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Heat Shrink Tunnels Explained

Heat shrink tunnels are amongst the most popular types of machinery used to package products, typically mounted over or around conveyor systems’. Products being packaged in this way are provided with a loose surrounding of shrink film, which is then shrunk to fit snugly around the wrapped object using the shrink tunnel.

There are many different styles of shrink tunnel machinery available, each designed with specific applications in mind. The common denominator in all heat tunnels is that they produce heat and have a continuous feed running through them. The three most popular types of shrink tunnel are steam shrink tunnels, infrared shrink tunnels and recirculating shrink tunnels.

There are many benefits of packaging products using a shrink tunnel. Including but not limited to:

Supreme durability – Shrink tunnels can provide products with highly durable packaging, providing products with superior protection whilst ensuring that the packaging stays in the best state right up to reaching the customers
Ultimate protection – Shrink wrapping and packaging using shrink tunnels give products protection from external elements including dust, dirt and moisture
Space saving – Shrink tunnels take up little space and are very small in comparison to some of the other packaging machinery options available
Suitability – Shrink tunnels can be used to package products of all shapes and sizes, suitable and convenient for a wide range of industries
Cost saving – Shrink tunnels are very affordable and can even allow businesses to save money through workers spending less of their time packaging by hand

Here to Help

Here at Sontex we aim to cater for all shrink tunnel needs and requirements, offering one of the industry’s most-impressive and high-quality collections of shrink tunnels and L sealers. Some of the most popular shrink tunnels available from Sontex include AUDIONPACK L500SA L-sealers, TE-MATIC Shrink Tunnels and the Semi-Automatic Expert 5040EV Shrink Wrapper.

Not only this, but we are also home to an incredibly friendly and knowledgeable team, who are able to advise and guide customers into making the most appropriate decisions. Anyone with any questions about shrink tunnels, or simply looking for more information should contact our team right away.

Solving Common Shrink Wrap Problems

Shrink wrapping is not that hard, especially when using quality shrink wrap machinery such as that we sell here at Sontex. However, there are a few common problems that can occur, as there is with any packaging solution.

If you use shrink wrapping to packaging your products and want to ensure that you can deal with any problems which may arise, keep on reading. Today we are here to walk through some of the most common shrink wrapping issues, as well as solutions to them, so that all of our wonderful customers can shrink wrap as greatly as possible without stress! Here goes…

Dog Ears

Dog ears generally occur on the corners of shrink wrapped products, these are protrusions of the film that are triangular and pointy in shape, often resembling dog ears. Dog ears are very common amongst shrink wrap and occur for a variety of different reasons such as there being insufficient shrinking of film. When looking to avoid dog ears, and/or looking to stop them from occurring going forward, here are a few tips:

Make sure that the heat given out by your heat gun or shrink tunnel is the right temperature for the products that you are wrapping
Don’t use shrink wrap film that is too large – paying particular attention in ensuring that your shrink wrap film is not too wide for the item that you are wrapping
Ensure that you are using a high quality shrink film

Crow’s Feet

Often going hand-in-hand with dog ears, crow’s feet in the shrink wrapping world refers to wrinkles extending from the corners of wrapped packages. In a lot of cases, when dog ear issues are solved, crow’s feet are also eliminated. It is very rare for crow’s feet to be apparent on wrapped products which do not have dog-eared corners.

Fish Eyes

In shrink wrapping fish eyes are round or oval patterns in shrink film – this usually occurs when shrink film is poorly shrunk. These look very bad, unprofessional and sloppy and should be fixed if noticed.

If you keep noticing fish eyes in your packaging, follow these tips:

Check your heating element to make sure that your heating source is still getting as hot as it is supposed to
Make sure that your heat source is putting out adequate air as well as heat
Slow down conveyor speeds to ensure that heat is fully applied

Ballooning

Ballooning occurs in shrink wrapping when shrink film is exposed to hot air after being sealed, with the air inside bags expanding and causing shrink film to blow up. If you have noticed ballooning, the following advice could help you:

Consider using shrink wrap film which boasts vent holes such as pre-perforated film – This kind of film has small holes that allows trapped air to escape, however these holes can’t be seen by the naked eye
Try to keep excess air out of packages as they are being wrapped

Splitting Seals

Splitting seals are possible the costliest shrink wrap issue, and an issue that must be addressed immediately when noticed. Split seals occur for a number of reasons, such as shrink film being too thin, and can result in a number of problems including damaged products and even lost products during transportation and shipping.

