The Difference Between PVC, Polyolefin, and Polyethylene

19 Aug.,2024

 

The Difference Between PVC, Polyolefin, and Polyethylene

Updated for .

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When it comes to choosing the correct shrink wrap film for your business and product, the volume of options on the market can often be misleading and confusing. Our latest blog is here to help you determine the main differences in form and function of the three primary types that people usually choose.

Polyvinyl (PVC), polyethylene (PE) and polyolefin (POF) shrink films have a variety of uses, but they are most frequently seen on the shelves of retail and food stores. Each of these types of films has different capabilities and characteristics that make them suitable for a specific application, which we will highlight and go into more detail about below.

Each type of shrink film mentioned above has been co-extruded. This is the process the wrap goes through to reach its final form. During this process, two or more layers of material are combined to form a single layer. These layers may be made out of polymers which each have a slightly different compound form. Co-extrude is usually utilised when the fusion of layered materials benefits the final packaging, for example, it may make the film much more durable, easier to shape or provides a more attractive appearance.

Shrink films can be formed into a wide variety of shapes, making it perfect for objects that have an unusual form. It can be moulded into bags, overwrap, banding and tubing, a tear-resistant protection can also be added.

 

Polyvinyl (PVC) Shrink Film &#; Pros and Cons

PVC shrink film is one of the most commonly used shrink packaging materials in the world, and this is primarily due to the fact that it is lightweight and inexpensive. The main qualities of PVC are that it is highly durable, has easily sealing and shrinking features, and it can be used on heat sensitive products. It is used in a wide variety of industries including food, pharmaceutical, construction, chemical, healthcare and many, many others.

PVC can also be used as a substitute to BOPP overwrap film, both of these types of wraps can have direct contact with food.

 

Polyolefin (POF) Shrink Film &#; Pros and Cons

POF or polyolefin shrink film is an extremely durable and versatile material. Polyolefin materials are available with many different characteristics. One of these characteristics is the cross-linked feature which provides high-tensile strength (tensile strength is the measurement of the force needed to break the wrap). POF also benefits from being transparent which allows the item enclosed to be clearly visible once it is wrapped.

The compounds of the wrap also reduce the likelihood of a build-up of the material on the sealing components of the machinery. This is hugely beneficial to many businesses as it reduces the maintenance and repair costs often associated with packaging.

As previously mentioned, POF has incredible strength, and because of this, it has a high resistance to punctures or tears. Not only is this beneficial throughout the supply and delivery chain, but it also means products which have an irregular shape can also be wrapped.

 

  • It has excellent clarity and a glossy appearance; great for consumer products where appearance is critical.
  • Ability to shrink quickly and completely.
  • Durable, versatile, low cost.
  • Excellent for bundling multiple items together.

 

Polyethylene (PE) Shrink Film &#; Pros and Cons

Polyethylene is a type of Polyolefin, which means it&#;s a single monomer that is formed by the addition of ethylene during polymerisation. PE is used in several forms of flexible protective packaging including shrink film and stretch film, yet it performs and forms very differently for each.

 

One of the primary uses of PE is during transit. Packs can either be wrapped individually or together, depending on what is the best option for the products and mode of transport. This versatility offers the best combination of unit cost and protection when compared to other packaging methods.

PE films tend to lack the visual properties and tight shrink features needed for most shrink film applications, hence why it is most frequently used during transportation. Unlike other shrink films, polyethylene does not shrink at the presence of heat, rather, it shrinks after exposure to heat.

PE is very elastic, and it has an array of other benefits, including its puncture resistant features and its durability. Like most other plastics it is rot resistant and it maintains its structural integrity over time.

 

PE film can also be used on a large range of goods, ranging from cans and jars to the individual wrapping of products to more industrial wrapping requirements such as buildings, boats and other large objects.

Contact us to discuss your requirements of Resistance to Oil PVC Shrink Film. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.

If you have any questions regarding shrink wrap film and which material is most suitable for your product and your business, please do not hesitate to contact us on 020 or us on and we will happily answer your queries and assist in finding a solution that suits you.

 

Heat Shrink Film : Polyolefin vs Polyethylene vs PVC

Various performance comparisons:

1. Comparison of physical properties

POF has excellent moisture resistance, a uniform thickness, a soft texture, a strong tensile strength and a resistance to tearing, a shrinkage range that can be adjusted, and strong friction resistance.

PE has consistent thickness, is moisture-resistant, feels soft to the touch, has a lower tear strength than polyolefin (POF), but a lot greater tear strength than polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and has a significantly lower friction resistance than POF.

PVC is thick, irregular in thickness, hard and brittle in texture, low in strength, low in shrinkage, and poor in friction resistance.

2. Comparison of cold resistance

Since POF shrinkable film is not hard or brittle at -50 degrees Celsius and is not easily broken, it is suitable for the packaging of frozen foods. Long-term storage at -50 to -95 degrees Celsius will not affect the integrity of the shrunken packaging. It is difficult to contaminate the dust and maintain products freshness with static electricity anti-fog treatment.

The PE shrinkable wrap performs well in the cold. It retains its integrity after being frozen and can be transported without fear of cracking. Static electricity elimination treatment helps prevent the accumulation of dust and dirt, allowing the product to remain pristine.

It is difficult to transport PVC shrink film without it breaking due to its brittleness in the cold or when it has been frozen. It&#;s not compatible with static removal treatment, and it&#;s easy to get dust on it, which can mess with how your products seem on display.

3.Comparing processing performance

POF processing produces no gas, does not adhere to seals, and is simple to maintain and run. Ideal for automatic packing on high-speed production lines because to its excellent tenacity, smoothness, and friction resistance.

PE processing does not generate gas, does not adhere to seals, and is simple to operate and maintain. Superior tensile strength, appropriate for automatic packaging on high-speed production lines;

The processing of PVC will produce toxic gas that does not satisfy environmental protection standards and is likely to cause mechanical damage, it is easy build up on sealing components during shrink wrapping, and challenging to maintain.

4. Security evaluation

After POF shrink wrapping, the seal&#;s four corners are soft, won&#;t hurt hands, and are resistant to friction.

After PE shrink wrapping, the seal&#;s four corners are soft and will not harm the hands.

After shrink wrapping with PVC, the four corners of the seal are hard, making it easy for hands to be injured.

5. Environmental safeguards and hygiene

POF is non-toxic, does not emit a toxic odor during processing, and conforms to FDA and USDA regulations.

PE is non-toxic, produces no toxic gases during processing, and conforms to FDA and USDA standards.

PVC is toxic and will produce a peculiar odor during processing, so its use is being phased out gradually.

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