Plastic Film Wrapper Types Features and Applications

Plastic film wrappers come in various types, each with its own unique features and applications. One such type is the Polypropylene (PP) film, which is a popular choice due to its flexibility and resistance to impact.

PP films are often used for packaging food products like snacks and baked goods because they are easy to mold and can be made in a variety of thicknesses. They are also a cost-effective option.

Another type is the Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) film, which is known for its clarity and resistance to moisture. PET films are commonly used for packaging beverages and pharmaceuticals due to their ability to maintain the product's freshness.

PET films can also be made in a variety of thicknesses and are often used in combination with other materials to create a durable package.

For more insights, see: Pp vs Pet Plastic

Using plastic film wrapper for moving is a no-brainer, especially when you consider its incredible versatility. It can protect furniture from scratches and scuffs, keep dust and dirt away from your belongings, and bundle items together.

Plastic film wrapper is also surprisingly strong and tear-resistant, making it perfect for securing large and heavy items during the moving process. It can withstand a lot of tension without leaving a sticky residue or causing any damage to your furniture and other household items.

One of the best things about plastic film wrapper is how easy it is to use – it sticks to itself, but not to surfaces, so you don't have to worry about it damaging your belongings. It's also incredibly easy to remove, making it a great option for those who want to reuse their packing materials.

If you're concerned about the environmental impact of your move, you'll be happy to know that plastic film wrapper is recyclable. This means you can use it without worrying about contributing to waste and pollution.

Here are some of the key benefits of using plastic film wrapper for moving:

There are two main manufacturing methods for plastic film wrapper: cast and blown. Cast film is pre-stretched and has strong cling on both sides, making it ideal for wrapping larger items.

For packing purposes, a higher gauge number means better protection. You can choose between 65 Gauge and 80 Gauge plastic film wrapper, with 80 Gauge being the better option for a house move.

You can also opt for clear or colored plastic film wrapper, but colored wrap can stain furniture and fabric, especially in high temperatures. Clear plastic wrap is recommended for most moves.

Here are the key differences between cast and blown plastic film wrapper:

Saran wrap is essentially the same as stretch wrap, but the term "Saran" is often used to refer to clear plastic wrap. It's usually made from a cast process, which makes it lightweight and easy to apply.

You can get Saran wrap in various sizes, with 10-inch and 20-inch widths being the most popular for moving. For smaller items, the 10-inch roll is ideal.

The gauge of Saran wrap is also important. A higher gauge means better protection, so it's recommended to get 80 gauge wrap for a house move.

If you're planning to move during the summer, it's best to get clear plastic wrap to avoid any potential stains on furniture or fabric.

Ox Stretch Film is a type of plastic film wrapper that is widely used in the packaging industry. It's a popular choice due to its high strength and durability.

Ox stretch film is made from a thin layer of polyethylene plastic that is blown or cast into a sheet. This process gives it a smooth and glossy finish.

One of the key benefits of ox stretch film is its ability to stretch and conform to the shape of objects being wrapped. This makes it ideal for packaging irregularly shaped items.

Ox stretch film is also known for its high tensile strength, which allows it to withstand significant stress and pressure. This makes it a reliable choice for heavy-duty packaging applications.

In many industries, such as food processing and manufacturing, ox stretch film is used to wrap pallets and bundles of goods. It provides a secure and tamper-evident seal that helps to prevent damage and contamination.

Recommended read: High Density Polyethylene Plastic

Protecting your belongings from dust, dirt, and moisture is a big deal, especially during a move. Plastic film wrapper can create a protective layer around your items, preventing stains and soiling.

It's especially useful in rainy weather or if you're moving fragile items.

You just need to make sure your belongings are completely dry before wrapping them in plastic film, or moisture can get trapped and cause mold growth.

Securing doors and drawers on furniture is a must when moving, and plastic film wrapper can help with that. A few layers of plastic wrap can keep doors and drawers closed during transit.

This makes furniture pieces safer and easier to handle.

For your interest: Plastic Wrapper Machine

Plastic film wrapper is a versatile and essential tool for moving, capable of protecting furniture from scratches and scuffs, keeping dust and dirt away, and securing loose cords and wires.

