Shrink film: what it is, what it’s used for, and how to choose the right one
Shrink film is widely used across many industries, including food, industrial manufacturing, e-commerce, logistics, and retail. Versatile, durable, and visually appealing, it helps protect, bundle, and showcase products while improving transportation and storage efficiency.
However, with the variety of film types, thicknesses, and applications available, choosing the right solution isn’t always straightforward. This guide provides a clear overview of what shrink film is, its main applications, and how to select the right film based on your needs.
What is shrink film?
Shrink film is a plastic film designed to contract when exposed to heat. Once heated using a shrink tunnel or heat gun, it tightly conforms to the shape of the product it wraps.
Result:
- strong and secure packaging
- excellent product stability
- clean and professional presentation
Unlike other types of film, shrink film is not only used for protection — it also plays a key role in product presentation and logistics.
Main applications of shrink film
Product protection
Shrink film protects against:
- dust
- moisture
- scratches
- handling during transport
It is ideal for securing individual products or bundled items.
Bundling and stabilization
It allows multiple items to be grouped together without additional packaging: bottles, canned goods, promotional packs, industrial parts, and more.
Product presentation and visibility
Transparent or printable, shrink film keeps the product visible while delivering a clean, finished look. It is commonly used for:
- promotional packaging
- retail shelf-ready products
- in-store sales displays
Industrial and logistics applications
In industrial environments, it is often used for:
- protecting mechanical parts
- stabilizing loads
- packaging irregularly shaped products
Main types of shrink film
There are several types of shrink films, each suited to specific applications.
Polyolefin (POF) shrink film
The most versatile and widely used option.
POF shrink film contracts under heat, perfectly conforming to the shape of products for a tight, clean, and professional finish. It is typically supplied in U-film rolls and is known for its high production efficiency.
At Emballages Carrousel, it is commonly available as Cryovac shrink film, valued for its high resistance to tearing and punctures, even at a low gauge (thin film).
Advantages:
- excellent clarity
- high resistance to tears and punctures
- flexible and durable
- thin yet high-performing film (low gauge)
- food-contact safe
Ideal applications:
- food products (protection and multipacks)
- cosmetics
- retail products
- e-commerce
- manufacturing and pharmaceutical sectors
Compatible with various equipment (combo sealers, table sealers, L-bar systems with shrink tunnels), it easily integrates into different production setups.
In addition to its technical performance, POF stands out for its superior visual finish compared to polyethylene, offering a more attractive presentation for consumers.
It is often the best choice for packaging that is both aesthetic and high-performing.
Our shrink packaging machines
Polyethylene (PE) shrink film
Designed for heavier loads.
Polyethylene (PE) shrink film also contracts when exposed to heat, allowing it to securely hold large or heavy products. Thicker than polyolefin, it is designed to provide enhanced strength in demanding environments.
Typically available in roll stock or tubing, it is widely used in industrial applications, particularly for packaging bottles or heavy-duty products. It is often paired with equipment such as sleeve wrappers, which are suited for high-speed production and larger formats.
Advantages:
- very strong and durable
- ideal for bulky products
- excellent protection during transport
- suitable for heavy loads and industrial environments
Applications:
- industrial packaging
- pallets
- heavy or bulky bundles
- bottle multipacks
Less transparent than polyolefin, PE film offers a more utilitarian appearance but stands out for its robustness and reliability in applications where protection takes priority over aesthetics.
A preferred choice for securely handling heavy loads and optimizing product handling.
PVC shrink film
A more rigid option, used for many years.
PVC shrink film contracts when exposed to heat, providing a tight and quickly applied packaging solution. Historically widely used, it is still found in specific applications, particularly for shrink sleeves.
It is commonly used for tamper-evident bands (e.g., oil bottles) or label-style sleeves (e.g., cosmetic products). It can be applied manually using a heat gun or integrated into a production line with a shrink tunnel for higher volumes.
Advantages:
- good clarity
- fast shrink performance
- often lower cost
Considerations:
- less flexible than POF
- more limited recyclability and environmental performance
Applications:
- non-food products
- simple promotional packaging
- tamper-evident bands
- shrink sleeves (labels)
Less versatile than newer alternatives, PVC remains relevant for specific applications where shrink speed and cost are key factors.
A solution still used for targeted needs, but to be evaluated based on environmental priorities.
How to choose the right shrink film
To make the right choice, it’s essential to ask the right questions.
1. What type of product are you packaging?
- Food or non-food
- Light or heavy
- Fragile or durable
A lightweight retail product will not have the same requirements as industrial equipment.
2. What level of protection is required?
- Basic protection against dust
- Reinforced protection for transport
- Stabilizing multiple products together
3. What equipment is being used?
- Automatic or semi-automatic machine
- Manual packaging (heat gun)
Not all films react the same way to heat or equipment speed, making compatibility an important factor.
4. What thickness should be selected?
Film thickness (measured in microns or gauge) directly impacts:
- film strength
- material consumption
- cost per package
A well-selected film can often reduce material usage while maintaining performance.
Conclusion: a strategic choice for efficiency and brand image
More than just a plastic film, shrink film is a real performance driver: it protects products, improves presentation, reduces waste, and contributes to more efficient logistics.
By selecting the right type of shrink film—based on your products, equipment, and operational goals—you maximize both operational performance and brand perception.
Carrousel expertise in packaging solutions
Carrousel offers a cohesive range focused on quality and performance. Our team supports businesses in selecting the most suitable solution based on their products, equipment, and operational needs.
This approach not only helps optimize packaging processes but also ensures consistent and long-lasting results over time.
