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Factors to Consider When Sourcing High-Quality Polyethylene

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    Whether you are in the FMCG (Fast-Moving Consumer Goods), logistics, agriculture, pharmaceutical, construction, motor, electrical, or chemical industries, to name a few, the chances are that you require stretch wrap, also known as cling wrap, pallet wrap, or plastic wrap, on a regular basis. When it comes to sourcing shrink wrap suppliers or polyethylene manufacturers, the most important factors to look out for are typically the quality of the products, the pricing structure of the products, as well as the service received from the manufacturer or supplier. However, there are several other factors that should be taken into account to ensure you opt for the manufacturer that can provide you with the most value, these factors will be discussed below.

    Before we touch on these factors, however, let us first discuss polyethylene. This material is essentially a thermoplastic polymer with a variable crystalline structure and can be used in a wide range of applications, one such being manufactured to be used as shrink wrap. It is one of the most widely produced plastics in the world. If you think about it, there are several industries that require shrink wrap for their everyday activities, now imagine how many companies within those industries utilise it.

    Now, it is important to note that there are various types of polyethylene, each type with their own application that is best suited to them. For example, High-Density Polyethylene is far more crystalline, and is used in entirely different circumstances and applications than what Low-Density Polyethylene is used in. In terms of shrink wrap, polyethylene manufacturers will make use of Low-Density Polyethylene, as it is a highly flexible material with unique flow properties, which makes it suitable for stretching around products or pallets.

    Now that you have a much better understanding of polyethylene as a whole, as well as what type of polyethylene is used to produce stretch wrap, let us discuss what factors you need to consider when looking for reliable polyethylene manufacturers.

    • How long have the manufacturers been in the polyethylene industry? The longer the company, or manufacturer, has been in the industry, the better. This means that they have been supplying a quality product for several years, and that they are highly experienced in producing the shrink wrap.

     

    • Is the manufacturer consistent in terms of the quality and performance of the shrink wrap? This is of utmost importance, as consistency is key. You do not want to receive batches of shrink wrap that have significant differences from one another, as this will also halt your productivity. The quality and performance need to be consistent throughout.

     

    • Does the manufacturer offer custom sizes? Should you require custom sizes, it is recommended that you seek a manufacturer that can offer this to you, rather than you having to struggle with the incorrect sizes.

     

    • Does the manufacturer offer shrink wrap in various colours? While clear shrink wrap may be the most popular, there are several other colours that are used and manufactured as well. For example, if you need to colour code your products for easy identification, opt for the tinted shrink wrap.