You can find plastic film wrapper at an affordable price and in various sizes, including 5-inch, 10-inch, 15-inch, 18-inch, 20-inch, and 22-inch widths. For furniture and bulkier items, a 20-inch roll is usually the best option.

To determine how much plastic film wrapper you'll need, consider the size of your move. For a 1-bedroom apartment or 2-bedroom home, one roll of 15" x 1500' or 20" x 1000' and one roll of 5" x 1000' should be sufficient. However, if you have lots of furniture, it's better to get two rolls of large plastic wrap to be on the safe side.

You can choose between blown or pre-stretched (cast) plastic film wrapper. Pre-stretched wrap is lightweight, has strong cling on both sides, and doesn't require much pull when wrapping larger items. Blown stretch film, on the other hand, is more durable and can handle heavier loads.

Here are some common sizes and gauges of plastic film wrapper:

Keep in mind that a higher gauge number means better protection, so it's recommended to choose the 80 gauge wrap for packing.

Using plastic film wrapper for moving is a game-changer. It's extremely versatile and can protect furniture from scratches and scuffs.

You can also use it to keep dust and dirt away from your belongings. This is especially useful for delicate items that are prone to dust accumulation.

Stretch wrap is surprisingly strong and tear-resistant, making it perfect for securing large and heavy items during the moving process. It can withstand a lot of tension without leaving any damage.

Packing plastic wrap is safe for your items and easy to use – it sticks to itself, but not to surfaces, so it won’t leave a sticky residue or cause any other damage.

Here are some key benefits of using plastic film wrapper for moving:

It's also inexpensive and available in various sizes, making it easy to find the right type of cling wrap for your packing needs. And the best part? It's recyclable, so you don't have to worry about the environmental impact of your move.

Shrink wrap for moving is easy to come by – it’s affordable and readily available. You can find it at most hardware stores or home goods stores.

It's best to consider the size of the area you need to cover when looking for plastic material. Shrink wrap comes in various widths and lengths, so make sure to choose one that fits your needs.

The cost of shrink wrap can vary depending on the size and quality of the material. However, it's generally an affordable option for moving and storage.

Intriguing read: Foam for Packing

When choosing the right plastic wrap for your move, consider the width of the wrap. A 20-inch roll is ideal for furniture and other bulkier items, while a 10-inch roll is better suited for packing smaller items.

You'll also want to think about the gauge of the wrap. A higher gauge, such as 80 gauge, provides better protection.

There are two main types of plastic wrap: blown and pre-stretched (cast). Pre-stretched wrap is lightweight and has strong cling on both sides, making it easier to wrap larger items. Blown stretch film, on the other hand, is more durable and can handle heavier loads.

Curious to learn more? Check out: Blown Stretch Wrap

Clear plastic wrap is a safer bet than colored wrap, especially during the summer months when high temperatures can cause the plastic to melt. This is especially true for items like furniture and fabric.

If you're moving a small space, one roll of large plastic wrap and one roll of smaller wrap should be enough. However, if you have lots of furniture and household items, consider getting two rolls of large wrap to be on the safe side.

Here's a rough guide to help you plan:

A handle on the wrap can make it easier to apply, but it limits the width of the wrap. Non-handled large rolls are more suitable for wrapping furniture pieces and other bulky items.

Plastic film wrappers are made from a variety of materials, including polyethylene, PVC, and PVDC, which are all derived from simple hydrocarbons like methane or ethylene.

These polymers are produced from natural gas or petroleum, and are commonly used in household plastic wrap.

Polyethylene is made directly from ethylene, while PVC is made from vinyl chloride, which is derived from ethylene or acetylene.

Some plastic films, like cellophane, are derived from cellulose, which is obtained from wood pulp or cotton linters.

The manufacturing process involves extrusion, where granules of plastic are heated until they melt and are then forced through a die to form a tube of warm, stretchable plastic.

The plastic is then stretched to the desired thinness using compressed air, and the bubble is collapsed between metal rollers to form a film.

The film is wound around a large metal roller and then unrolled, cut to the proper length, and rerolled onto small cardboard tubes.

