POF versus PVC versus LDPE shrink film
Choose the film family by the product, required containment or presentation, roll format and available sealing and shrinking equipment.
POF, PVC and LDPE are not interchangeable roll descriptions.
Polyolefin shrink film is widely considered for retail presentation and multipacks where clarity and a balanced finish are important. PVC shrink film can provide a different shrink and presentation response for suitable applications. LDPE shrink film is commonly considered for heavier bundling, transport protection and larger packs. The exact grade, gauge and machine trial determine performance.
No film family is automatically the lowest-impact or recyclable answer for every market. Confirm the supplied material and current collection route for the finished film after use.
Match film duty to the pack and equipment
| Factor | POF | PVC | LDPE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical starting duty | Retail presentation, individual products and multipacks requiring a clear finish. | Presentation applications where the exact PVC grade and process are appropriate. | Heavier bundles, transport packs, pallet or large-format protection depending on grade. |
| Pack response | Evaluate shrink balance, seal, corners and product sensitivity with the proposed grade. | Evaluate shrink force, seal, odour/process controls and suitability for the product and equipment. | Evaluate containment, thickness, seal strength and shrink around heavier or irregular packs. |
| Roll presentation | Layflat or centrefold, width, gauge, core, winding, perforation and roll limits must match the wrapper or sealer. | ||
| Equipment | Check sealer type, chamber/tunnel opening, heat distribution, airflow, conveyor and controllable settings. Do not copy a temperature from another film. | ||
| Approval | Inspect seals, holes, burn-through, weak seams, dog-ears, distortion, clarity and repeatability across the normal operating window. | ||
| End-of-life evidence | Use the exact polymer/structure and current UK collection and RAM guidance. Material family alone is not a complete recyclability claim. | ||
Establish a repeatable process window
- Measure the unwrapped product or bundle and define the required finished-pack result.
- Select candidate material, gauge and roll presentation that fit the equipment.
- Start from supplier and machinery guidance, then establish seal and shrink settings with representative packs.
- Test normal variation in product dimensions, line loading and ambient conditions.
- Record acceptable and unacceptable conditions, not only one successful sample.
- Retain the approved film reference, pack, settings and inspection standard.
When a new wrapper, chamber, tunnel or conveyor is required, send the pack and proposed film to the Lancing packaging machinery team.
What to send for a shrink film quote
Send product/bundle dimensions, weight, orientation, presentation standard, current film and roll details, sealer or tunnel information, annual and first-order quantities and representative samples. Lancing can then confirm current film options, minimum order, lead time and whether a trial is needed.
Browse shrink film products, the clear roll range and POF guidance.