Stretch wrap and shrink wrap are common materials used to protect a business’s products while in transit. These two types of wraps have significant differences, especially when it comes to how they are used. A lot of people, however, still frequently end up getting the two confused. It can be extremely important to recognize their differences, especially if you are working in an environment that will require the use of one of these. Learn here, as we discuss the difference between stretch wrap and shrink wrap.
They Are Made From Different Plastics
One of the first big differences between these two types of wrap is what they are made of. Shrink wrap is made from polyolefin plastic, and stretch wrap is made from polyethylene plastic. It is true that they are both polymer plastics, and polyethylene is a type of polyolefin. The big difference, though, is that polyolefin is made from the polymerization alkenes, whereas polyethylene is created from the polymerization of ethylene.
They Have Different Uses
When it comes to the difference between stretch wrap and shrink wrap, this is one of the most significant aspects. Stretch wrap is generally used in more industrial environments. It is designed to be used to hold loads of packages and products together on pallets when being transported or stored. It’s an important step to prevent pallet product damage during shipment. On the other hand, shrink wrap is much lighter and is used to wrap individual products to protect it from dust, debris, and even weather. It can also be used to combine certain items together as long as they are small. For example, shrink wrap is typically used for wrapping and covering food products such as cheese, meats, and vegetables to protect them from spoiling.
Their Durability and Protective Qualities
The abilities of what these wraps can protect against tend to vary. Stretch wrap is incredibly strong, which is why it gets used to secure large loads of packages. It also can protect items from dust and moisture. One more special bonus of stretch wrap is it can come in UV protective forms. Shrink wrap is nowhere as strong, which is why it is best for wrapping small items. However, shrink wrap can be ventilated, which makes it more capable of reducing damage from factors like moisture.
