PVC vs Polyolefin Heat Shrink Wrapping Film: Which Should You Choose?
Heat shrink wrapping is a practical and cost-effective way to protect products, improve presentation and keep items securely bundled during storage or transport. Two of the most widely used materials are PVC shrink film and POF shrink film—but which one is right for your application?
At Get Me Packaging we stock a range of heat shrink wrapping films and offer short lead times, helping you keep production moving without unnecessary delays.
What Is Heat Shrink Wrapping Film?
Heat shrink film is a plastic film that contracts when heat is applied. The film is placed around a product and passed through a shrink tunnel or heated using a suitable heat-shrink gun. It then shrinks closely around the item, creating a neat and protective finish.
Shrink film is used across many industries for:
* Retail product presentation
* Multipacks and promotional bundles
* Protecting products from dust and handling
* Securing items during storage and transport
* Packaging boxes, printed materials and manufactured goods
What Is PVC Shrink Film?
PVC, or polyvinyl chloride, is a popular shrink-wrapping material known for its excellent clarity and strong shrink properties. It creates a crisp, attractive finish, making it a good choice for displaying many retail products.
PVC shrink film is commonly used for:
* Stationery and printed products
* Software, games and media products
* Small retail items
* Boxes and presentation packs
* Non-food consumer goods
It is generally easy to seal and shrink, making it suitable for businesses that need a reliable and economical packaging solution.
PVC can become more rigid after shrinking and may be less suitable for products that require a softer or more flexible wrap. Appropriate ventilation and temperature control should also be used during the shrinking process.
What Is Polyolefin Shrink Film?
POF, or polyolefin shrink film, is a strong and versatile option that offers excellent clarity with a softer, more flexible finish. Its resistance to punctures and tearing makes it suitable for products with unusual shapes or edges.
POF shrink film is commonly chosen for:
* Retail products
* Multipacks
* Printed materials
* Toys and household goods
* Products with irregular shapes
* Suitable food-packaging applications, where the correct approved film is selected
POF is often preferred when presentation, strength and flexibility are all important. It also performs well across a broad range of packaging applications.
PVC vs POF Shrink Film
The best material will depend on your product, machinery and packaging requirements.
PVC shrink film can be an economical choice for straightforward retail applications. It offers excellent clarity and creates a firm, neat finish.
POF shrink film is generally more flexible and puncture-resistant. It is often better suited to irregular products, multipacks and applications where a softer but durable wrap is required.
Before ordering, consider:
* The size and shape of your product
* Whether the product has sharp or irregular edges
* The required strength and flexibility
* Your sealing and shrinking equipment
* The temperature settings needed
* Whether the film will be used for food packaging
* The finish and presentation you want to achieve
If you are unsure, the Get Me Packaging team can help you choose a suitable film for your product and equipment.
Shrink Film Available from Stock
Running out of packaging film can interrupt production, delay customer orders and create avoidable pressure for your team. That is why Get Me Packaging holds stock of shrink-wrapping film and offers short lead times across the range.
Ordering from a packaging supplier that carries stock gives you several advantages:
* Faster delivery
* Less production downtime
* Reduced need to hold excessive stock on site
* Easier planning around seasonal demand
* Quick access to replacement film when requirements change
Whether you need PVC shrink film for a straightforward retail application or versatile POF film for more demanding packaging, we can help you find the right option without a lengthy wait.
Get Me Packaging supplies PVC and POF heat shrink wrapping films for a wide variety of products and applications. With stock available and short lead times, we make it easier to keep your packaging operation running smoothly.
Explore our heat shrink film range online or contact our team for help choosing the most suitable material, size and specification for your application.