Shrink-wrapped packaging

Shrink packaging is a method of wrapping articles using plastic film that has the property of shrinking when heated. The item to be shrink-wrapped is sealed in a loose envelope of the film and then passed through a heated tunnel to shrink the material into close conformity with the object.

Shrink-wrapped packaging has become a ubiquitous fact of life for a huge verity of consumer products. Shrink wrap is a plastic film, usually polyethylene, polypropylene, poly (vinyl chloride or poly (ethylene terephthalate), that is wrapped loosely about another container or product and then made to shrink and conform tightly about the container or product by the brief application of heat.

One advantage at retail store level is the fact that the total amount packaging to be disposed of is smaller, and this is an important positive point from the environment protection viewpoint.

Another advantage is the fact that shrink-wrapped goods take up progressively less storage space as the cans and bottles are removed, whereas a fiberboard case tales up the full amount of space until the last of the contents have gone.

In Europe, cucumbers are commonly marketed in a shrink-wrapped plastic sleeve to help retain their texture and color.

The technology delays physiological deterioration of products such as fruits and also prevents condensation of droplets within the packages. Individual shrink wrapping of the produce provides optimum gas and humidity for maintaining quality of the produce during the transit and storage.

Besides reducing moisture losses and changing the O2 and CO2 levels, shrink-wrapping in film can also protect fruits from some damage, e.g. by scuffing during handling and transport and possibly from some fungal infections.
Shrink-wrapped packaging