Bundling Film Vs. Shrink Film: What is the Difference?
Whether you are a distributor, retailer or manufacturer, packaging plays an important role. Many businesses use either bundling or shrink film to protect and pack their products. Bundling film and shrink film might sound similar, but there are many differences between the two. Both these flexible films are used for the packaging of multipacks of products. In this blog, we explore the difference between bundling film and shrink film to help you choose the right film for business operations.
What is a Shrink Film?
A shrink film is a flexible wrapping film. When heated, it shrinks around the products, resulting in a form-fitting packaging solution. This packaging film is often used on multipack beverage products, frozen food boxes and other consumer goods. The shrink film manufacturers in India recommend this film for products of varying sizes and shapes, enhancing the shelf appeal of products in retail settings.
How It Is Applied?
Shrink film is applied using a heat tunnel on an automatic line or a heat gun for manual or low-volume applications. The product is enclosed in the shrink film and then passed through the tunnel, where controlled heat causes the film to shrink uniformly.
What is a Bundling Film?
Bundling film is a stretch film that functions as a heavier gauge film (1 to 5 inches). These films are made from single or multiple layers of different plastic formulations. They are used to pack multipacks like bottled beverages, chemical cleaners, canned products and others.
How It Is Applied?
Bundling film can be applied by hand on simple packaging stations by semi-automatic bundling machines, or high-speed automation collation lines.
Bundling Film Vs. Shrink Film: The Difference at a Glance
| Parameter | Shrink Film | Bundling Film |
| Raw material | PE or PVC | LLDPE |
| Application method | Heat tunnel or heat gun | Hand wrap, machine or light heat |
| Heat required | 120 oC to 180 oC | Minimal or none |
| Fit to product | Conforms tightly to product shape | Holds group loosely |
| Clarity & gloss | Very high, excellent shelf appeal | Good, functional clarity |
| Tamper evidence | Yes, sealed & difficult to reopen | No, bullseye packing |
Which is Right for Your Business? Bundling or Shrink Film?
Now that you know the difference between bundling film and shrink film, how to choose the right film for your business?
| Question | If Yes | If No/Other |
| Do you need tamper evidence? | Yes→ shrink film | No→ either works |
| Do you have heat tunnel? | Yes→shrink film | No→bundling film |
| Is retail shelf clarity critical? | Yes→shrink film | Functional only |
| Is the product irregularly shaped? | Yes→shrink film | Uniform group→bundling |
Shree Pragya’s Range of PE Shrink & Stretch Films
Shree Pragya Flexifilm Industries is one of the top PE stretch film suppliers in India, offering a range of shrink and stretch films. Our shrink films are trusted by packaging lines across India and the globe, from small FMCG brands to large-scale beverage and dairy manufacturers. Our packaging films are available in custom gauge, width and print specifications on request. Explore our range of products and request quotes today.
