If your business involves packaging and shipping, then chances are that you’re constantly looking for the most effective way to enhance your packaging process. The most common reasons for this involve providing additional product protection from UV light, moisture, and dust. Using the right packaging equipment can also improve product presentation.
One of the simplest ways to achieve this is to invest in quality shrink wrap equipment to create tailored packaging applications, irrespective of what you’re shipping. This post takes a closer look at what shrink wrap equipment is and how it will benefit your packaging process.
Understanding What Shrink Wrap Equipment is
If you’re setting up your packaging business for the first time, then you may not be familiar with the concept of shrink wrapping. Essentially, this process involves using specialised, high-speed machines that heat-shrink transparent plastic film around your products to protect and secure them.
These types of machines can vary from smaller hand-held heat guns and L-bar sealers for smaller, more compact parcels to larger, industrial models to secure pallet loads and bundled items. Some of the more common types of equipment used in the shrink wrap process include the following:
- Handheld or manual machinery: These models can be handheld or placed on a desk or counter and create small, basic seals to smaller packages.
- Semi-automatic models: With these models, some functions are automated. While the heat or sealing applications are performed by the machine, the unit still requires human operation for loading or unloading the product into the machine.
- Fully automatic models: Larger companies or those with high-volume packaging processes benefit from using a fully automated shrink wrap machine. With a fully automated process, everything from film feeding to sealing and heat shrinking is done by the machine. These models are best suited for fast-paced production lines.
A Huge Plus on All Levels
There are many reasons why you should invest in quality shrink wrap equipment and machinery. Our team of packaging experts has compiled a list of the top benefits that you can expect.
- Increased Efficiency
The number one benefit you can expect from adding shrink wrap equipment to your arsenal of packaging machinery is the increase in overall efficiency. Shrink wrap machinery has been designed to speed up the whole packaging process, which allows businesses to wrap and package more products in less time, instantly increasing productivity.
- Saves Money on Packaging Materials
Anyone who has ever packaged items manually knows that this specific process can be time-consuming and even wasteful. This happens when more packing material is cut off the roll than is needed. In most instances, the leftover pieces are discarded because they don’t fit on another product.
With shrink wrap equipment, the exact amount of packaging material is used, reducing overall wastage. This, in turn, minimises the overall costs spent on packaging material. Cost savings will ensure that you can easily offset the costs of your machinery and equipment.
- Protects Your Products
Another huge advantage of using shrink wrap equipment is the protection it offers your products. This is because heat-shrink materials are selected based on the application they are needed. For instance, thicker shrink film is used for heavy-duty items to ensure that the products are secure and tightly wrapped.
Shrink wrap also keeps moisture and dust out of the boxes and pallets. Keeping your packaging dry and dust-free is essential when you’re dealing with sensitive products or you’re shipping items over long distances. Shrink wrap also protects your items from UV light.
- Highly Versatile
No matter what business you’re in, or what you want to ship, the good news is that it can be shrink-wrapped. This is because shrink wrap materials and machinery are highly versatile and can be used in every industry, no matter how big or small your packages. The machinery you need will vary depending on your industry, and you can easily find the best equipment to suit your business needs.
- Can be Recycled
Many business owners are happy to add shrink wrap materials to their packaging processes because most modern shrink films and plastic sheets are recyclable. This goes a long way toward supporting sustainable packaging practices in your business.
- Offers Physical Security
Shrink wrap equipment forms a very tight barrier around your product. This means that your item is held firmly together, which prevents the product from getting damaged during transit. This is especially crucial when you’re dealing with sensitive items, or you have a rigorous handling and transportation process. Keeping items secure is essential for packages that contain small or loose components, such as some electronic or jewellery products.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for the most effective way to streamline and enhance your packaging process, then it may be time to invest in quality shrink wrap equipment. Some of the top benefits to look forward to include protection against UV light and moisture.
Another huge benefit to look forward to involves the increased efficiency in a more streamlined process. With a wide range of shrink wrap equipment available from your local packaging supplier, finding the perfect machine for your business is easier than you think!
