Differences: Cross-Linked and Non-Cross-Linked Shrink Film

Shrink film is one of the packaging materials. It is used for packaging products, making storage, display, and transportation more convenient. It is commonly used in retail and transportation packaging. There are various types of shrink film, such as cross-linked and non-cross-linked.

Choosing the right shrink film can better protect products, enhance appearance, and meet actual packaging requirements. This article introduces the differences between cross-linked and non-cross-linked shrink film.

What is Cross-Linked Shrink Film?

Cross-linked shrink film is produced through a special process. It forms chemical bonds between the polymer chains of the film, making the material stronger and more resilient.

It has many advantages:

High shrinkage rate allows tight conformity to complex product shapes, ensuring flat and secure packaging. High heat resistance, suitable for high-speed packaging and high-temperature environments.

Good puncture and tear resistance, protecting products from damage during transport and storage.

It is dimensionally stable and does not shrink or deform excessively at high temperatures, ensuring consistent packaging quality.

Applications

Used for high-performance packaging. It is made from polyolefin and undergoes radiation cross-linking to achieve higher seal strength and tear resistance. Even thin films can be used to package heavy products with sharp corners.

What is Non-Cross Linked Shrink Film?

Non-cross-linked shrink film is shrink film that has not undergone a cross-linking process. Most are made from polymer resins, with no chemical bonds between molecules, relying on the natural properties of polymers to shrink when heated.

Non-cross-linked shrink films like polyethylene (PE) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) are more flexible and easier to process than cross-linked shrink films.They are widely used in packaging, bundling and sealing, and can efficiently meet many standard shrink packaging requirements. However, their strength and durability are slightly inferior, they are not resistant to high temperatures, and they are easily damaged under extreme conditions. But for applications that do not require high durability, they are still quite useful and inexpensive, making them suitable for projects with limited budgets. They provide soft, flexible packaging and are ideal for packaging fresh agricultural products.

The Difference Between Cross-Linked and Non-Cross-Linked Shrink Film

Although cross-linked shrink film and non-cross-linked shrink film both have the basic function of protecting products, they have several key differences that affect their performance, cost, and suitability for various applications:

Cross-linked shrink film:

• High strength and durability, resistant to tearing and puncturing, and capable of withstanding extreme temperatures.
• High shrinkage rate, tightly wraps irregular or complex-shaped products.
• Good heat resistance, suitable for products transported or stored in high-temperature environments.
• Due to the complex production process, it is more expensive but offers superior performance and protection, making it reasonable for specific applications.
• Excellent optical properties and clean, clear surface.

Non-cross-linked shrink film:

• Good flexibility, but poor durability and susceptible to external factors.
• Low shrinkage, poor adhesion to products.
• Low heat resistance and poor performance at high temperatures.
• Inexpensive and suitable for economical applications that do not require high strength and durability.
• Slightly matte finish, but still meets the transparency requirements of most applications.

When to Best Use Cross-Linked vs Non-Cross Linked Shrink Film

Choose the right cross-linked or non-cross-linked film. You can judge by the following situations.

Cross-linked shrink film is suitable for the following situations:

• If the packaged product has high durability requirements and is at risk of puncture or tearing, cross-linked shrink film can provide better protection.
• When packaging may be exposed to high temperatures during transportation or storage, cross-linked shrink film is more suitable.
• For products with complex shapes that require high shrinkage rates for tight wrapping, cross-linked shrink film is the ideal choice.
• For long-term product protection and to reduce damage during transportation and handling, cross-linked shrink film is more effective.
• If high-quality packaging and a professional appearance are required, cross-linked shrink film can meet these needs.
• Non-crosslinked shrink film is suitable for:
• Packaging simple-shaped products. When low shrinkage rates are acceptable, non-crosslinked shrink film can be chosen.
• Packaging that will not be exposed to high temperatures or harsh environments, non-crosslinked shrink film is sufficient.
• When cost is the primary consideration, and low requirements for film strength and durability are acceptable, non-crosslinked shrink film is the more economical option.
• Non-cross-linked shrink film is also suitable for packaging lightweight or low-risk items.

We have also conducted some tests. In a drop test comparing two different thicknesses of shrink film packaging, cross-linked shrink film performed excellently.

Six rolls of 3.4-pound tape packaged in 60-gauge cross-linked shrink film were dropped three times from a height of 6 feet without breaking.

Standard 100-gauge polyolefin shrink film remained intact in the same test. In another test, 50 aluminum foil pan lids weighing 3.6 pounds each were packaged in a stack of five using cross-linked shrink film, which also performed well. Cross-linked shrink film has advantages in terms of sealing and material strength, so you can refer to these advantages when making your selection.