If you’re looking for the perfect packaging material for your goods, you’ve come to the right place. In this ultimate guide, we compare PE and PVC stretch film to help you choose the right material for your needs.
PE vs PVC stretch film: PE is lightweight, more flexible, and cost-efficient, while PVC is thicker, more rigid, and offers better puncture resistance. Both films provide an effective barrier against moisture, dust, dirt, and bacteria.
Learn all you need to know about PE and PVC stretch films to make the right decision for your packaging needs. An ultimate guide!
Definition of stretch film
Stretch film is a type of plastic film that is highly elastic and used in a variety of applications. It is typically made from linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) and is used to wrap and secure products for storage or transport.
It is also referred to as shrink wrap or stretch wrap. This versatile material provides a number of benefits, including increased product protection, improved stack stability, and cost savings. In this article, we will explore the definition and key features of stretch wrap or shrink film to better understand its potential uses.
Overview of different types of stretch film materials
Stretch films come in a variety of materials, including polyethylene, polypropylene, and vinyl. Polyethylene (PE) is the most common type of stretch wrap and is used for a variety of applications. A shrink film is tough and flexible, making it ideal for securing large or heavy items. A shrink wrap is also cost-effective, making it a popular choice. 
Polypropylene (PP) is a more rigid type of shrink film that is often used for lighter items. This polyolefin shrink wrap is more resistant to tearing than PE and is also more resistant to UV rays. The polyolefin shrink wrap is also a bit more expensive than PE.
Vinyl (PVC) is a more durable type of stretch shrink film that is often used for heavier items. The polyolefin shrink wrap is more resistant to punctures and tears, making it ideal for more delicate items. This type of shrink film is also more expensive than PE and PP.
Polyethylene (PE) stretch film
Characteristics of PE stretch film
- PE shrink films are strong, durable, and lightweight plastic films that can be used to wrap, secure, and protect goods during shipping and storage.
- The polyolefin shrink wrap is made of polyethylene (PE) and can be stretched up to 300% of its original length without breaking.
- This shrink wrap is transparent, allowing for easy identification and inventory of the items being wrapped.
- This shrink wrap has excellent tear resistance, making it difficult to puncture or tear.
- This type of shrink film has good cling properties, allowing it to securely hold items together.
- This shrink wrap is resistant to moisture, dust, and dirt, helping to keep items clean and dry.
- This shrink film is highly economical and cost-effective, making it a popular choice for businesses.
Advantages of using PE stretch film
- Cost-Effectiveness: PE shrink film is one of the most cost-effective materials for packaging and shipping. This shrink wrap is lightweight, yet extremely strong and resilient, so it can be used to securely wrap and protect products, reducing the amount of material that needs to be used.
- Adaptability: PE shrink films are highly flexible and can be used to wrap products of various shapes and sizes. This shrink wrap can accommodate a wide range of products, making it ideal for packaging and shipping.
- Durability: PE shrink film is designed to be strong and durable. This shrink wrap can resist tears and punctures, ensuring that the products inside are securely wrapped and protected.
- Versatility: PE shrink film can be used in a variety of applications, from pallet wrapping to bundling and unitizing. This shrink wrap can also be used in a variety of temperatures, so it can be used both indoors and outdoors.
- Eco-Friendly: PE shrink film is made from a lightweight and recyclable material, making it a more eco-friendly packaging option.
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) stretch film
Characteristics of PVC stretch film
- A sealing PVC shrink wrap is a highly elastic plastic wrap that is used for wrapping and bundling packages.
- This shrink wrap is made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) resin which is highly resistant to punctures, tears, and moisture.
- This shrink film is lightweight, transparent, and has a high tensile strength.
- The PVC shrink wrap is available in multiple thicknesses and can be custom-made to fit specific needs.
- The PVC shrink wrap is an economical packaging material that can be stretched up to 300% of its original size.
- The polyolefin shrink film has excellent clarity, making it well-suited for palletizing and wrapping applications.
- The PVC shrink wrap hardens and is resistant to most acids, bases, and organic solvents.
- The polyolefin shrink film is non-toxic and meets FDA standards for food contact.
Advantages of using PVC stretch film
- Cost-Effective: PVC shrink film is one of the most cost-effective packaging materials available. This cost-effectiveness makes it popular among many industries.
- Durability: PVC shrink wrap is highly durable, making it ideal for protecting items during shipping and storage.
- Versatility: PVC shrink wrap can be used to package items of all shapes and sizes, making it suitable for a wide range of applications.
- Easy to Use: PVC shrink wrap is also easy to apply, making it a great choice for those who need to quickly package items.
- Eco-Friendly: PVC stretch film or also called shrink wrap is an environmentally friendly packaging material, as it can be recycled and reused.
Comparison of PE and PVC stretch film
Differences in physical properties
PE film is lightweight and has good tear strength, making it ideal for wrapping small, light packages. It is also highly flexible and can easily conform to irregularly shaped packages. PE film also has a very low coefficient of friction, allowing it to slide easily over itself and other surfaces.
PVC shrink film is much heavier and has a considerably higher tear strength than PE shrink wrap film. The PVC shrink film is also more rigid, making it better suited for wrapping heavier or oddly shaped objects. A PVC shrink film is higher coefficient of friction gives it increased adherence to surfaces and objects, making it more difficult to remove.
When comparing the physical properties of PE and PVC stretch film, there are several key differences. PE stretch film is thinner and more malleable than polyolefin shrink film, making it easier to stretch and conform to different surfaces, while PVC stretch film has a higher tensile strength and is more rigid.
PE stretch film also has a higher puncture resistance than PVC stretch film and is less likely to tear. A polyolefin shrink film is more resistant to water, abrasion, and UV radiation, making it better for outdoor use. Finally, PE stretch film is more economical, while PVC stretch film can provide higher performance.
Differences in application and use
PE (Polyethylene) stretch film is a type of plastic film used to wrap and secure objects. PE stretch film is used in many applications including bundling and palletizing items and is often used in shipping and storage. It is very strong and is a great way to protect items from dust, moisture, and other environmental conditions.
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) stretch film is also a type of polymer plastic film that is used to wrap and secure objects. PVC stretch film has flexible protective packaging feature than PE stretch film and is often used for items that require a tighter, more secure wrap. It provides superior protection against dust and moisture and is often used to protect items that may be exposed to extreme temperatures.
PE stretch film is better suited for lighter items that require less protection, while PVC stretch film is better suited for heavier items that require more protection. PE stretch film is also better suited for applications that require a great degree of flexibility.
Differences in environmental impact
In terms of environmental impact, PE stretch film is generally considered to be more eco-friendly than PVC stretch film. This is because the production of PE stretch film uses fewer resources and produces fewer toxic byproducts than PVC stretch film.
Additionally, PE stretch film is much more recyclable than PVC, making it a more sustainable choice. Finally, PE stretch film is biodegradable, meaning it will eventually break down in the environment and is less likely to contribute to plastic pollution.
Conclusion
PE and PVC Stretch Films are both great materials for packaging and providing a secure hold, but PE is a more economical and environmentally friendly choice due to its higher yield and lower cost. PE is the ultimate choice for packaging and securing your products.
