Shrink film is a polymer plastic film that shrinks tightly around a product when heat is applied. It’s used across industries to protect products, improve presentation, and prepare items for retail or shipping.
But not all shrink films perform the same. The two most common types are PVC and polyolefin (POF), and the differences matter.
What Is PVC Shrink Film?
PVC (polyvinyl chloride) was one of the earliest widely used shrink films. It’s still used today, but mostly in limited applications.
Where PVC Works
- Non-food items
- Low-cost packaging needs
- Lower-speed operations
Pros
- Lower upfront cost
- Easy to work with in simple applications
Cons
- Weaker seals compared to newer films
- Sensitive to temperature changes. Can become brittle in cold and soft in heat
- Odor and fumes during sealing. Requires proper ventilation
- Can leave residue buildup on sealing equipment
Bottom line. PVC is still usable, but it’s largely been replaced in most modern packaging environments.
What Is Polyolefin (POF) Shrink Film?
Polyolefin has become the standard for most packaging applications, especially in food and retail.
Where POF Works
- Food packaging
- Retail products
- High-speed packaging lines
- Applications where clarity and durability matter
Pros
- Strong, consistent seals
- No harsh odors during sealing
- Stable across temperature ranges
- Food-safe options available
- Better overall durability and presentation
Cons
- Higher cost than PVC
- May require slightly more dialed-in machine settings
Bottom line. POF is the go-to film for most modern packaging operations.
What Is Crosslinked Polyolefin?
Crosslinked polyolefin is a higher-performance version of standard POF.
It goes through a process that strengthens the film at a molecular level.
What That Improves
- Higher strength and puncture resistance
- Cleaner, stronger seals
- Better performance on high-speed machines
- Less residue buildup on sealing wires
Where It’s Used
- High-output production lines
- Heavier or irregular products
- Applications where downtime is costly
Tradeoffs
- Requires higher sealing and shrink temperatures
- Slightly higher material cost
- Not ideal for very heat-sensitive products
Quick Comparison
| Feature | PVC | Polyolefin (POF) | Crosslinked POF |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | Low | Moderate | Higher |
| Seal Strength | Low | Strong | Very strong |
| Clarity | Moderate | High | High |
| Temperature Stability | Poor | Good | Excellent |
| Food Safe | Limited | Yes | Yes |
| Machine Speed | Low–moderate | Moderate–high | High |
| Best Use | Non-food, low demand | General packaging | High-speed, demanding |
What Most Businesses Are Using Today
Most operations have moved away from PVC and toward:
- Standard POF for general packaging
- Crosslinked POF for higher speed and performance
The shift comes down to:
- Better consistency
- Fewer machine issues
- Stronger packaging
- Safer and cleaner operation
The Bottom Line
- PVC = lower cost, but outdated for many applications
- POF = reliable, versatile, industry standard
- Crosslinked POF = best performance for high-speed and demanding environments
Choosing the right film depends on your product, your equipment, and how fast you’re running.
Need Help Choosing the Right Shrink Film?
The wrong film can slow your line down, damage products, or increase waste.
Packaging Made Easy can help you choose the right shrink film based on your equipment, speed, and packaging goals.
