Polyester vs. Polypropylene: Choosing the Right Strapping Product for Your Application

Various industries carry out unique processes to ensure that their operations will be successful. One of the processes that they conduct is strapping.

Strapping is a process of combining and stabilising different materials or supplies in bundles. One of the primary purposes of strapping is to keep the products intact. Strapping also aims to ensure that the products will retain their functions optimally and reach their intended destination safely. The packaging industry often maximises strapping to effectively process their products. However, it can also be utilised in other industries such as construction and shipping.

A lot of strapping materials can now be utilised by industries. But two options that are popular nowadays are polyester and polypropylene.

Polyester Strapping

Polyester strapping is composed of filaments that are implanted in polyester. Many businesses replace steel strapping with polyester strapping as the latter has excellent abrasion resistance, notable strength, competitive pricing, and lengthy tension retention. Polyester strapping is also lightweight, corrosion-resistant, weather-resistant, safe to use, and eco-friendly. For sealing this type of strapping, it maximises seals, heat, or friction welds.

However, when compared to polypropylene strapping, the polyester strapping has less elongation.

The combined qualities of polyester strapping make this option recommended for strapping heavy duty loads that require high initial tension and high retained tension, especially during handling and storage. Some loads that can be strapped with polyester strapping are lumber, brick, glass bottles, and cans. Polyester strapping may be applied manually or through a power tool.

Polypropylene Strapping

Polypropylene strapping, alternatively, has filaments that are embedded in polypropylene. What makes polypropylene strapping useful for a lot of businesses is it is significantly cheap compared to other strapping options. This type of strapping is likewise lightweight and can be recycled, which are qualities that polyester strapping also possesses. Other notable features of polypropylene strapping include high elongation and great elongation recovery.

One drawback of polypropylene strapping is that it has low retained tension.

Considering the positive and negative qualities of polypropylene strapping, industries often use this type of strapping in handling light loads such as newspapers and cartons. This type of strapping maximises an embossed surface, making it easier to bend around irregular shapes and edges. Polypropylene strapping can be closed with heat seals, friction welds, and buckles.

The Best Strapping Option

Physically, polyester strapping has a glossy and smooth surface that may be favourable for some applications. Polypropylene strapping, alternatively, has a matte finish that can be likewise utilised by several businesses. Now, when choosing between these strapping options, industrieshave to pinpoint the materials that they will be handling.

If you will be handling light materials, then you must opt for polypropylene strapping. Alternatively, polyester strapping is the best option when handling heavy loads.

To know more about these strapping options, you can call us at Westside Packaging Systems Australia.

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