POF vs PVC Shrink Films: The Ultimate Comparison

Packaging films have a big impact on products. Companies that want to optimize their packaging processes. You need to know the differences between polyolefin (POF) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) shrink film. So that consumer expectations can be met. PVC and POF shrink film are durable, low-cost, protective products, and easy to transport. By choosing the right type of film, goods can be transported more safely. This article will explain the pros and cons of these shrink wraps. This will help you learn more about both materials!

What is POF (polyolefin) shrink film?

POF shrink film is a very good advanced packaging material. It has high transparency, flexibility, and strength. It also has excellent puncture resistance. In the transportation and storage of products, it is beneficial to protect them from damage. POF shrink film shrinks when heated, making it ideal for closing goods. Nowadays, an increasing number of use cases are choosing POF. The FDA also approves POF as a food safety material.

Advantages of POF Shrink Film

POF shrink film has many benefits. It is very practical for wrapping food, electronics, daily necessities, and more. It is also very convenient to use. It can be adapted to many types of packaging machines. Packaging efficiency is also very high. The quality is also very good, soft, flexible, and durable. Additionally, it is very environmentally friendly and made of 100% recycled materials. It is transparent and glossy, and can shrink quickly after heat shrinkage. After crosslinking, the strength is higher. It is also translucent, allowing you to see the product very clearly, which helps attract customers. Although it is very thin, the tensile strength is very high. It’s tough, strong, and puncture-resistant. It also protects the product from damage effectively. It is also suitable for items containing sharp edges and irregular shapes. It can effectively reduce the risk of product damage.

Disadvantages

POF shrink film is strong and can wrap items of various sizes. But the cost is very high; the price is more expensive. The shrinkage rate is only about 20%, which is not as good as PVC. This leads to some cases that may not be wrapped as well as PVC. It may cause economic loss to the enterprise, and the product may be damaged.

Applications of POF (Polyolefin) Shrink Film

POF shrink film is a very common packaging material with a wide range of applications. In terms of food, such as meat, cheese, and frozen food, packaging with POF film is the most suitable. It is very convenient for customers to see what the food is, and the key is to ensure food safety. Beverage packaging is also inseparable from it. Whether it is a single bottle or multiple bottles, it can be wrapped very well, but also very strongly. It will also be used in the pharmaceutical field. Medicine bottles, blister packaging, and medical device packaging are used. Avoid contamination from drugs, equipment, dust, and moisture. The packaging of electronic products, toys, cosmetics, and other consumer goods also often uses it. Industry sectors, such as automobile parts and mechanical components, will also be utilized.

POF shrink film is clear and strong. It also supports sustainable development. It is a very good choice for the modern packaging industry. It can help various industries improve packaging. This includes better efficiency, safety, and environmental care.

What is PVC (polyvinyl chloride) shrink film?

PVC shrink film is also a plastic packaging material. It is made from polyvinyl chloride, a versatile thermoplastic polymer. It has a strong shrinkage force and provides a tight conformity to the shape of the item. Used for packaging non-edible items like CDs, DVDs, and small cans. It also works well with automated machines.

PVC film has a very high shrinkage rate, and it tightly conforms to the shape of the packaged item. Due to its lightweight and low cost, it has a high shrinkage rate, making it very popular today.

PVC shrink film comes in two types: rigid PVC and flexible PVC. Both are great for wrapping various items.

PVC (polyvinyl chloride) advantages?

PVC shrink film has many advantages. The film can be customized in different sizes and thicknesses as needed. The shrinkage rate is very high, which can be a very good fit for the product. Lightweight and cheap, it saves packaging costs. The sealing property is also good. Heating boosts the sealing property. It also makes the product dustproof, moisture-proof, and enhances electrical insulation. Non-flammable, uniform heat shrinkage is a very cost-effective packaging material.

PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) disadvantages.

PVC shrink film has two main disadvantages. One is that it is very demanding in terms of temperature. It becomes easy to break and risky when the temperature is not suitable. The second is that you cannot pack too many goods. Because it is too thin and easy to break, it is only suitable for packing single items, not for wrapping multiple items.

Difference between POF (Polyolefin) and PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) Shrink Film

In the field of packaging, POF shrink films and PVC shrink films are different, and the following is a comparison between them:

Material composition and safety:

• POF shrink film is made of multilayer polymers, free of plasticizers, and is safe and environmentally friendly. It complies with FDA food packaging standards. Heat does not release harmful gases, making it suitable for food packaging and safe for both people and the environment.
• PVC shrink film: the main component is polyvinyl chloride, usually containing plasticizers to increase flexibility. It can release toxic gases such as hydrogen chloride when heated and should not be used for food packaging or in safety-regulated environments.

Clarity of appearance:

• POF shrink film: very clear, with a soft surface that is not easy to break. It enhances the visual appeal of products on retail shelves and is suitable for displaying food or delicate goods.
• PVC shrink film: the material has a smooth surface, is relatively transparent, and has good clarity. However, when it is thicker, it may be slightly blurred or distorted, which may affect the visual appeal. However, it can also meet the requirements of retail products such as CDs, DVDs, and gift items.

Shrinkage properties:

• POF shrink film: characterized by its high heat shrinkage rate and transparency, enabling tight conformity to the shape of the goods. The packaging effect is smooth, allowing it to shrink quickly and completely. After exiting the shrink tunnel, the product becomes the finished form.
• PVC shrink film: Offers good shrinkage performance and a strong shrinkage force, resulting in tight packaging. However, after shrinkage, it becomes fragile, prone to breaking, and unsuitable for bundling multiple items.

Environmental impact:

• POF shrink film: non-toxic and recyclable, more environmentally friendly than PVC film. It is favored by industries that focus on sustainable development.
• PVC shrink film: Environmental concerns due to the release of toxic chemicals during production and handling.May face stringent regulatory restrictions.

Costs:

• POF shrink film: High upfront costs, but performance and environmental advantages can make long-term investment worthwhile.
• PVC shrink film: Low price, attractive to companies with tight budgets. However, environmental impacts and safety concerns may increase long-term costs.

Strength and durability:

• POF shrink film: High puncture resistance and packaging safety during transportation and storage.High flexibility and tear resistance for frequent transportation and handling.
• PVC shrink film: good strength and durability, performs well in temperature-stable environments. However, it is not as durable as POF film, as it becomes fragile during temperature fluctuations.

Areas of application:

• POF shrink film: a wide range of applications. They cover areas such as food, toys, games, candy, books, and most retail merchandise. It can also be used for bundling multiple items. For example, items like tissue boxes and multiple bottles of beverages.
• PVC shrink film: mostly used for non-food goods retail packaging.For example, books, software, electronics, etc.Especially suitable for indoor use. Commonly used in CD/DVD packaging and game boxes.

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