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PE shrink film is widely used to package products, packaging or protect large value orders during transportation. Although PE shrink films are quite thin, they are waterproof and have sustainable elasticity over time. In this article, EuroPlas will introduce in detail the definition, characteristics and applications of PE shrink film. In addition, customers will also distinguish the difference between PE shrink film and regular PE film. Check it out now!

PE shrink film is quite thin, it is waterproof and has sustainable elasticity over time.

1. Definition of PE shrink film

PE plastic particles (Polyethylene or Polyethene) are the main component of PE shrink film. They are classified as thermoplastics and have the chemical formula CH2-CH2. Basically, the PE shrink film production process will go through 4 stages, specifically as follows:

• Step 1: Check and prepare PE plastic granules. We consider mixing them with plastic additives suitable for each industry.

• Step 2: The above mixture is melted at a temperature of 200 - 275 degrees Celsius in an extruder. To optimize the quality of PE shrink film, the manufacturer will filter the mixture through a metal mesh to completely remove impurities or residue that does not melt.

• Step 3: The plastic mixture is shaped into a tube through a rim-shaped mold. Next, they will be inflated through small holes in the mold.

• Step 4: PE shrink film is rolled flat according to standards after going through a high-speed cooling process with air for about 15 - 20 minutes.

PE plastic particles (Polyethylene or Polyethene) are the main component of PE shrink film

Compared with POF shrink film and PVC shrink film, PE shrink film is more durable and stronger. Because the thickness of PE shrink film can reach 1200, while the maximum thickness of POF and PVC is only about 100 gauge. Therefore, PE shrink film is widely used in industry, freight transport, and packaging.

Not only impressive in terms of thickness, PE shrink film also possesses 7 other optimal characteristics. Let's find out more details in the next section with EuroPlas!

2. Characteristics of PE shrink film

PE shrink film is widely used in many fields because it has the following 7 optimal characteristics:

2.1. Thickness

As EuroPlas mentioned above, POF and PVC shrink film will be limited to a thickness of no more than 100 gauge. Meanwhile, the thickness of PE shrink film rolls can reach 1200. This helps them have a strong structure, withstand strong impacts and preserve the products inside better.

2.2. Elasticity

The elasticity of PE film reaches 50 - 75%, so they are almost compatible with all sizes of items. Elasticity helps PE shrink film protect products better and maintain a stable physical structure for a long time. This feature combined with thickness will help PE shrink film demonstrate impressive durability.

2.3. Waterproof and surface scratch resistance

PE shrink film is coated with a thin layer of glue after production to increase hardness and surface scratch resistance. When PE shrink film is wrapped around the product many times, the glue layers and thickness will combine to increase the surface durability of the film to the highest level.

In particular, PE shrink film also has effective waterproofing ability, avoiding the effects of weather on product quality. PE shrink film can be soaked in water for more than 24 hours and is tested to prevent up to 90% of moisture penetration. 

The elasticity of PE film reaches 50 - 75%, so they are almost compatible with all item sizes.

2.4. Dustproof & antibacterial

With a strong structure and coating, PE shrink film is not only waterproof but also acts as a protective layer to prevent dust and bacteria from entering the product. Therefore, they are widely used in the food packaging industry. Basically, PE shrink film does not contain additives or chemicals that affect the health of consumers. However, EuroPlas advises customers not to abuse PE shrink film for food packaging. Because if they are stored incorrectly, exposed to direct sunlight for a long time, in an environment with too much humidity, ... the possibility of this type of shrink film deforming is not small. This can penetrate into food and negatively affect the health of consumers.

2.5. Reasonable cost

In terms of cost, PE shrink film products are 20 - 25% cheaper than PVC film. Because the basic property of this film is the natural flexibility of PE resin, the manufacturer will not need to add plastic additives. Therefore, the manufacturer not only saves about 15 - 20% of processing costs but also ensures the health safety of consumers. That is one of the reasons why traditional PE film and PE shrink film can both be applied in the food industry.

On the contrary, PVC film is often combined with FEHA or DEHP additives to create flexibility. These two types of additives are very difficult to control in terms of quality and easily change state when there is an error during the processing.

PE shrink film products are 20 - 25 cheaper than PVC film

2.6. Insulation capacity

Although the melting temperature of PE resin is only 105 - 135 degrees Celsius, this is a factor that can be changed through benign plastic additives. In addition, PE shrink film can also withstand temperatures from -50 degrees Celsius. Therefore, they not only protect products in sunny climates but also preserve very well in frozen conditions, positively affecting the transportation stage of the global supply chain.
EuroPlas emphasizes that this is the temperature level that helps PE shrink film still be able to meet most applications in daily life and certain industrial fields.

