Shrink bundling, or multi-packing, is the process of making one bundle, or “pack,” out of multiple items or products. A shrink bundle may include products that are unsupported, or placed in a tray or on a pad. The pack is then sleeved in a layer of Low Density Polyethylene film (LDPE) and conveyed through a heated shrink tunnel - shrinking the film tightly around the product, creating a pack. Shrink wrapping is also used to to describe packaging individual items, such as windows or large carpet rolls.
A shrink bundle is most commonly used for intermediate distribution, of items such as food (including grains, pet food, and dairy), beverages, personal care and household products, and then manually separated to stock the store shelves. However, shrink bundling can be used in a variety of other industries as well wraping products such as building materials, food service consumables, textiles and carpets, and industrial goods.
When performed correctly, shrink bundling or wrapping is an efficient and cost effective method of secondary or end-of-line packaging that provides several benefits:
- Ease in handling during distribution
- Extra protection in transit
- Low risk of loose product that could create messes, damage and product loss
- Minimal pallet space requirements versus corrugate-packed product
For manufacturers, shrink bundling equipment:
- Increases production speed. Switching to a tailored bundling system mitigates bottlenecks at the end of production lines, freeing up valuable labor and resources.
- Reduces secondary packaging costs. LDPE is significantly less expensive than its corrugated or chipboard counterparts.
- Provides line flexibility. Shrink bundling equipment can be easily moved from one packaging line to another, and can be configured to accept multiple product lines. Systems range from a simple hand-loaded semi-automatic to a fully automatic with in-feed collation and exit conveyors.
Want to learn more about shrink bundling packaging equipment and terminology associated with it? Download our latest e-book, or contact us today to find a solution right for you.
Editor’s Note: This post was originally posted February 2016 and has been updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
This entry was posted in Shrink Bundling Systems
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