The question is: Should you still be buying PVC or changing to Polyolefin film? What is the difference between the two? Is one better than the other?
The first thing to do when looking for the right packaging material is analyse what you are packaging. This can affect the type of shrink film you use – consideration must be given to whether or not the product is edible, if multiple products need to be packaged together, if there are any sharp corners and whether or not the shrink wrap machine will be used indoors.
Historically, PVC film has been very popular, it was inexpensive and widely available. It has been widely used for CD/DVD packaging and wrapping boxes, software and other non-edible products. However, PVC film is brittle and not good for use with bundling multiple products, nor is it safe for use with food products. The other downside is that PVC production lines create odour and smoke as the film deposits on the sealing equipment and carbon build up on the sealing tools over time. Although PVC film has long been the film of choice, Polyolefin film has been growing in popularity over the past few years and is now almost as common as PVC shrink film.
Environmentally friendly – easily recyclable
Lower cost per foot than PVC
It doesn’t become brittle and yellow with age
It’s more pliable than PVC film and does not tear easily
As a multi layer film the finished packs are very strong and presentable
It’s puncture resistant and tough
It gives better results where clarity and shelf life are important considerations
It gives better results when bundling multiple products
It’s approved for direct food contact
It doesn’t break down during the heat-sealing phase of packaging
It’s clean to use – less machine maintenance and a cleaner, higher quality overall appearance
No need to use Teflon curtaining over sealing wires
No smell or smoke when sealing – fine for use indoors
Most shrink wrap machinesare capable of using both PVC and Polyolefin film. The heat required to shrink both types of film is about the same – so swapping to Polyolefin is easy.