Practical - 7: AIM: Demonstration of Shrink Wrap Packaging Theory

PRACTICAL - 7
AIM: Demonstration of shrink wrap packaging
THEORY:
What is shrink wrapping?
Shrink wrapping is an effective method of packaging products and is consequently utilised in a

variety of industries, most notably in the food business for storing and safeguarding food goods
and therefore providing superior storage and inexpensive packaging.
Shrink wrapping is completed in three or four stages: wrapping (sleeve wrapping or over-
wrapping), sealing (required solely for over-wrapping), shrinking (with hot air application), and
cooling.
Figure A - Shrink Wrap Machine
The food industry is one of the most reliant on shrink wrapping as a packaging method, using
shrink wrap machines to save costs and make items last longer without sacrificing quality.
Why shrink wrapping is important :
● It keeps the food fresh: Some people consider shrink wrapping fruits and vegetables
to be a waste of time; yet, shrink wrapping these goods is extremely important when
it comes to preventing food waste. The shrink films serve to prevent oxygen from
reaching the food goods inside the packaging, extending their shelf life. This enables
consumers to consume the freshest foods available.
● Improves the appearance of food products: Shrink wrapping produces a tight and
transparent packaging, allowing the consumer to see what they are purchasing.
People frequently want to see the food they are purchasing. This also aids in
capturing the attention of the consumers. This also enables businesses to provide
vital information on their items without impairing viewing.
● Food items are protected not just from oxygen, but also from other pollutants such as
dirt and moisture, which are otherwise difficult to avoid during transportation.
● Better food storage: Shrink-wrapped items can also be kept more readily. It permits
things to be stored in the smallest amount of space possible. Because of the high
level of protection provided by shrink wrapping, cross-contamination issues are
considerably avoided.
● A low-cost packaging method: Because it is low-cost in compared to other packaging
materials, it is an excellent packaging solution for food enterprises of all sizes,
whether small or large. Shrink wrap machinery may be rented and purchased for
extremely low prices, but it can also save labour expenses because the machinery is
simple and efficient to use.
Performance Comparison of Shrink Films
Film Type Advantage Possible Problems
Polyethylene 1) Strong heat seals 1) Narrow shrink

temperature range.
(low density) 2) Low temperature shrink
2) Low stiffness
3) Medium shrink force for
3) Poor optical property
broad application
4) Sealing wire contamination
4) Lowest cost
Polypropylene 1) Good optical appearance 1) High shrink temperature
2) High stiffness 2) High shrink force, not suitable
3) High shrink force for delicate or fragile product.
4) No heat sealing fumes 3) Brittle seals
5) Good durability 4) High sealing temperature
Co-polymers 1) Strong heat seals 1) High shrink force, not

suitable for fragile
2) Good optical appearance products
3) High shrink force 2) Higher shrink temperature
4) No heat sealing vapours 3) Higher heat seal temperature
4) Lower film slip-may give
machine problems
Poly Vinyl 1) Lowest shrink temperature 1) Weakest heat seals
Chloride 2) Wide shrink temperature 2) Least durable after plasticizer
range loss
3) Excellent optical 3) Toxic and corrosive gas

appearance emission
4) Controlled stiffness by from heat sealing, therefore
plasticizer content control good ventilation required
5) Lowest shrink force for 4) Durability problem at low
wrapping fragile products temperature
5) Low shrink force inhibits use

as
a multiple –unit bundling film
6) Low film slip causes machine
wrapping difficulties
Multilayer 1) Excellent optical appearance 1) In co-extruded films, one

ply compensates for the
deficiencies of the other. As
Co-extrusion 2) Good machineability
a result, they are superior
films with no significant
3) Low shrink temperature performance shortcomings.
2) The wide variability in
layer composition and
number of layer makes
performance analysis
difficult.
Shrink packing, also known as shrink wrapping and stretch wrapping, is one of the most frequent
and widely used specialized plastic packaging technologies. Though there are some parallels
between these two systems, they are completely distinct in terms of material and operation.
These systems are mostly used for unitization, however they are also utilized as principal
packaging methods on occasion. Both of these techniques are utilized for bulk and retail
packaging. In fact, both technologies are now employed for key applications such as sleeving for
labelling on various containers or sealing, in addition to wrapping.
Difference between Stretch Wrapping and Shrink Wrapping
Stretch wrapping is done in two steps, whereas shrink wrapping is done in four. Shrink film is
used as the basic material in shrink wrapping, and heat is an important component of the
operation, whereas stretch film is used as the basic material in stretch wrapping, and no heat is
applied during the operation.
CONCLUSION
According to the results of the following experiment, shrink wrap packaging is an economical and
dependable packaging that not only improves shelf life and keeps fruits and vegetables fresh, but
also provides transparency to customers.

Practical - 7: AIM: Demonstration of Shrink Wrap Packaging Theory

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PRACTICAL - 7

AIM: Demonstration of shrink wrap packaging

What is shrink wrapping?

Shrink wrapping is an effective method of packaging products and is consequently utilised in a

Figure A - Shrink Wrap Machine

Performance Comparison of Shrink Films

Film Type Advantage Possible Problems

Polyethylene 1) Strong heat seals 1) Narrow shrink

Polypropylene 1) Good optical appearance 1) High shrink temperature

2) High stiffness 2) High shrink force, not suitable

3) High shrink force for delicate or fragile product.

4) No heat sealing fumes 3) Brittle seals

5) Good durability 4) High sealing temperature

Co-polymers 1) Strong heat seals 1) High shrink force, not

3) High shrink force 2) Higher shrink temperature

4) No heat sealing vapours 3) Higher heat seal temperature

4) Lower film slip-may give

Chloride 2) Wide shrink temperature 2) Least durable after plasticizer

3) Excellent optical 3) Toxic and corrosive gas

4) Controlled stiffness by from heat sealing, therefore

plasticizer content control good ventilation required

5) Lowest shrink force for 4) Durability problem at low

wrapping fragile products temperature

5) Low shrink force inhibits use

a multiple –unit bundling film

6) Low film slip causes machine

Multilayer 1) Excellent optical appearance 1) In co-extruded films, one

Difference between Stretch Wrapping and Shrink Wrapping

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