2.7. High durability

PE shrink film has a high rate of ensuring the quality of goods because it is capable of withstanding impact force, tensile force and tear resistance. For example, PE film made from HDPE plastic granules has a tear resistance of about 50N and an impact resistance of up to 10kg. Therefore, it would be unreasonable to compare the durability of PE shrink film with carton boxes or PVC film.

With the 7 specific characteristics above, PE shrink film becomes a suitable choice in many different fields. Check it out now!

3. Applications of PE shrink film

EuroPlas will send customers 5 practical applications of PE shrink film in industry and life. Specifically as follows:

1. Product packaging: During transportation, large weight goods need to be wrapped as carefully as possible, especially export items. Therefore, the shipping unit will wrap PE shrink film many times around the product or carton box to prevent impact, waterproof and dustproof. Therefore, the goods inside not only ensure quality but also avoid environmental impacts.

2. Agricultural sector: PE shrink film also acts as an agricultural film to help protect greenhouses and nurseries from pests, temperature and humidity. Thereby creating favorable conditions for plant growth. In addition, farmers also use PE shrink film to cover poultry barns to maintain hygiene and prevent pathogens.

Film protects products during transportation

3. Food preservation: This is one of the most common applications of PE shrink film. They are used to wrap leftover food, fruit or food, helping to increase storage time and maintain food hygiene and safety. ,

4. PE shrink film is also used to produce raincoats, car covers or to preserve the homeowner's interior during the moving process. We can see that PE shrink film is popular in furniture showrooms. PE shrink film has high transparency, customers can easily observe the products inside and businesses can also preserve their products longer.

5. PE shrink film is also used as packaging for books serving the education sector and has become an indispensable product for every student.

Although PE shrink film has its own characteristics and applications, many customers wonder about the difference between PE shrink film and regular PE film. EuroPlas will answer this question below! Check it out now.

4. What is the difference between PE shrink film and regular PE film?

4.1. Similarities

Both types of film have the same production process and input fuel source of quality PE plastic particles. Currently, there are 3 types of PE plastic used in the production of PE films: HDPE (high density polyethylene), LDPE (low density polyethylene) and LLDPE (linear low density polyethylene). However, all types of PE film have the same appearance and overlap the main characteristics.

4.2. Differences between PE shrink film and regular PE film

EuroPlas will analyze 4 aspects of traditional PE shrink film and PE shrink film to distinguish their differences. Specifically as follows:
About how it works:

• PE shrink film will form a protective layer around the product when and only when it encounters a temperature of 150 - 160 degrees Celsius. Because the shrink film will begin to shrink and hug the product inside. Therefore, customers do not need to wrap them too tightly.

• Meanwhile, regular PE film is thoroughly utilized to create elasticity and adhesion to the product surface. These factors will create a solid structure in the PE film and many layers will be tightly bonded together to ensure absolute safety for the product.

Conventional PE films are fully utilized for tensile strength to create elasticity and adhesion to the product surface.

About the effect:

• PE shrink film has a higher transparency than regular PE film, so it is often used to wrap around products on display shelves. This not only helps customers easily observe the product inside, enhancing aesthetics but also protects the product from the effects of. Therefore, PE film is used to wrap goods, bags, and electronic devices for convenient storage and display.

• For regular PE film, it will be used to wrap large packages, or on many different surfaces to help them stay fixed during transportation. When customers wrap it around many times, it will be difficult to see the product inside clearly, but on the contrary, their structure will be more durable. Meanwhile, regular PE film is commonly used in heavy, large-volume fields that need to be fixed for a long time.

• Finally, the stretch of PE shrink film and regular PE film are also different characteristics with parameters of 50 - 75% and 100 - 300% respectively. This accurately reflects the properties of the two products.

6. About EuroPlas PE products

EuroPlas PE filler masterbatch is made from PE resin, CaCO3 and additives such as processing aids and dispersants. This combination will help reduce production costs, enhance impact resistance and heat resistance, improve surface hardness, increase durability as well as increase the flexibility of the final product. PE resin at EuroPlas also ensures improvement of some surface features of the finished product: brightness, opacity, reduced shrinkage, etc.

Advantages of EuroPlas resin:

• Improved properties: Using filler masterbatch helps increase the mechanical strength of PE plastic products, making the products more durable, more resistant to impact and force. This will make the products able to withstand heavy loads and rough handling.

• Increased dimensional stability: Europlas masterbatch also helps PE plastic products reduce shrinkage and warping during the cooling process, ensuring better dimensional stability. This is especially important for applications that require precise measurements and tight tolerances.

High quality PE resin at EuroPlas

Refer to more advantages of EuroPlas PE plastic products here: PE plastic - Information you need to know

7. Conclusion

The above article has summarized complete information about PE shrink film. EuroPlas has introduced in detail their definitions, characteristics and applications. In addition, we also provide 2 aspects to evaluate the differences between PE shrink film and regular PE film. Please continue to accompany EuroPlas to update the latest news about the plastic market!