To avoid seals splitting when shrink wrapping you should make sure that you are using a thick, high quality shrink film, that you are using high quality machinery, and that you are using the most suitable shrink wrap application for the items that you are shrink wrapping.

Here to Help

If you are facing any of the above problems when shrink wrapping, or any other issues, and require further advice and assistance, you can call the Sontex team on 01274 872299.

Here at Sontex, we don’t only sell the most varied, high-quality range of shrink wrap machines, but are also passionate about shrink wrapping and are able to answer any of your questions! https://dev.sontex.co.uk/contact-us/

Working Alongside Network Pack to Provide the Ultimate Packaging Solution

We recently collaborated with Network Pack, another one of the UK’s leading packaging suppliers, to provide a wholesale customer that also offer third-party re-packing as an added value service, with an improved packaging line. The customer was looking to reduce both labour and material costs, looking for enhanced packaging productivity to help cope with their high demands of packaging needs.

First, to improve the companies packaging processes we suggested that they invest in Sealed Air Cryovac shrink film from Network Pack, which allows for less staff members needed to wrap goods and also for less waste, with Sealed Air Cryovac shrink film weighing up to 70% less that regular shrink wrap film.

To ensure that the company could get the most out of the Sealed Air Cryovac shrink film we also suggested that they used our Sontex heat shrink tunnel, providing them with a machine demo to ensure that their team knew how to understand the machinery and its many wonderful benefits.

Since making the decision to go ahead with our advice and in turn switching to the Sontex heat tunnel and Sealed Air Cryovac shrink film the customer has now noticed that they are now saving a whopping 50% of labour and packaging costs. The machinery bought from us returned on investment within 3 months, and will last for many years to come – future proofing the operation.

Here to Help

Here at Sontex we are always keen to help our clients ensure that they are benefiting from the most suitable packaging processes, and our team are on hand should anyone require any expert advice and guidance.

If anyone wants professional guidance in choosing the most advantageous shrink-wrap machines and films based on their individual needs and requirements, we advise them to get in touch today.

Proven Benefits of Using Pallet Wrappers

At Sontex we often receive questions regarding pallet wrapping machines and their advantages, with people frequently wondering what benefits pallet wrappers actually offer over manual wrapping and why pallet wrapping machines have grown to become so popular around the world. With this is mind today we are here to highlight just some of the amazing benefits that come along side investing in pallet wrapping machines, with the ultimate intention of allowing as many businesses as possible in the UK to make business machinery buying decisions that bring positive results.

5 Benefits of Pallet Wrapping Machinery

To determine the benefits of pallet wrapping using machinery as opposed to by hand, we have spoken with a number of companies that have recently invested in pallet wrapping machinery to learn the positive effects that it has had on their businesses. The five most common benefits of pallet wrapping machinery are as follows:

Wraps pallets faster – Pallet wrapping machines allow for pallets to be securely wrapped up to 70% faster than when wrapped by hand.

Saves money and reduces waste – Using pallet-wrapping machines to wrap pallets can actually allow businesses to save money as it means that less shrink-wrap film is wasted, and also that less labour is required.

Improves load containment – Pallet wrapping machines wrap pallets far more securely than it is possible to do so by hand.

Improves health and safety – Health and safety implications caused by employees bending down and occasionally burning themselves when pallet wrapping manually are removed when pallet wrapping machinery is bought.

Sontex – Here to Help

Here at Sontex we really do know everything that there is to know about pallet wrapping machinery, and are on hand to answer any questions that anyone may have. Whether you are simply looking to learn more about pallet wrapping or you would like advice and guidance as to what the most suitable pallet-wrapping machine is for your business, get in touch today!

