Biodegradable PLA (polylactic acid) shrink film is an eco-friendly alternative to traditional plastic shrink wraps. Made from renewable resources like corn starch or sugarcane, PLA shrink film is designed to reduce environmental impact. This guide will help you understand the benefits, considerations, and common questions related to purchasing PLA shrink film.
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PLA Shrink Film
Understanding PLA Shrink Film
PLA shrink film is a type of biodegradable plastic that shrinks tightly over products when heat is applied. It is used for packaging and labeling a variety of items, offering protection and a professional appearance while being more environmentally friendly than conventional plastic films.
Benefits of PLA Shrink Film
There are several advantages to choosing PLA shrink film for your packaging needs:
PLA Shrink Film
1. Eco-Friendly:
PLA is derived from renewable resources and is biodegradable, reducing the environmental impact compared to petroleum-based plastics.
2. Reduced Carbon Footprint:
The production of PLA generates fewer greenhouse gases and uses less energy than the production of traditional plastics.
3. Versatility:
PLA shrink film can be used for various applications, including food packaging, consumer goods, and product labeling.
4. Clear and Attractive:
PLA film provides a high-quality, clear finish that enhances the visual appeal of packaged products.
PLA Shrink Film
Considerations When Buying PLA Shrink Film
Before purchasing PLA shrink film, consider the following factors to ensure it meets your specific needs:
1. Compatibility with Packaging Equipment:
Ensure that the PLA shrink film is compatible with your existing packaging machinery. Some equipment may require adjustments or specific settings to work efficiently with PLA film.
2. Shrink Ratio and Temperature:
Check the shrink ratio and recommended shrinking temperature of the PLA film. This information is crucial for achieving a tight and even shrink around your products.
3. Thickness:
PLA shrink film comes in various thicknesses, typically measured in microns or mils. Thicker films provide better durability and protection but may require higher heat to shrink properly.
4. Biodegradability Certification:
Look for films that have been certified by recognized organizations for their biodegradability and compostability, such as the Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI) or TÜV Austria.
5. Cost:
While PLA shrink film can be more expensive than traditional plastic films, consider the long-term environmental benefits and potential for improved brand image as part of the overall cost-benefit analysis.
PLA Shrink Film
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does it take for PLA shrink film to biodegrade?
A: The biodegradation rate of PLA shrink film depends on environmental conditions. In industrial composting facilities, PLA can break down within 3-6 months. In home composting or natural environments, the process may take longer.
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Q: Is PLA shrink film safe for food packaging?
A: Yes, PLA shrink film is safe for food packaging. It is often used for wrapping fresh produce, baked goods, and other food items. Ensure that the PLA film you choose is food-grade certified.
Q: Can PLA shrink film be recycled?
A: While PLA is biodegradable, it is not commonly recycled through traditional plastic recycling streams. It is best composted in industrial composting facilities. Some specialized recycling programs may accept PLA products.
Q: Does PLA shrink film have the same properties as traditional plastic shrink film?
A: PLA shrink film offers similar clarity and shrink properties to traditional plastic films. However, it may have different mechanical properties, such as lower heat resistance and different shrink ratios. It is essential to test the film with your specific products and packaging equipment.
Q: What are the ideal storage conditions for PLA shrink film?
A: Store PLA shrink film in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture. High temperatures and humidity can affect the film's performance and shelf life.
Conclusion
Biodegradable PLA shrink film is an excellent choice for environmentally conscious businesses looking to reduce their carbon footprint and offer sustainable packaging solutions. By considering factors such as compatibility, shrink ratio, thickness, and certifications, you can select the right PLA shrink film for your needs. With its benefits in eco-friendliness, versatility, and visual appeal, PLA shrink film is a valuable addition to any packaging strategy.
