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Wrapping and packing are key processes in contract packing. But which wrap or pack solution is right for your products? From flow wrapping, to shrink wrapping to vacuum packing, the choice is yours. But how do you decide?

Wrapping and Packing guide

This short guide will help you find the right contract packing solution for your products. We hope it gives you a clearer idea of what service would suit you best. It is just a general guide, a gentle introduction to some of the processes available to you. It does come with one caveat: we recommend speaking to a contract packing professional. They are best able to find the right solution for you and your specific needs. To find you the perfect packing or wrapping service. One which fits your industry, product, timescale and budget.

So let’s get wrapping!

Flow Wrapping

Flow wrapping is a packaging process that over wraps a product with film. The clear or printed wrapped item could contain many items in one sealed film packet. All kinds of products can be flow wrapped. Leaflets, scratch cards, giveaways including that free gift in your cereal packet. Your favourite packet of crisps is flow wrapped. Crimped at either end with a seal running the length of the packet. In fact, flow wrapping is a common process in food packing.

Flow Wrapping is also known as: fin-seal wrapping, crimp-seal wrapping, horizontal bagging and pillow-pouch wrapping.

Shrink Wrapping

A shrink wrap machine is a useful tool for many contract packers. Shrink wrapping is often used to wrap multiple products together. Often to provide a tamper proof and presentable finish for retail purposes.

Shrink wrap adds tamper proof protection and moisture resistance to any product. Shrink wrap is a polymer plastic film. When heated, it shrinks, tightly wrapping whatever it is covering. It is often the primary covering for foods such as cheese or meats.

CDs, DVDs or BlueRay boxes are often shrink-wrapped to stop people removing or tampering with the enclosed disc or contents.

Vacuum Packing

To extend the shelf life of products your contract packer may use vacuum packing. The packer will place items in a plastic film package, remove the air inside, then seal. The vacuum removes the oxygen, which helps keep food fresh. It also reduces the volume of the package. Which is useful when it comes to shipping and storing the product.

Vacuum packing is a method of packaging that removes air from the package prior to sealing. This method involves (manually or automatically) placing items in a plastic film package, removing air from inside, and sealing the package.
~ Wikipedia

Conclusion

So now you have a better idea of these processes. You now know the difference between shrink wrap, flow wrap and vacuum packing. The benefits are pretty clear. They all add value to your products. Improved presentation will make your items more attractive and desirable. Wrapping and packing will also help protect your items. Make them more secure and tamper proof. Packing can shrink volume and increase shelf life.

Speak to us about wrapping

Here at 24-7 Steller Packing we are First for Contract Packing. We would be happy to speak with you about Flow, Shrink or Vacuum wrapping and packing. Give us a call or contact us to learn more. We look forward to hearing from you.