Alternatively, you can view our palter wrappers here: https://dev.sontex.co.uk/pallet-wrappers/

Ensure Your Packaging Line is Fully-Optimised in Time for Christmas

Christmas is definitely one of the busiest times of year for shops and online retailers, and because of this it is now important for business owners to ensure that their packaging lines are fully optimised before the big rush! Many companies see record-breaking sales in the run-up to Christmas, with many people buying gifts for their friends and families, and companies must ensure that they are prepared for this so that they do not have to disappoint their customers and face the chance of lost sales due to insufficient amounts of packaged products.

If you are a business owner responsible for the packaging of products, this article is definitely for you. Today we are going to provide top tips for everyone looking to ensure that their packaging lines are fully optimised, with the ultimate intention of allowing as many businesses as possible to provide outstanding and efficient packaging over the Christmas period and going forward.

Considerations

Process – You must re-examine how your products are packaged ensuring that it is still the most efficient option for your company on a regular basis, and now is a great place to start. You need to consider whether there are any parts of your packaging process that are slowing the packaging of your products down, always looking out for ways to speed up your processes. For example if you are currently shrink wrapping your products by hand, you might want to consider investing in a shrink-wrap machine.

Space – You should keep your packaging space clean and tidy at all times and you should carry out an ultimate clean/tidy before the festive period starts. The festive period can put companies under a lot of pressure and ensuring that your packaging space is as tidy as possible will help you avoid many unnecessary stresses and problems such as losing items and tripping over.

Materials – You need to ensure that you always have all of the materials and products that you are going to need to package your products, stocking up on all of the things that you are going to need throughout the Christmas period before it arrives. You should consider buying your materials in bulk if you do not have a trusted delivery company to deliver your materials little and often.

Reduced Costs – It is not only important for you to improve your packaging process in order to impress your customers and clients this Christmas but also so that you save money. Optimising your packaging process will enable your company to reduce waste and to ensure items are packaged in correct way, without any unnecessary additions.

These are only some of the things that you need to consider when looking to optimise your packaging line too! If you have any questions or require further advice and guidance, do not hesitate to contact our team today who are always happy to help!

Biodegradable Shrink Wrap Film – Everything You Need to know

‘Biodegradable’ is a modern buzzword, with many people now preferring products that are described as biodegradable, and with this in mind you might have already heard the term ‘biodegradable shrink wrap film’. Many companies are now selling what they call biodegradable shrink-wrap films; however, the truth is there is no such thing – biodegradable shrink-wrap film does not yet exist and companies claiming to sell biodegradable shrink film and therefore misleading their customers!

This leads to a couple of questions:

What is the definition of biodegradable shrink plastic films?
How can you tell when you are being misled?

We aim to answer these questions for you today!

What is biodegradable shrink-wrap film supposed to do?

For shrink-wrap plastic films to be biodegradable, they must be able to decompose in the presence of bacteria and other microorganisms under natural conditions, producing water, CO2 and biomass – but the thing is, shrink-wrap plastics are not yet able to do this, hence there being no such thing as biodegradable shrink-wrap film.

What about ‘degradable’ shrink wrap films?

Do not mistake degradable shrink-wrap films for biodegradable shrink-wrap films. Degradable and oxo-degradable materials are no more than polymers derived in the normal way from oil where special additives have been added. This means that although degradable shrink-wrap plastics can somewhat break down, their molecular structure is still maintained and there is no change in their chemical compositions, being there is no true biodegradation.

Sontex – We are as eager as you are!

Whilst there are no biodegradable shrink-wrap films currently on the market, you can rest assured knowing that as soon as they do come available; we will be at the forefront of their introduction. In the meantime, we have one of the widest arrays of high quality, recyclable, shrink wrap films for you to choose from, including films made from Polyolefin, Polypropylene, Polyethylene (Polythene) and PVC. We constantly ensure that all of our shrink film films are 100% recyclable.

Browse our collection here today, and if you have any questions or require assistance in choosing the most appropriate shrink wrap film for your individual needs and requirements, do not hesitate to contact our team today who are always happy to help.

Keep an eye out for further updates – There is going to be a new post regarding this coming soon!

