Differences Between Polyolefins, PVC And Polyethylene

What polyethylene film can be used for?

Polyolefin, PVC, polyethylene, and low-density polyethylene are common shrink film materials on the market. You can quickly achieve your work goals by choosing the right kind, so which of these three types of packaging film is more suitable? Next, you will find the most comprehensive explanation for you.

Polyolefin

I think polyolefin shrink film is the best heat shrink film. It has excellent performance and is widely used in a variety of product packaging. It can usually be used for chocolate, fruits, vegetables, food, tissue boxes, cosmetics, retail, and other product packaging.

Advantages of polyolefin: it is a highly transparent packaging film, it is highly puncture-resistant, has excellent flexibility, and can be quickly bundled with multiple units of products; polyolefin shrink film also possesses a variety of types, such as cross-linking polyolefin shrink film, high-performance film, and low-temperature shrink film.

Polyolefin has disadvantages: its price is slightly higher than other types of shrink film, and the shrinkage temperature is high. To solve these problems, you can use low-temperature shrink film or cross-linked shrink film.

Polyethylene

Polyethylene heat shrink film is cost-effective and can wrap large industrial products such as ships, shipping pallets, etc. It can be as thick as 1200 gauges or even up to 1500 gauges.

Advantages of Polyethylene: Polyethylene has a thicker film and is more brutal so that it can be used for heavy-duty industrial shrink packaging applications. It can be used for shrink and stretch wrapping, and it has tensile solid properties. Polyethylene is recyclable.

Disadvantages of polyethylene: This heat shrink film is more expensive than polyolefin shrink film and PE shrink film. It is also difficult to shrink and requires more cooling space. It cannot be used for food packaging. So, for food films, choosing polyolefin is the best choice.

PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)

PVC shrink film is the material for meteor shower plastic box packaging, such as DVD boxes, gift packaging, game boxes, etc. It is very tear-resistant.

Advantages of PVC: PVC is very tear-resistant and affordable. In the past, it was the most commonly used shrink film.

Disadvantages of PVC: It is a shrink film made from polyvinyl chloride, which cannot be used for food packaging because it releases hydrogen chloride, chlorine, and other toxic substances when heated. Ventilation and other precautions need to be taken during the shrinking process.

There are three types of polyethylene:

LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene) is lower-density, more flexible, corrosion-resistant, and impact-resistant. It can be used to make plastic bags and other bags.

LLDPE (Linear Low-Density Polyethylene): It has better tear and puncture resistance than LLDPE and is more powerful. It can be used to make a stretch film, industrial film, etc.

HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene): Both FDA and USDA approved for food contact; it is durable, waterproof, and can be used to package food, retail products, and pallet wrapping, but it has poor oxidizing ability. Polyethylene is a recyclable packaging film.

Questions about polyolefin shrink-wrap

What is a polyolefin shrink bag?

Polyolefin can produce Polyolefin Shrink Film and Shrink Bags, which have similar functions. POF Shrink Bags are suitable for packaging retail items, such as bakery breads, deli foods, bulk foods, candies, and so on. They have the same transparency and softness as Shrink Film. They can be used with pulse sealers and L-bar sealers. They have higher transparency and better durability than PVC shrink bags.

Is polyolefin toxic and dangerous?

Polyolefins are manufactured and used without health hazards, are FDA-approved for direct food contact, do not produce odors during shrinkage, and do not produce residues.

What are the disadvantages of polyolefins?

The reliability and strength of polyolefin shrink film and the advantages of food contact make it popular in the market. However, polyolefin is more expensive than other shrink films, and the shrinkage rate is only 20%. However, it can meet the packaging needs of most items.

Is polyolefin strong?

Shrink film made from polyolefin is very strong and sturdy. It is puncture and abrasion-resistant, suitable for a variety of regular products, and has excellent flexibility and exceptional durability.

Does polyolefin contain BPA?

Polyolefin shrink film does not contain BPA because the material is chemically resistant and provides continuous insurance for food products.

What is the difference between polyolefin and polyethylene?

Polyolefin is a broad term that encompasses all polymers of olefins. Polyethylene refers to polymers of ethylene. They differ mainly in their chemical and physical properties.

• Polyolefins are softer and less prone to breakage.
• Polyethylene has a variety of molecular structures and different densities.
• Polyethylene has better tensile strength and portability
• Polyolefin can be used for direct food contact
• Questions about PVC heat shrink film

Is PVC heat shrink film safe for food packaging?

PVC is not recommended for food packaging. PVC can emit chlorine gas during heating and is harmful to humans. It also depends on whether the PVC formulation contains phthalates and stabilizers, so it is unsuitable for video contact. So, if you need to use PVC to package food, check the ingredient list carefully. It is more appropriate to use FDA-approved polyolefins for direct food contact. Choosing the suitable shrink wrap will keep your vegetables fresh.

What is the difference between PVC and polyolefins?

Polyethylene and polyolefin are both plastics formed through a free radical polymerization mechanism. Polyolefin shrink film has excellent clarity and limited shrinkage but can be used in the food industry.

PVC has better durability and shrinkage. It is also inexpensive and is one of the most commonly used shrink wraps.

Conclusion.

The above has explained the difference between polyethylene, polyolefin, and PVC. How to choose between these three types of shrink films, you first need to determine what objects you need to package for your project before making your choice. They have different advantages and disadvantages; choosing as needed can increase efficiency and reduce costs. Using a safe and durable shrink film will allow for maximum object protection. Whether you need PVC, polyolefin, or PE, check out the products on our website.