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How to Choose Shrink Film and Heat Sealers

Shrink film gives products and bundles a tight, clean wrap, but only when the film and sealer match the job. This guide explains when to use shrink instead of stretch, and compares polyolefin, PVC, and polyethylene shrink film. It also matches sealers to volume, from heat guns and I-bar sealers to L-bar sealers with tunnels, and explains impulse, constant-heat, and band sealers for bags. It warns against PVC on food and turning up the heat to hide a sizing problem.

Use shrink film when you want a tight, clean wrap around a product or bundle. Pick the film for the product, then the sealer for your volume.

Steps

Decide if you need shrink or stretch. Stretch film holds pallet loads together. Shrink film wraps individual products, kits, or bundles and shrinks tight with heat.
Pick the film using the table below. Thinner film looks better on light retail items. Thicker film holds heavy or sharp bundles.
Pick the sealer for your volume. A hand heat gun or I-bar sealer works for low volumes. An L-bar sealer with a heat tunnel suits steady daily runs. Automatic systems fit high-volume lines.
For bags, match the sealer to the bag. Impulse sealers suit poly bags. Constant-heat sealers suit thicker foil, Mylar, and vapor barrier bags. Band sealers seal continuously for high volumes.
Run a test pack and check for loose film, burn-through, and weak seams before you set your settings.

Film	Best for
Polyolefin (POF)	Most products, including food; clear, strong, and no odor when sealed
PVC	Low-cost, non-food retail wrap; less durable and gives off odor when sealed
Polyethylene (PE) shrink	Heavy bundles, multi-packs, and pallet shrink hoods

Common Mistakes

Using PVC film on food or in poorly ventilated areas. Use polyolefin instead.
Using a constant-heat sealer on thin poly bags, which melts through the bag.
Turning up the heat to fix loose film when the real issue is a bag or film size that is too big.

Call S&S When

You want to switch from hand wrapping to a shrink system, or you need film, sealers, replacement elements, or service. We carry shrink film, heat sealers, and shrink machines.

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How to Choose Shrink Film and Heat Sealers

Use shrink film when you want a tight, clean wrap around a product or bundle. Pick the film for the product, then the sealer for your volume.

Common Mistakes

Call S&S When

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