WHAT IS POLYOLEFIN SHRINK FILM (POF)?
VECTOR Polyolefin shrink film is a type of plastic packaging material that is commonly used in the packaging industry for shrink wrapping retail products needing high strength , smooth finish and high clarity. It is made from a polymer called polyolefin (POF), which is a thermoplastic material that can be molded and shaped when heated.
VECTOR Polyolefin shrink film is a versatile FOOD GRADE packaging material used to package a variety of products, including food, beverages, cosmetics, and consumer goods. It is popular because it offers incredible clarity, high strength, and puncture resistance, making it ideal for packaging products that require a high level of protection during transportation and storage as well as superior display qualities.
VECTOR Polyolefin shrink film is available in different widths, thicknesses and formats, including single-wound, centerfold, and cross-linked. Centerfold format is the most popular and requires a sealing machine to seal all open sides around the package before heating. It can be used with a variety of packaging machines, including manual, semi-automatic, and automatic machines, depending on the volume and speed of production required.
When heated, polyolefin shrink film shrinks tightly (and super quickly !!) around the product, conforming to its shape and creating a strong crystal clear seal. Because of its high clarity and strength polyolefin shrink film is a popular choice for retail packaging, as it allows high-quality graphics and branding, to be visible, making products stand out on the shelf.
WHAT IS POLYOLEFIN SHRINK FILM USED FOR?
Some popular examples of retail products that are often wrapped in polyolefin shrink film include:
- Cosmetics and personal care products: Polyolefin shrink film is a popular choice for packaging cosmetics and personal care products, such as shampoo, body wash, and lotion. The film provides a tamper-evident seal and helps to protect the product from contamination.
- Books and magazines: VECTOR shrink film is often used to wrap books and magazines, helping to protect them from damage during transportation and storage. The film also helps to keep them clean and free from dust and other contaminants.
- Egg Tray Wrapping: POF Shrink Film has been used extensively for shrink wrapping egg trays of all sizes due to its high strength, crystal clarity and food contact safety feature.
- DVDs: Polyolefin shrink film is commonly used to package DVDs, helping to protect them from scratches and other damage during transportation and handling. The film also helps to keep them clean and free from dust and other contaminants.
- Cucumbers: VECTOR POF Shrink film has been used extensively over the past 20 years for shrink wrapping cucumbers. Its crystal clarity improves the appearance of fresh foods and the food grace quality of the film makes it perfect for shrink wrapping cucumbers and other fruits and vegetables.
- PIZZA Bases. VECTOR polyolefin provides a secure freezer proof, contaminant free packing solution for pizza bases. VECTOR Polyolefin shrink film is FDA and EU compliant for food contact safety.
- Computer software: Polyolefin shrink film is also used to package computer software, such as games and productivity software. The film helps to protect the product from damage and tampering, ensuring that customers receive a pristine product.
- Toys and games: a popular choice for packaging toys and games, such as board games, puzzles, and action figures. The film helps to protect the product from damage and tampering and can also be printed with high-quality graphics and branding to make the product stand out on the shelf.
- Picture Frames: Used extensively for picture frames, printed canvasses, artworks or other similar large printworks.
- Printed products and Stationery: Both large scale and small printers use VECTOR POF shrink film to bundle and protect their printed media. The crystal clarity allows the print to be easily visible and identifiable, unlike cloudy shrink films that obscure the printed material.
WHAT KIND OF EQUIPMENT DO I NEED?
Polyolefin shrink film can be applied using a variety of equipment depending on the volume and speed of production required. Here are some common types of equipment used for shrinking items with POF:
- Heat Gun and I-Bar Sealing machine: For small volume or low production, a basic heat sealer and heat gun can be used to shrink the film around the product by applying heat directly to the film. A heat gun is a handheld device that blows hot air onto the film, causing it to shrink around the product.
- L-Sealers: L-sealers are a type of shrink wrap machine that use a sealing bar to create a seal around the product before applying heat to shrink the film. They are often used for pre packaging products with squared or rectangular shapes, prior to heating in a shrink tunnel or heat gun
- Chamber Machines: Chamber machines are fully enclosed shrink wrap machines that have a built in L-Sealer and shrink chamber. The L-sealer seals all open sides and the heat in the chamber creates an even shrink on all sides of the product. These machines are ideal for packaging products with a uniform shape and size.
- Shrink Tunnels: Shrink tunnels are used to shrink the film around the product after it has been sealed. They are often used in conjunction with L-sealers or other types of shrink wrap machines to create a tight, professional-looking package.
Overall, the equipment needed to shrinkwrap items with polyolefin depends on the specific requirements of the product, the volume of production, and the level of automation needed.
VECTOR Polyolefin Shrink Film Product Videos
View our You Tube videos demonstrating how VECTOR POF shrink film is used with our shrink wrapping equipment to shrink wrap different products.
