Everything you should know about packaging

Securing or strapping goods is among the most widely adopted methods for grouping items within the packaging sector. Various types of strapping materials are available for bundling, which prove particularly effective in settings such as:

• fastening goods to pallets, crates, and similar units
• maintaining consistent loading and packaging of glass, timber, and metal components
• sealing cartons and parcels
• reinforcing wooden containers, crates, or boxes made from alternative materials
• securing items in place

Steel strapping is the most robust option, offering the greatest tensile strength, which ensures highly dependable packaging. It is supplied in a range of widths and thicknesses, with quality also varying. Steel strapping is predominantly chosen for securing items that are sharp-edged or exposed to high temperatures. When considering steel strapping for your packaging requirements, reflect on the following:

• Is the load both heavy and stable?
• Will the goods be transported over significant distances?
• Will they require loading and unloading multiple times?

If you answer ‘yes’ to these questions, then steel, composite, or PET strapping is likely the most suitable option.

Plastic strapping is generally better suited for lighter loads. It is available in a variety of widths, lengths, and polymer types. These straps offer greater elongation, though they may break if subjected to excessive force. Nonetheless, polyester strapping is considered by many industries as the leading alternative to steel strapping. For instance, polyester (PET) provides excellent tensioning force for rigid loads, and the strap itself is highly resistant to wear. It is important to differentiate between standard plastic and polyester strapping. Despite certain distinctions, plastic strapping is often referred to as “poly-bond”. The following points will help you tell them apart: firstly, polyester strapping is smoother; secondly, it can endure higher tensioning forces.

As packaging methods have evolved over the years, so too have strapping materials. It is worth noting that steel and plastic strapping remain the most popular and effective choices. Each type presents its own set of strengths and limitations, so it is advisable to assess which is most appropriate for your specific application before proceeding. It is not straightforward to declare one superior to the other, as both have their merits and drawbacks. The quality of strapping can also differ between suppliers, so it is prudent to review all the characteristics of the strapping offered and compare them with the requirements of your goods and loads before making a purchase.