Shrink Wrapping Technology in Food Packaging Industry

Shrink wrapping is a contemporary and efficient packaging technology that has evolved in the past few decades, enabling firms with the most practical packaging solutions.

- Dr. J. Anitha*

While packaging, the products are wrapped with a heat sensitive shrink film and with the help of a heat source, the shrink film is made to shrink and fit tightly to the dimensions of the product, thereby giving a safe and secure package. The Shrink wrap solutions protects the products from dirt, dust, humidity and environmental influences while in transit and in store. It definitely adds abundant value to the prized merchandise, eliminating pilferages during transit and ensures tamperproof protection for end-users. As industries are consistently optimizing their operations through automation, there is a crucial need for efficient and agile packaging systems. This enables the manufacturers to increase their production and output without expanding the plant.

PURPOSE OF SHRINK WRAPPING

Shrink wrapping is beneficial in many fronts, of which a few are listed below:

• Unitizing canned goods and beverages – When primary packages are unitized in secondary packaging for bulk transport and storage, shrink wrapping serves as a truly functional model for an intact transport.

• Pilferage proof packaging – When multiple packages, say cans, are unitized, and shrink wrapped, it isn’t easy to tamper with it.

• Securing boxes – Frozen food, fruits, vegetables and other products packed in boxes are secured to safety until it reaches the end customers.

• Brand promotional packaging – The nature of the shrink film, whether it is plain and transparent or is printed with brand info, serve as a promotional tool for the product. It presents the contents to the consumers, in a transparent, yet in a protected and reliable package.