Poly Shrink Bundling Film

Material and Construction

Polyethylene shrink bundling film is manufactured from low-density polyethylene (LDPE) resin using multi-layer coextrusion, typically in a 3-layer construction. This multi-layer architecture provides a combination of high tensile strength, puncture resistance, and optical clarity that single-layer films cannot achieve. The film is oriented during manufacturing to build in controlled shrink properties that activate when the film passes through a heat tunnel.

How Shrink Bundling Works

Shrink bundling film is applied loosely around a group of products (bottles, cans, boxes, or other items) by an automated bundling machine. The wrapped group then passes through a heat tunnel operating at 300 to 400F, where the film shrinks tightly around the products, creating a secure, unitized package. Unlike shrink wrap used for individual product packaging, bundling film is specifically designed for holding multiple items together as a single unit for handling, shipping, and retail display.

Thickness Selection

• 1.25-2 mil (125-200 gauge) is used for standard bundling applications such as 6-packs and 12-packs of water bottles, soda cans, and other lightweight consumer goods.
• 2.5-3 mil (250-300 gauge) provides medium-duty bundling for heavier products like 24-packs of beverages, canned goods, and larger consumer multipacks.
• 4-6 mil (400-600 gauge) is a heavy-duty range for industrial bundling applications including building materials, lumber, pipe, and large multi-unit packages where high holding force and puncture resistance are required.

Shrink Properties

Polyethylene bundling film typically achieves up to 20% shrink, which is lower than polyolefin or PVC shrink films but is sufficient for bundling applications where the film needs to draw tight around a group of products rather than conform closely to complex contours. The lower shrink percentage also means less distortion of printed graphics on the film surface.

Printability

PE shrink bundling film accepts surface printing for branding, product identification, and promotional graphics. Multi-color printing (up to 8 colors) is available for registered print applications on automated bundling lines. The print surface maintains clarity and color fidelity through the shrink process.

Sustainability

Polyethylene bundling film is a mono-material (single polymer type), which simplifies recycling compared to multi-layer laminate structures. Post-consumer recycled (PCR) content options are available for operations with sustainability targets.