film serves a wide range of applications across various industries, including:

1. Food and Beverage Packaging

Shrink films securely wrap food and beverage items, such as canned goods, fruits, cheese, and baked goods, maintaining freshness and protecting against environmental factors.

2. Pharmaceutical Packaging

In the pharmaceutical industry, shrink films ensure tamper-evident packaging for medications, vials, and medical devices, meeting stringent regulatory requirements for product safety and protection.

3. Personal Care and Cosmetic Packaging

Shrink films deliver an elegant appearance for personal care and cosmetic products, enhancing appeal and ensuring tamper-evidence.

4. Retail and Consumer Goods Packaging

From electronic devices and toys to books and household items, shrink films offer enhanced protection, brand visibility, and secure sealing to prevent tampering with retail products.

Benefits of Shrink Films

The use of shrink films in packaging processes offers numerous benefits, such as:

1. Improved Product Protection

Shrink films provide a secure, form-fitting barrier around your products, protecting them from environmental contaminants, dust, and moisture.

2. Enhanced Aesthetics and Shelf Appeal

With excellent optical clarity and gloss, shrink films help showcase the product’s details, boosting their shelf appeal and encouraging sales.

3. Cost Efficiency

Compared to traditional packaging materials like corrugated cardboard or clamshell containers, shrink films offer a more cost-effective solution with lower material costs and reduced waste.

4. Promotional Opportunities

Shrink films can be easily printed, providing ample opportunity to include eye-catching artwork, branding, and promotional messages.

5. Minimised Product Tampering

The tamper-evident nature of shrink film packaging assists in ensuring product security and consumer safety while also alerting retailers and customers to potential tampering or contamination.

Best Practices for Shrink Film Packaging

To maximise the potential of shrink films in your packaging process, consider the following best practices:

1. Choose the Right Film Type

Select the appropriate shrink film type that best suits your product requirements, considering factors like material, film thickness, shrinkage ratio, and sealing temperature.

2. Use the Correct Equipment

Invest in industry-leading shrink wrapping equipment designed to deliver consistent, high-quality wrapping results. Consider factors like wrapping speed, efficiency, and integration into your existing production line.

3. Proper Application and Sealing

Ensure that your products are well-aligned and adequately spaced before applying the shrink film to facilitate a smooth, uniform shrink-sealing process.

4. Maintain Regular Equipment Maintenance

Schedule routine inspections and maintenance for your shrink wrapping equipment to prolong its lifespan, maintain optimal performance, and minimise the risk of downtime.

Harness the Power of Shrink Films

Shrink films present a versatile, cost-effective packaging solution with numerous applications and benefits across a multitude of industries. By understanding the various types of shrink films and their applications, you can harness their potential and elevate your packaging processes and product offerings.

The company is the world’s best CPET Shrink Film supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.