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What You Need to Know About PLA Shrink Film
When it comes to shrink film, we get a lot of questions from prospects, clients and curious production managers. While there is a sea of questions flowing from the world to our doorstep, we get several of them over and over and over and... well, you get the point! In this article we are going to answer the seven most common questions about shrink film.
Shrink Film Width Calculator
How Many Types Of Shrink Film Do You Sell?
We sell 3 basic families of shrink films. Polyolefin (POF), polyethylene (PE), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Within these families, there are different formulations to create the best possible solution for your packaging requirements.
What Applications Work Best For Each Type Of Shrink Film?
PVC works well for lightweight products, general purpose and applications that require a preferential film. For example, if you have a product that is skinny and long, it will give you a nice finished product. Some PVC is food grade and FDA approved.
Polyethylene is good for bundling products like bottled water, vegetables, and industrial products. It is great at holding things together. Unlike Polyolefin, it shrinks as it is cooled rather than shrinking when it is heated.
Polyolefin is great for general products. It is an excellent choice for multipacks, toys and games. It is also good for lightweight products or very tall products if you utilize a low energy formulation. All polyolefin films are food grade and FDA approved.
How Many Feet Are On A Roll Of Shrink Film?
The amount of film on a roll of shrink is dependent upon the gauge of film you are using. All films are wound to the same outer diameter. Single wound films are longer in length while center-folded films have half the footage but the same amount of film because it is folded to make it easier to use on most equipment.
Need Help Calculating The Width Of Your Shrink Film?
Can I Wrap Food Products In Shrink Film?
The short answer is yes, but to clarify, our film is made for the food processing market. Our films have both USDA and Kosher certifications. USDA is for intimate food contact. All of our polyolefin films are freezer appropriate and we even have some films that include anti-fog capabilities which pulls the moisture away so it doesn’t fog the film and you can see the product. This is ideally used for vegetables or other products with a high moisture content.
While there are some formulations of PVC that can be used for food packaging, we generally recommend using polyolefin shrink films for this particular application as all of the polyolefin products we offer are food grade and FDA approved for the packaging of food items.
What Temperature Is Best For Shrinking Shrink Film Through A Heat Tunnel?
Ideally, you want to use the lowest heat with the greatest amount of airflow possible. This will also depend on your equipment and speeds in addition to other variables associated with your machinery and materials. When planning on packaging items with shrink through a heat tunnel, your packaging materials vendor should be able to procure the appropriate testing to see if the products you are packaging should be packaged in a heat tunnel or not.
How Do I Know What Size Shrink Film To Use?
This question is hard to answer because it is very product and equipment dependent. We offer a shrink film width calculator online that can help answer this with more clarity for your particular packaging needs. Additionally, you could request an analysis from your packaging materials and machinery vendor and ask them for advice on which type of film you should be running, what gauge you should be utilizing and what if any changes you could make to increase productivity, reduce cost and run a more efficient packaging line.
Will My Product Get Damaged While Going Through A Heat Tunnel?
Even though the temperature in the tunnel is hot, the tunnel uses air flow to shrink the film. The product itself doesn't see the same temperature that shows on the gauge outside the tunnel, which prevents damage. If your product is very temperature sensitive, we use temperature tapes to identify exactly what your product sees for temperature so you know whether or not it is appropriate to use shrink film.
Conclusion
And these ladies and gentlemen, are the 7 most common questions regarding shrink film. If you are still in need of additional information or would like clarification on the dynamics of the proper shrink film choices for your packaging line, feel free to reach out to us for more information.
As always, we suggest reaching out to several vendors to get unbiased feedback on each of these questions above. It would be a good idea to record the answers that each potential vendor provides and weigh your options in regards to how each vendor responds to your requests and consider the differences between buying from a OEM versus a distributor.
Finally, we would ask you to consider implementing a preventative maintenance program on your packaging line. This will give you regular opportunities to make adjustments to your shrink film machinery and materials based upon expert advice from the cutting edge of technological advancements within our industry, and of course, reduce unplanned downtime!
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