What is Shrink Film Used For?
Shrink film is a commonly known product to keep items protected. It is also referred to as shrink wrap. Heat is applied to the plastic material to seal it and create a barrier. This ensures that there aren’t any substances coming in contact with it.
Items That Shrink Film Is Applied To
There are many various items that manufacturers will use shrink film for. It not only keeps the item protected but also lets the buyer know hasn’t been tampered with. You will often find little trinkets and small items shrink wrapped in stores. Such as:
- CD’s, Video Games, And DVD’s
- Electronics And Electrical wires
- Bath Bombs and Soap
- Vegetables and Meats
- Cheeses
- Bundle Packages Of Canned Goods
- Bundle Packages Of Glass Jars
- Bundle Packages Of Plastic Water Bottles
- Vitamins and Medications
- Cleaning Supplies
- Animal Chew Toys
- Air Filters For Homes and Vehicles
- And More
That is not all that this film can be used for. It can also be used on much larger items as well. This is to ensure its safety during shipping and while in the store. It offers weather protection, dust protection and accidents from occurring. Some of the large items that can have shrink wrap on them are:
- Televisions
- Furniture
- Boats
- Vehicles
- Machinery
- Pallets With Appliances On Them
- And Much More
How Is Shrink Wrap Applied?
Shrink wrap can be applied by hand or by machinery. Most of the time in manufacturing companies, they’ll have a piece of equipment that wraps the items for them. They will then go on a conveyor belt through the heat to seal everything. A heat gun can be used for individuals who put shrink wrap on by hand.
There is confusion sometimes between shrink wrap and cling wrap. Shrink wrap will stick to itself, but it is not the same as cling wrap. The shrink wrap is not considered sealed to protect the items until it has had heat applied to it. That is what causes the plastic to shrink and form to the item.
Is Shrink Wrap Recyclable?
Companies are always looking for eco-friendly ways to incorporate into their everyday business. The purchase of recyclable products is just one way to contribute to being a green company. Shrink wrap is eco-friendly and can help you do your part of cutting down on waste.
The primary substance in shrink wrap is called polyethylene. Not all recycling centers will accept polyethylene, always call and check with the one you are going to. When you are recycling items, there is a set of different categories that it is done in. There are seven different grades of recycling, known as:
- #1 PETE
- #2 HDPE
- #3 PVC
- #4 LDPE
- #5 PP
- #6 PS
- #7 OTHER
The polyethylene in shrink wrap would put them in grade number four, LDPE. It means that it is a low-density plastic product. When this type of plastic is recycled, it is commonly turned into landscaping lumber, floor tiles, and garbage can liners.
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