Differences Between PVC, Polyolefin and Polyethylene Shrink Films

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyolefin (POF), and polyethylene (PE) (also known as polythene) shrink films are durable, strong, and reliable materials used both for packaging products themselves, and also for protecting and securing palletised goods during transit. Shrink films are a popular choice because they are low cost, easy to use, and provide excellent protection in transit, and for goods being displayed on shelves for consumers.

Each material possesses different qualities and so choosing the correct type of film is important to ensure that your goods arrive in the best possible condition. But how do you know which is the right film for your needs?

In this article we will explore the advantages and disadvantages of polyolefin, PVC and polythene shrink wraps, so that you can choose the most appropriate for your needs. (If you’re new to the industry and want to learn more about shrink films in general, check out our “Complete Guide to Shrink Wrap” article.)

Polythene Shrink Film

Polythene shrink film is made of a plastic that shrinks when it is heated, allowing it to conform around the product that needs wrapping. It is a common choice of packaging for the distribution of beverage bottles, hand soap and cans due to its durability to wrap around multiple products. Polythene shrink film (PE) can come in the forms of Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE), Linear Low-Density Polyethylene (LLDPE), Medium Density Polyethylene (MDPE), and High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE).

The main differences consist of the molecular structure, their properties and purpose:

LDPE is the most common form of plastic film and is the least dense of the four types in terms of structure density. It is flexible, transparent, and very resistant. This material is often used for plastic, frozen and waste bags, meat and food products for the consumer to use in their home. Typically, it has a density of 0.917g/cm³ to 0.93g/cm³ and is normally around 0.4 mil to 40 mil thick.

LLDPE is more of a linear polymer structure. Its malleable strength provides a good cover to prevent any tearing and puncturing. It can be used for a range of versatile products including heavy duty bags, toys, and cable covers. LLDPE typically has a density of 0.965g/cm³ or more, and around 0.4 mil to 40 mil in thickness.

MDPE is the least common. Pond liners for example can be made using MDPE or blended with LLDPE or LDPE to achieve a balance of strength and flexibility.

HDPE is both a lightweight yet strong and tougher material. Similarly to LDPE and LLDPE, it holds good impact resistance. HDPE is typically used for both construction materials such as pipes, and consumer products including shampoo bottles and milk cartons. Typically has a density of between 0.93g/cm³ to 0.97g/cm³ and a thickness which ranges from 12 mil to 100 mil thick.

For a more indepth anaylsis read our article on LDPE vs LLDPE vs HDPE.

Polythene Shrink Film Pros and Cons

When searching for the correct wrapping material for your items, it is important to understand PE’s advantages and disadvantages.

PE Pros:

• Protection: provides strong protection against damages from tampering, as well as blocking any contact with dirt and moisture
• Flexibility: it is suitable for a wide range of products that require wrapping, due to its ability to conform to the shape of the product
• Transparency: PE offers good visibility for consumers to see the packaged product, or to aid the inspection of palletised goods
• Affordable: as it is a versatile and commonly-used material, it is less expensive than other wrapping options

PE Cons:

• Heat Sensitive: it is not suitable to use PE for products that are sensitive to heat damage. If used on a product that is not heat compliant, the item risks damage and therefore may not be usable for the consumer, and the business’ consequential loss.
• Environmental Impact: Although it is made from plastic and has a low carbon footprint, the options to recycle the film can be limited; risking the possibility of resulting in landfill

There is another type of polyethylene shrink film, known as Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET). It is an excellent versatile thermoplastic polymer, often used to create plastic bottles and containers, electronic appliances, and consumer foods such as tupperware. It is UV resistant and can hold a high melting point, for the products that require sterile conditions.

As it’s a high performing wrapping film, it is more expensive than PVC and PE. PET has a transparent material, yet sometimes it can be a milky-white colour; it holds tensile strength whilst also being lightweight.

Polyolefin Shrink Film

Made of thermoplastic polyolefins, polyolefin shrink film (POF) is a cost-effective, multipurpose wrap. Its typical use is for food-related products, due to the glossy material transparency. It helps with the appearance of the wrapped goods, while also locking in the moisture of items that may be protected, such as tomatoes, cakes, and meats; making it beneficial for the consumer to see what they are buying when shopping at a supermarket.

POF Pros:

• Strength: it is a strong and sturdy material, preventing resistance to tears and punctures
• Versatility: POF is flexible to wrap the material around different shapes and sizes of food products and beverages; when heated, the shrink film can conform and seal to the build of the product
• Appealing: the glossy transparency of POF allows more clarity for the consumer to see the product they are buying

POF Cons:

• Cost: due to the fact POF is strong, reliable, and can wrap around different sized objects, it is more of an expensive option compared to other shrink films
• Limited Temperatures: compared to other shrink films such as PVC, it has a shrinkage value of approximately 20%. This means that your items will not be compatible with the wrap, risking financial loss to the business, and potential damage to the product

PVC Shrink Film

Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) is produced as a thinner plastic, making it a popular choice for the wrapping of DVD’s and CD Jewel Cases for consumer purposes. When heated, the film is applied around the object and then heated. The film shrinks tightly to the item, preventing the action of tampering with the product.

PVC Pros:

• Multi-purpose: PVC is a popular, lightweight shrink film that can be used for a multitude of products of different shapes and sizes
• Presentation: the lack of damage and tampering due to its strength enhances its clear and neat packaging around the product, making it more appealing to the consumer buying the item
• Usability: the thinner plastic of PVC makes the product easier to open for the consumer

PVC Cons:

• Temperature: when the temperature of the shrink film is either above or below the heat, it causes a risk of becoming brittle and unstable for the consumer
• Unable to wrap multiple items: the fragile nature of its thinner plastic disables the ability to use the shrink wrap for bundling items. Instead, it must be for individual products

Order Your Shrink Film Today

Industrial Polythene is one of the UK’s leading suppliers of polythene packaging products. We provide a fantastic range of strong and durable shrink film materials to match our customers’ requirements, so that they have the utmost protection when transporting and selling their products.

Whether your products require PVC, Polyolefin, or Polyethylene shrink film, contact us today for a free quote.