Key Questions to Ask When Ordering shrink films for packaging

So, you've landed the task of ordering shrink film for your organization. Whether you're a recent graduate stepping into the purchasing realm or a seasoned manager facing shrink film buying for the first time, one reality soon becomes apparent. It’s not a straightforward endeavor as it seems. Maybe you thought shopping online would be as easy as selecting a roll of film and completing the purchase, only to find you've wasted resources on an unsuitable type for your equipment.

Your chosen film might function properly but be an incorrect gauge, leading to financial losses with each package. Or, you might inadvertently select a film lacking adequate heat resistance, resulting in damaged products and a hot mess inside your shrink wrap machinery. These situations emphasize that before finalizing an order for shrink film, key inquiries are necessary to ensure you’re selecting the appropriate film tailored to your packaging demands.

At Industrial Packaging, our experience spans decades assisting numerous businesses in selecting the correct type, size, gauge, and formulation of shrink film suitable for packaging. We value guiding our customers by asking pertinent questions to streamline the optimization of their packaging processes.

Understanding Your Product Requirements

The initial step in purchasing shrink film involves a thorough assessment of the products you wish to wrap. It's crucial to specify your product type before making an acquisition. Are you preparing to wrap fresh produce, toys, or art supplies? Each category has unique requirements that determine the right type of shrink film to use.

If your focus is on vegetables, polyolefin would typically be ideal, possibly with alterations such as perforations for breathability or anti-fog features for optimal product visibility. However, toys may require different considerations—transitioning to polyolefin or PVC based on the product specifics. For items like candles, it’s vital to select PVC since the fragrances can break down polyolefin film.

Are you packaging bottles, canned goods, or sauces? Polyethylene film would be fitting in these cases, while items like CDs or software boxes may require PVC. Additionally, ascertain if any heat-sensitive items you plan to package are compatible with shrink wrapping. Products that can't withstand the heat produced in the shrink tunnel should not be packaged in this way. For validation, work with your vendor to conduct test runs, utilizing heat-sensitive tape on a dummy product that will indicate whether or not the heat settings are suitable.

Evaluating Your Packaging Machinery

Consider the equipment you will be using for your shrink wrapping process before placing an order. Whether you are employing a heat tunnel, heat gun, or another sealing device, the machinery types you have will significantly influence your shrink film choices. Confirm the specifications of your existing machinery to ascertain compatibility with various shrink films. Only after identifying the appropriate film types for your equipment can you advance to selecting the right options that meet your specific packaging needs.

Ordering Considerations and Vendor Communication

Before finalizing your shrink film order, inquire about minimum order requirements with your vendor, especially important for printed films that often come with significant minimums due to printing costs. Understanding shipping costs is equally vital, as different vendors have unique shipping policies that might incur unexpected fees.

Moreover, the vendor's location will directly impact your shipping costs and lead times. Investigating how far the vendor is from your facility can prepare you for potential charges and delivery durations. Lead times are critical as well; to maintain efficient operations, aim for a vendor with short lead times.

Lastly, familiarize yourself with your options regarding stocked items that can potentially expedite your order fulfillment, especially during times when custom orders are during high demand.

After addressing the critical questions above and gathering necessary insights, you will likely be equipped to make an informed decision on your shrink film purchase. If you remain uncertain after thoroughly researching, don’t hesitate to consult with our packaging experts. They can help consolidate your findings and advise on the best shrink film tailored to your packaging applications, ensuring you receive optimum results regardless of whether you choose to purchase from us.