Benefits of Vacuum Packaging for Food Products

Vacuum packaging provides an easy and efficient way of packaging a variety of products and is used within a wide range of industries to package a surplus of items. However, one of the most common types of products packaged in this way is definitely food products, with major food suppliers vacuum packaging their leading food products on a daily basis around the world. In this post, we are going to be discussing just some of the amazing benefits vacuum packaging holds in terms of packaging food, with the ultimate intention of allowing even more food suppliers to realise the mass advantages of vacuum packaging.

Vacuum Packaging Benefits (for food products)

Increased shelf life – A number of studies have shown that vacuum packaging can increase the shelf life of products from 50% to 400% due to the ideal atmosphere created within the packaging when vacuum-sealed. This is because when food products are sealed in this way oxygen surrounding them is eliminated.

Reduced product loss – Because shelf life is extended when food products are vacuum packed, product loss for companies is straight away reduced, assisting in increasing bottom lines.

Sealed barrier from external elements – Vacuum packaging protects food from dust, moisture, insects, and an array of other external elements that can cause harm and damage to food products. Vacuum packaging can also work as an excellent barrier against freezer burn during long-term freezer storage.

Improved product presentation – The majority of vacuum bags are clear, allowing for products sealed in this way to be seen when displayed on shelves – showing customer’s what they are buying. When it comes to vacuum packaging there are multiple options available including but not limited to easy open tear notches and foil lined vacuum packaging, making it possible for all companies to find options that are perfect for them.

Quick and effective packaging – Thanks to the large array of vacuum packaging machinery available, such as vacuum sealers, vacuum packaging can be conducted incredibly quickly, allowing for hundreds and even thousands of items to be sealed per hour.

These are only some of the amazing benefits too!

Here to Help

Here at Sontex we are incredibly passionate about vacuum sealing and aim to assist as many people and companies as possible in obtaining the most suitable and advantageous vacuum packaging machines. Anyone looking to purchase vacuum sealers should check out our leading range here: https://dev.sontex.co.uk/vacuum-sealers/

Alternatively, if you have any questions regarding vacuum sealing or want assistance in choosing the best machines and sealers based on your individual needs and requirements, do not hesitate to contact our professional and friendly team who are always happy to help.

The Main Benefits of Shrink Wrapping Machines

What is Shrink Wrapping?

Shrink wrapping is a popular form of packaging which is used within a wide range of industries for multiple reasons. In short shrink wrapping encompasses products being tightly wrapping in shrink film in order to provide protection.

Shrink film is typically made up of polymer plastic. This film is then wrapped around a product/products and heat is applied urging the shrink film to wrap tightly and securely around its contents.

Heat can be applied in a range of different ways and methods chosen generally depend on what it being wrapped and the size of products being wrapped. Two of the most popular heat applications include handheld heat guns and shrink tunnels. However there are many more available, all of which can be found on our website.

What are the benefits of Shrink Wrapping?

Shrink wrapping is used within a wide range of industries. It is not only easy to use but also offers many other benefits including but not limited to the following:

• Superior durability – Shrink wrap/film is made from incredibly sturdy and durable plastic making it very difficult to tear and puncture, allowing for it to stay intact even through the harshest transportation conditions. Unlike many other packaging materials shrink film is not altered by the sun or extreme cold and once in place stays tightly wrapped around its contents without become loose or sagging. People often use shrink wrapping to fasten multiple products together, for example crates of drinks.
• Ultimate protection – Shrink wrap is tightly secured around its contents leaving no gaps. This means once in place products that are wrapped are protected from dust, dirt and moisture, stopping anything from the outside coming in. Because of this even food products can be packaged in this way. Shrink wrapping really is ideal for almost every product thinkable.
• Cost effectiveness –Shrink wrapping is incredibly affordable in comparison to other packaging methods, especially for those who package multiple products daily. Not only is the machinery and film available at highly competitive rates but it is also possible to hire machinery. Another reason why shrink wrapping is very cost effective is because it allows companies to reduce labour costs as it is a much quicker way of packaging than manual packaging.
• Aesthetics and branding – Colours, words, pictures and logos can all be added to shrink film, allowing for brands to advertise at the same time as packaging their products. Shrink wrapping doesn’t only have to be wrapping products in plastic but can also be wrapping products in a brand, with many companies using shrink wrapping as a marketing tool each and every day across the world.

Don’t forget, these are only some of the most fabulous shrink wrapping benefits too!

Could Shrink Wrapping be the perfect packaging solutions for your company/brand?

If after this you think that you are missing a trick by not using shrink wrapping packaging to package your products do not worry, it is never too late to get started. To speak with a member of our expert and professional team who will be able to discuss the best options for your individual business simply pick up the phone and give us a call today.

All of our contact details can be seen here.

Shrink Wrapping: More Common Than You May Think

Many people do not realise how popular shrink wrap packaging is. Shrink wrap packaging comes in a vast range of styles and is used on a daily basis around the world to package millions of different products, however some people upon seeing shrink wrapped products do not even realise that they are shrink wrapped! With this in mind today we are going to be explaining some of the most popular types of shrink wrapping, alongside popular products in which are wrapped using each method.

Here goes…

Shrink Banding – Commonly made of PVC shrink banding is often used to wrap bottles, providing them with a much needed safety seal to ensure that products cannot be tampered with before they reach consumers. Items that are typically shrink wrapped in this way include but are not limited to liquid medicines, bottled drinks, shampoos and conditions, salad dressings and condiments, laundry detergents, alcohol and cosmetics.

Shrink Bags – Shrink bags, before use, have three closed sides and are only open at the top. Products can then be inserted into these bags and the top can be sealed using a sealer to fasten them securely. These bags are typically made from PVC or polyolefin shrink film and used to package items such as CDs, DVDs, books, soap, toys, printed stationary, jewellery, biscuits and snacks.

Shrink Sleeves – Shrink sleeves are pre-cut printed tubes of shrink film that a slid over bottles and jars, mainly for advertising purposes and to provide information to consumers. This process is started by shrink film being cut down to size which is then printed ready to wrap around products. Most commonly this packing is seen on drink such as milk and Coca-Cola, with other items wrapped in this way including medicine bottles, cleaning supplies, double pack products and sweet jars.

Shrink Bundling Film – Shrink bundling film is usually made from a single would polyethylene shrink film which comes off the roll flat. This type of shrink packaging is used to bundle multiple items together. Many items can be bundled together using shrink wrap, but some of the most common items include bottled goods and canned goods. Sometimes items wrapped in this way are often only wrapped during transportation to make items less likely to get lost or damaged.

These are only a few of the popular shrink wrapping methods too – Other shrink packaging styles include shrink tubing, pallet wrapping and case taping.

Determining the Most Suitable Shrink Wrap Options

As it is clear to see shrink wrapping can come in handy when packaging the majority of products, therefore if you are a company offering products to consumers, no matter what the products may be, shrink wrapping could assist you in providing these products with extra protection and an extra marketing/branding avenue.

If you are interested in shrink wrapping and are still unsure as to what the most relevant shrink wrapping type is for your business, you can call our team who will be more than happy to advise you further – 01274 872299.

Fully Refurbished Second Hand Machines: Great Quality at Lower Prices

Did you know that here at Sontex as well as the most recent and new shrink wrap machines; we also stock many fully refurbished second hand shrink wrap machines? – Allowing for people to get great machinery for even lowers prices.

We currently have a really vast and impressive collection of fully refurbished shrink wrap machines in stock, all of which comes complete with full warranties and the option for onsite training.

There are many reasons why people choose to buy reconditioned shrink wrapping machines. Perhaps they may not want to spend a fortune before they are certain that shrink wrapping is the right packaging method, or perhaps they are simply looking to save money. Whatever people’s reasons may be, when buying second hand machinery from Sontex people can rest assured knowing that all of our reconditioned machines have been reconditioned by professionals to the highest possible standards.

If you are interested in buying reconditioned shrink machinery, take a look at what we have available here: https://dev.sontex.co.uk/used-machinery/. We are sure that you will not be disappointed.