Shrink Film

What are the benefits of Shrink Wrap?

Shrink wrapping is an easy process that only requires two things; the right kind of film and heat. With just a roll of shrink wrap film and a heating source, you can waterproof, weatherproof and tamperproof just about anything you have. Since there is very little restriction on the size item you can shrink wrap, big or small; you now have a way to protect even your bulkiest of items. As an added bonus, shrink wrap film is recyclable; when you’re finished with it, you can toss it in with your other plastic bags to be recycled and remade for future uses.

• Protection
  When heat is applied to shrink wrap, it creates a very tight seal. This plastic seal then fully protects the shrink wrapped contents. Once sealed, the items are no longer vulnerable to the damage that can be caused by dust, dirt or moisture. Some types of shrink wrap even come with UV protection, to keep your products safe from the sun’s harmful rays.
• Durability
  Shrink wrap is made from a very sturdy, durable plastic. It is difficult to tear or puncture. Unlike other materials, shrink wrap does not become brittle or weaken when it is in the sun or extreme cold. Once the shrink wrap has been heated and sealed over your objects, it will not loosen or sag.
• Tampering
  Since shrink wrap both seals and holds its shape once applied, any tampering will be noticeable immediately. For this reason, many pharmaceutical companies now shrink wrap their products, as well as food manufacturers. Some types of shrink wraps used by banks and government agencies change color when the plastic has been stretched, to show that the sealed items have been touched.
• Affordability
  Compared to other packaging materials, shrink wrap can be a very affordable choice. It also is designed to minimize space; it keeps bundled items close together without the use of additional bulky materials, such as boxes. Space saved is money saved, both in storage and transport.
• Branding
  An added feature of shrink wrap is that it can be designed with colors, words, pictures and logos that promote your products. From your production floor until it reaches the end user, your product isn’t just wrapped in plastic—it’s wrapped in your brand. This is a marketing tool that can increase brand awareness, and make you more visible to your customers.
• Convenience
  The one item that most separates shrink wrap from other packaging materials is that it can be used for any size project. Small electrical wires are often shrink wrapped to prevent exposure to moisture. Game pieces, candies, and hardware can all be bunched and shrink wrapped. On the other end of the spectrum, shrink wrap kits are sold to weatherize boats and greenhouses. Freight on trailers and trains can be shrink wrapped for easier transport. Even entire buildings have been shrink wrapped to prevent chemical leaks or exposure from hazardous materials.

Cryovac CT-500 Series

Cryovac® CT-500 series soft shrink finesse films are based on the patented Sealed Air micro-layering technology platform. These films are designed to provide the shrink and ease-of-use expected in the Cryovac® soft shrink film category, with excellent optics, improved toughness and enhanced tear resistance.

Cryovac® CT-500 series films are very forgiving on a wide range of equipment and are highly tear resistant. In addition, irregular shaped items packaged in these films come out of the shrink tunnel with less bridging and smaller dog ears than conventional films, resulting in better final package appearance.
Full Brochure for CT-500

Get the Correct Size Shrink Film

To size shrink film, you need to measure your product's dimensions and then add extra film for overlap and sealing. For centerfold film, add the height and width of your item, then add 2+ inches for overlap. Remember to account for your specific equipment and sealing methods. For single wound film, use the centerfold result and multiply by two.

Here’s a more detailed breakdown:

1. Measure your product:
   1. For rectangular items measure the width, height, and length of the product.
   2. For round or cylindrical products, measure the diameter and the height of the product.
   3. Orient the longer dimension as the width, especially for centerfold film as long as the product fits the equipment. This maximizes the packages per roll, minimizes roll changes and minimizes the scrap needed for the side seal.
2. Calculate the centerfold film size:
   1. Add the height and width of your product, then add extra film for the side seal.
      Example: If the product oriented on the infeed is 10” wide and 4” tall, you will need 10 + 4 + 2.5 = 16.5” centerfold film (at a minimum).
   2. For manual and semi-automatic sealers
      1. For products 0” – 2.5” tall, add 2”
      2. For products 2.5” – 4.5” tall, add 2.5”
      3. For products 4.5”+ tall, add 3”
   3. For automatic L-Bar Sealers
      1. For products 0” – 3” tall, add 4”
      2. For products 3” – 6” tall, add 4.5”
      3. For products 6”+ tall, add 5-6”
   4. For Form Fill and Seal equipment
      1. Any height: W + H + 1.5” minimum
3. Cut-Off Formula for bag length: There are starting parameters to size the shrink bag that you are creating around your product utilizing the package length (L) and height (H):
   1. Package height 0” – 2.5”: L + H + 1”
   2. Package height 2.5” – 4.5”: L + H + 1.5”
   3. Package height 4.5”+: L + H + 2”
4. Consider the equipment and types of side seals:
   1. Different machines may require different film overlap/scrap based on the sealing method and type of scrap take-up.
   2. Machines may use centerfold or single wound film. Single wound films are generally twice as long as centerfold, minimizing roll changes.

Shrink film Equipment

Kyana has various equipment available for Shrink film. Contact us about what equipment is right for you!