Polyester Strapping

Material and Properties

Polyester strapping is manufactured from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) resin, the same polymer family used in beverage bottles but processed into a high-tensile oriented strap. PET strapping offers the highest break strength of any plastic strapping material, with ratings from 600 lbs in lighter configurations up to 5,000 lbs in the widest, thickest sizes. The material does not corrode, rust, or stain products the way steel strapping can, and it weighs approximately 75% less than equivalent steel strap.

Width and Break Strength Selection

• 1/2 inch (12.7 mm) at 0.020 to 0.028 inch thickness provides break strengths from 600 to 800 lbs. Used for light to medium-duty palletizing, box strapping, and wood product bundling.
• 5/8 inch (15.9 mm) at 0.025 to 0.035 inch thickness provides break strengths from 900 to 1,400 lbs. The most common size for industrial palletizing, lumber bundling, and brick/block strapping.
• 3/4 inch (19 mm) at 0.040 to 0.050 inch thickness provides break strengths from 1,800 to 2,500 lbs. Used for heavy-duty freight, large pallets, and loads that would otherwise require steel strapping.
• 1-1/4 inch (32 mm) at 0.047 to 0.050 inch thickness provides break strengths from 3,500 to 5,000 lbs. Used for the heaviest industrial loads including steel coils, heavy building materials, and rail freight.

Tension Retention

The primary advantage of PET strapping over polypropylene is its superior tension retention. PET strapping maintains applied tension over extended periods, making it the correct choice for loads that compress, settle, or shift after strapping. Rigid loads such as bricks, blocks, lumber, and heavy pallets benefit from the sustained holding force that PET provides. The elongation at break is typically 12-18%, lower than polypropylene (15-25%), which contributes to better tension maintenance.

PET vs. Steel Strapping

PET strapping has replaced steel strapping in many applications. It weighs significantly less, does not require metal-cutting tools for removal, produces no sharp edges that can cause injury, and does not rust or stain products. PET strapping also absorbs shock and vibration better than rigid steel, maintaining load integrity through the impacts of truck and rail transport. For loads exceeding approximately 2,500 lbs of required strap tension, the widest PET strapping sizes (1-1/4 inch) can provide break strengths approaching 5,000 lbs, covering a large portion of applications that previously required steel.

Sealing Methods

PET strapping is sealed using friction-weld joints (on automatic machines), hot-melt joints, or metal seals and buckles. Joint efficiency (seal strength as a percentage of strap break strength) typically ranges from 70-85% with proper tools and technique. Battery-powered combination tools that tension and seal in one operation are the standard for manual PET strapping applications.

Environmental and Safety Properties

PET strapping is non-corrosive and will not stain or mark products, making it suitable for strapping finished goods, painted surfaces, and weather-exposed loads. The material is UV-resistant and maintains its properties during extended outdoor storage. PET strapping is 100% recyclable as PET resin.