Related reading: What Is Cling Film Made of

Most household plastic wrap is made from polyethylene, PVC, or PVDC, which are all derived from simple hydrocarbons like methane or ethylene.

Polyethylene is made directly from ethylene, a process that's been around for a while. I've seen plastic wrap made from this material, and it's still widely used today.

Suggestion: High Density Polyethylene Film

PVC is made from vinyl chloride, which can come from ethylene or acetylene. Vinyl chloride is a common building block for many plastics, and its versatility is part of what makes PVC so popular.

Some plastic films, like cellophane, are derived from cellulose, which is obtained from wood pulp or linters. Linters are tiny fibers that cling to cotton seeds after the longer fibers have been removed.

At least one form of plastic film, Pliofilm, is made from rubber. This type of plastic film was used in the middle of the 20th century and could be heat-sealed for added convenience.

A fresh viewpoint: Poly Vinyl Chloride Packaging Tape Printing Market

Plastic wrap is made from a variety of materials, including polyethylene, PVC, and PVDC, which are all derived from simple hydrocarbons like methane or ethylene.

These polymers are produced through a process called polymerization, where the hydrocarbons are heated and mixed with oxygen to create free radicals that combine to form chains of plastic.

The most common method of polymerization is cracking, where ethylene is heated to around 338°F (170°C) at a pressure of about 200,000 kilopascals to create polyethylene.

Polyethylene is naturally flexible, but PVC and PVDC need plasticizers added to them to make them flexible.

To make plastic wrap, plastic granules are heated until they melt, then forced through a die to form a tube of stretchable plastic.

The tube is then blown up with compressed air to create a bubble that stretches the plastic to the desired thickness.

The bubble is then collapsed between metal rollers to form a plastic film, which is then rolled onto a large metal roll.

The film is then unwound, cut, and rerolled onto smaller rolls, which are then packaged and shipped to retailers.

Here's a brief overview of the plastic wrap manufacturing process:

Quality control is a crucial step in the manufacturing process of plastic wrap. It involves conducting various tests to ensure the product meets certain standards.

To measure water vapor permeability, a dish is filled with calcium chloride, a highly water-absorbent substance, and covered with a sample of plastic wrap. The dish is then placed in a controlled environment and weighed at regular intervals to determine how much water vapor has passed through the plastic.

The tests for water vapor permeability are performed at different temperatures and humidity levels to simulate real-world conditions. This helps ensure the plastic wrap can withstand various environments.

Gas permeability is measured by placing a sample of plastic wrap between two chambers with different pressures. The change in pressure reveals how much air has penetrated the plastic.

Impact resistance is tested by dropping weights on test samples or filling bags with sand and dropping them from increasing heights. The weight or height at which the plastic wrap breaks or bursts is recorded.

Tear strength is another critical aspect of plastic wrap quality control. It involves measuring the force required to initiate and propagate a tear in the material.

Plastic film wrappers are a convenient way to store and transport food, but they also come with some environmental and health concerns.

The accumulation of plastic debris on the Earth threatens both wildlife and the environment. Plastic debris might choke or trap wildlife, and it could also penetrate toxic compounds into ecosystems. This land-originated problem has become a problem in ocean ecosystem as well since streams and rivers which are close to the land have carried the plastic debris into the coast, and currents transfer it to everywhere in the ocean.

Plastic film wrappers are not biodegradable, which means they can take hundreds of years to decompose. The use of plastic film wrappers contributes to waste and has been rated as "Good" by one consumer group, but reusable plastic containers were rated as "Excellent".

There are also health concerns associated with plastic film wrappers. Some plasticizers, like DEHA, can leach into food and cause exposure. Although the levels of exposure are much lower than the no toxic effect levels in animal studies, it's still a concern. The FDA has considered the amount of a substance expected to migrate into food and the toxicological concerns about the particular chemical.

Plastic film wrappers can also contain dioxins, labeled as "likely human carcinogen" by the Environmental Protection Agency. However, the FDA has stated that no evidence shows plastic containers or films contain dioxins.

A study shows that using recycled plastic materials can reduce the environmental impacts significantly as a result of minimizing exploration, mining and transportation of natural gas and oil.

Some alternatives to plastic film wrappers include: