20 Items That Heat Shrink Wrap Is Used for Covering and Protecting

1.Understanding heat shrink wrap- Origination of Heat Shrink Wrappin

Sheets of shrink wrap with unlimited benefits – Photo courtesy: polystarco

Heat shrink wrap has redefined packaging dynamics since the mid-20^th century. It was at that time that the need of something to protect the integrity of products was felt. As they say that necessity is the mother of invention, hence the need to prolong product integrity and ensure tamper proof sales led to the invention of heat shrink wrap.

Heat shrink wrap has proved to be an indigenous concept that revolutionized the packaging dynamics forever. The origination of heat shrink wrap can be traced back to 1933 when a Dow Chemical employee, Ralph Wiley stumbled upon polyvinylidene chloride accidentally. It is a type of plastic mostly used in wraps.

Polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC) had a great ability to hold in odors, cling to itself and withstand the microwave heat. The accidental discovery of PVDC is just the beginning of the heat shrink wrap origin story.

In 1957, Raychem came into being. It was company that specialized in making heat shrink tubing used for electrical wiring. The process involved subjecting plastic to a special radiation treatment. This treatment used a controlled amount of heat and ensured the handmade wiring is more secure and prevented it from being exposed.

Plastic and heat have a unique relationship where plastic gets the ability to reform itself into any shape once it is subjected to heat. At higher temperatures, the molecules in the plastic conform to a new shape and Paul Cook used this behavior of plastic at Raychem in producing heat shrink tubing.

Shrink wrapped poultry – Photo courtesy: yps

That is not all that led to the origin of heat shrink wrap. During the late 1930s, cry-o-vac was used to vacuum-seal poultry in plastic film by a company, Butterball. The process involved wrapping a plastic film around the entire fowl. It was then dipped in hot water for the packaging to shrink and conform to the bird. Later, the bird was frozen and put through several heat and cooling cycles. In 1946, Cryovac, Inc. was established, pioneering this method.

Bill Baird at Cryovac and Paul Cook met and discussed their individual discoveries. The two individuals applied irradiated polyethylene concepts to turkey bags and invented what we now know as shrink wrap. The technique underwent improvements over the years, evolving into the shrink-wrapping process you use today.

2.Why You Need Heat Shrink Wrap for Various Items

Shrink wrapped goods in a warehouse – Photo courtesy: pexels

You know how shrink wrap came into being bit do you know why is it so important in today’s packaging industry? It is a popular option for many industries be it small products or large. It is a protective and cost-effective option in the packing of multitude of products.

Protection

Different items shrink wrapped – Photo courtesy: consolidatedlabel

Heat shrink wrap provides a high level of protection from dust, moisture and in some cases UV rays. Since it conforms to any shape or size, it forms a cocoon around the object, keeping it safe from any environmental factors.

Versatility

Different food items shrink wrapped – Photo courtesy: shorr

The versatility of heat shrink wrap makes it useful for various industries. You can use it for packing any product imaginable irrespective of its size and shape. How cool is that?

Durability

Shrink wrap packaging

Heat shrink wrap is quite durable. It is made of one of three durable plastics: PVC, polyolefin or polyethylene. Once an object is packed using heat shrink wrap, it is quite impossible to tamper with it without getting noticed.

3.20 Items That Heat Shrink Wrap Is Used for Covering and Protecting

Now that you have grasped the origin story of heat shrink wrap and its myriad advantages, let’s dive into the exciting party – exploring the numerous items it protects.

1. Medical Devices & Pharmaceuticals Items

Shrink wrapped medical instruments

Medical instruments, ranging from surgical tools to diagnostic devices, are delicate and require the highest level of protection. Heat shrink wrap has the ability to cling precisely to any shape of medical devices and pharmaceutical containers. It ensures an unparalleled sealing precision shielding them from environmental contaminants. The risk of damage during storage, transit, or handling is also minimized.

A shrink-wrapped box of tablets- Photo courtesy: woodpress

Pharmaceuticals require a packing that preserves their potency due to their very sensitive formulations. Heat shrink wrap keeps pharmaceuticals safe from light, moisture, and air and acts as a safeguard against the intrusion of external elements that could compromise the efficacy of pharmaceutical compounds.

Heat shrink wrap also provides tamper proof security. Any attempts to breaking the seal becomes very apparent and can trigger additional security measures. You can trust the integrity of pharmaceutical items and medical devices that come packed using heat shrink wrap.

2. Cosmetic Items

Shrink wrapped cosmetic items – Photo courtesy: rawpixel

If you have ever watched any unboxing videos from beauty bloggers on YouTube then you must have seen that the cosmetic products come in packaging using heat shrink wrap. A certain excitement and pleasure is associated with unboxing visually appealing shrink wrap packaging. A perfectly sealed cosmetic item is like a treasure to be opened and the heat shrink wrap adds a level of sophistication in unveiling the coveted beauty treasure.

For different brands of cosmetics, the use of heat shrink wrap goes beyond mere protection. It gives them a chance to convey how committed they are to quality and attention to detail. This is a tactic brands use to enhance their brand image.

3. Food Items (Fruits, Vegetables, Beverages)

Shrink wrapped covering – Photo courtesy: fmtmagazine

When you buy frozen items, be it frozen fruits, vegetables or pizza they come packaged in heat shrink wrap. The reason for using heat shrink wrap in food packaging is twofold. It provides an airtight barrier which preserves the freshness of food items and increases their shelf lives. This protective shield maintains the purity and flavors of the food items. Secondly, heat shrink wrap reduces the risk of spoilage.

When exposed to air, beverages, whether in bottles or cans, become vulnerable to oxidation. Heat shrink wrap provides an extra layer of defense. It reduces the risk of oxygen exposure and protects the flavors of the beverages. This is particularly critical for preserving the quality of juices, sodas, and other liquid refreshments.

4. Nutraceutical Items

Supplement bottle – Photo courtesy: thedieline

In modern day and age, nutraceutical items have become quite common. They contain complex compounds that can be affected when exposed to light. Active ingredients, such as vitamins and antioxidants, may degrade and lose their efficacy. Heat shrink wrap acts as a shield, preventing light from permeating the packaging and ensuring that the potency of these valuable components is maintained.

Moisture can also compromise the quality of nutraceutical items. It can lead to clumping and eventually lead to the growth of unwanted microorganisms. Heat shrink wrap acts as moisture-resistant seal, protecting the integrity of the supplements and upholding their efficacy.

5. Stationery Items

Shrink wrapped books

The ability to conform to various shapes come in handy while wrapping different stationery items. Each pen, notebook, or stationery item finds its shield in heat shrink wrap, ensuring that the tools of creativity reach you in pristine condition. It keeps these items free from dust and damage during transit and storage. Therefore, whenever you buy a new pen or colors, there is that feeling of excitement to unwrap your stationery.

6. Agricultural Items

Shrink wrapped hay bales

Agricultural machinery is expensive and needs protection during transit. If the machinery is transported without heat shrink wrap, it runs the risk of being exposed to moisture. This may lead to crucial parts being eroded even before reaching the farms. That’s where heat shrink wrap comes in! It acts as a savior, saves machinery from erosion and ensures a successful harvest.

7. Optics Items

Contact lens and spectacles

Lens are delicate and need meticulous protection during transport and storage, considering the sensitivity of eyes. Handling eyes with utmost care is essential. Wearing contaminated lens could lead to severe infections. Heat shrink wrap packing ensures that the lenses are protected through an airtight seal and are not tampered with during transit.

8. Sports Items

A football in the stadium – Photo courtesy: rawpixel

Have you ever bought a bat? Did you notice that it was shrink wrapped? It is a special excitement for sports enthusiasts to remove the protective casing from the sports equipment before using it for the first time. The heat shrink wrap saves the sports equipment from dust and moisture. Everything from a bat to a helmet remains in first class condition for best performance.

9. Automobile Items

A car being shrink wrapped– Photo courtesy: shrink-wrapping.express

Damage during transit and environmental factors act as an adversary to automobile items. Spare parts, cables and other essential components are shrink wrapped to save them from these adversaries. Here, the shrink wrap comes in handy to prevent damage for as long as possible. Heat shrink wrap plays a part in long successful lives of automobiles.

10. Construction Related Items

Shrink wrap scaffolding – Photo courtesy: sidewall

Construction sites are a battlefield against rain, wind and UV rays. Construction projects tend to run long and construction materials are stored in the open when a project is ongoing. It is essential to keep these materials safe.

Rain has the potential to erode materials. Wind is capable of dislodging equipment and causing safety hazards. The harmful effects of UV rays can accelerate wear and deterioration. Heat shrink wrap provides a formidable defense and keeps these harmful effects at bay. It becomes more than just a cover; it evolves into an essential component of construction resilience, allowing projects to withstand the challenges posed by diverse weather conditions.

11. Fishing Items

Fishing gear

Fishing gear faces a relentless aquatic environment. Heat shrink wrap encases rods and reels in a protective cocoon. It shields against corrosive saltwater and also allows visual inspection without compromising the protective barrier. If you are fishing enthusiast, you can cast your line with confidence knowing the heat shrink wrap is preserving your gear’s structural integrity and functionality despite the challenging conditions they endure.

12. Promotional and Marketing Materials

Shrink wrapped brochures – Photo courtesy: cbfprinting

Marketing materials are the face of a brand. Beyond protection, it's a canvas for branding—logos, graphics, and messaging take center stage. This packaging isn't just functional; it's a powerful tool for leaving a lasting brand impression.

13. Jewelry and Watches

A wrist watch

An outfit is incomplete without accessories. You complete your whole look by pairing the clothes and shoes with matching jewellery or watch. Heat shrink wrap helps to keep your jewelery and watches from scratches, dust and dirt. Shine of gemstones and precision of watches remain intact as heat shrink wrap serves as a guardian wrapping these valuables. This invisible shield helps to keep your adornments safe.

14. Pet Care Items

A bowl of pet food

Your furry friends deserve products of the highest quality. Whether it is pet food or grooming items, it is essential to safeguard them from environmental factors. Heat shrink wrap acts as a savior for pet items keeping them clean and fresh. Your furry friends have heat shrink wrap to thank for protecting their items from wear and tear.

15. Art and Craft Supplies

A shelf full of art supplies

Paints, brushes and other supplies come wrapped with heat shrink wrap owing to the multitude of benefits that shrink wrap provides during transportation. Artistic endeavors are a labor of love and heat shrink wrap becomes the guardian of creativity. The artists receive their tools in perfect condition, ready to translate imagination into tangible masterpieces.

16. Apparel

Shrink wrapped clothes – Photo courtesy: covariant

Garments are a medium of expression for fashion. With the help of heat shrink wrap, every article arrives in pristine condition, free from wrinkle or damage. From coture to every day wear, heat shrink wrap serves as a protective seal for all. Part of the reason, brand new clothes are never torn during transit is heat shrink wrap.

17. Musical Instruments

A guitar with properly shrink wrapping

Musical instruments need protection from scratches, humidity and other potential damages. They serve as a vessel of emotion for artists. Heat shrink wrap shields guitars, keyboards, trumpets and other instruments from these damages. Heat shrink wrap plays a part in ensuring that the melodies created with these instument are as true as the artist intended.

18. Antiques and Artifacts

An ancient artifact

History plays a big role in changing the course of life for any generation. Museums can be found all around the world showcasing the antiques and artifacts throughout history. It is imperative to ensure that the stories encapsulated in each piece stay intact for generations to come. Heat shrink wrap becomes a modern guardian, preserving the integrity of these historical treasures. It shields them from environmental wear and tear.

19. Outdoor Gear

Outdoor filming equipment

Nature’s whims can affect outdoor gear adversely. This can be a problem for people who like adventure. If you like to embark on adventures like camping, hiking and skiing, you would definitely want your gear to be safe and preserved from moisture. Heat shrink wrap provides that protective layer against these natural elements and you can enjoy your adventure with confidence. You will have the confidence that your equipment is well protected.

20. Baby Products

Baby food – Photo courtesy: ecoandbeyond

Baby products demand the utmost protection and care. Everything from baby furniture, toys, clothes and feeding bottles need to safeguard during the transport and storage phase. Babies are sensitive and prone to catching infections with anything contaminated that they touch. Therefore, safeguarding baby products is essential and heat shrink wrap provides that gentle guardian putting minds of parents at ease.

Conclusion

You are now familiar with the 20 Items that heat shrink wrap is used for covering and protecting. We are hopeful that this article proved the significance of heat shrink wrap. It's not merely a packaging material but a safeguarding force. Millions of products reach their destination unscathed due to the magical wonders of heat shrink wrap. At Allpack, you can find various heat shrink wrap equipment that assist you to achieve your covering goal in an economical way. If you want to buy a cutting edge shrink wrap machine, Allpack is providing you an outstanding features machines up to your requirement. Contact us now for more details on buying heat shrink wrap machine!