Shrink Wrap Basics

The term "Shrink wrap" describes a multitude of films. The most common are polypropylene, polyethylene, polyolefin, and PVC. Film is either single-wound or center-folded on rolls. Custom printed collars, sleeves, and bags are available.

Shrink Film

The term "shrink film" is broadly applied to a family of plastic films that shrink when heat is applied to them. The most common type of shrink film is found wrapping retail packaging and is characterized by crystal clarity, small seal size, and low tear resistance. Shrink film can also be used for load bundling and protection, particularly in applications where heavy loads are exposed to the outdoors for extended lengths of time that would degrade stretch film. These bundling films are heavier, softer, and cloudier than their high-speed, high-clarity cousins.

Companies that use shrink film in their packaging process understand the value of a relationship with a reliable supplier. Shrink film is a delicate product that demands careful handling and close tolerances for storage, sealing, and shrink temperatures. On the best of days, variations in tunnel temperature and airflow can cause fisheyes and burnthrough. On the worst of days, nicks in the roll ends, defective film rollers, or imperfections on the sealing surface can cause delays by stopping the line entirely.

We Are There To Help

Gulf Packaging understands how difficult shrink packaging can make daily operations and we do our part to minimize problems. Our representatives are trained to help our customers keep their lines running smoothly, our service technicians keep our customers equipment in top shape, and our distribution team ensures that our film is fresh, properly stored in cool rooms, and handled with the utmost care.

Gulf Packaging stocks a broad range of film formulations and sizes for our customers in designated climate-controlled cool rooms. Due to the high volume of film we sell and the care we take in handling it our customers get the freshest, best handled shrink film available to keep their packaging operation running smoothly.

Polyethylene Shrink Film

Commonly used as a bundling film, polyethylene shrink is generally thick, very puncture resistant, and slightly cloudy. more »
Polypropylene Shrink Film

Polypropylene shrink film is a versatile general-purpose retail shrink film. It is tough, seals well, and shrinks at relativly low temperatures. more »
Polyolefin Shrink Film

Polyolefin shrink film combines the best properties of polyethylene with those of polypropylene to produce a very high clarity film with good shrink in all directions. more »
PVC Shrink Film

PVC shrink film is ideal for high-performance applications where seal strength, film strength, and claity and gloss are important. more »
Shrink Bands, Sleeves, and Tubing

Custom manufactured for specific applications, shrink bands, sleeves, and tubing can be plain or printed and serve to bundle, multipack, or provide tamper-evidence. more »

Our service department works on all brands of shrink equipment.

Tabletop Shrink Packaging Systems

Tabletop shrink systems typically consist of a sealing bar and heat gun and are best used for packaging low volume or highly variably shaped items. more »
Semi-automatic shrink film systems

Built for higher volume packaging, these systems still require an operator to insert the product and seal the wrap but they are an affordable alternative to fully automated shrink packaging lines. more »
Fully automatic shrink packaging machinery

Designed for conveyorized infeed, unattended wrapping, and high product volume, fully automatic shrink packaging machinery is key to high-volume retail lines. more »