Polypropylene & Polyester Strapping : All you need to know

Plastic strapping is widely used in various industries for securing and bundling items for transportation and storage.

Its advantages include its lightweight, flexibility, and resistance to wea thering and chemicals.

Its applications range from Light-duty packaging to heavy-duty industrial applications. Such as pallets, corrugated cartons, banknotes, books, Food, beverage, clothing, electronics, and home goods and other industries.

Plastic strapping includes various types of strapping materials made from thermoplastic polymers.

The most commonly used types are polypropylene (PP) strapping and polyester (PET) strapping, other types of plastic strapping include nylon strapping.

Polypropylene strapping also called PP strapping or Poly strapping  is made from polypropylene resin, a thermoplastic polymer derived from petroleum.

It is a strapping material that is typically used for light-duty applications and is both lightweight and flexible.

It is used for automatic strapping machines, semi-automatic strapping machines, manual strapping machines, etc., suitable for Bundling of products weighing several kilograms to hundreds of kilograms, such as cartons.

PP strapping is available in various widths, thicknesses, and strengths, making it suitable for a wide range of applications.

The main raw material of poly strapping is polypropylene resin which is colorless and transparent solid granule, relative density 0.93.

Good flexibility, bending resistance, high tensile strength, lighter material, bright color, easy to use.

By the proportion of polypropylene resin:

1. Virgin polypropylene strapping – this strapping is made wholly from brand-new, unused PP resin, resulting in a high-quality, durable strapping material.

2. Recycled polypropylene strapping – this strapping is made from a blend of new and recycled polypropylene resin. Recycled poly strapping is a more environmentally friendly option than virgin strapping, but may have slightly reduced strength and durability.

3. Co-polymer PP strapping – this strapping is made from a mixture of polypropylene and other polymers, resulting in a strapping material with enhanced properties such as enhanced flexibility and impact resistance.

4. Recycled sandwich PP strapping – this strapping is heavy, dull color, and most of the raw materials are added with calcium carbonate. It can only be used for Hand-grade and is not environmentally friendly.

So according to the different ratio of polypropylene resin, from the quality, China domestic will be divided into PP strapping transparent A grade, transparent B grade, A grade, AB grade, B grade, BC grade and C grade.

In the international market it is usually divided into:

1. Hand-grade PP strapping – this is a lightweight and flexible strapping that is easy to handle and is commonly used for manual applications such as bundling and securing packages.

2. Machine-grade polypropylene strapping – this is a stronger and more rigid strapping that is designed for use with strapping machines and automated equipment for higher volume applications.

3. Heavy-duty polypropylene strapping – this is a high-tensile strength strapping that is suitable for heavy-duty applications such as securing construction materials and industrial equipment.

4. Embossed PP strapping – this strapping has a textured surface that improves grip and helps to prevent slippage during transit.

5. Colored poly strapping – this strapping is available in a range of colors for easy identification and branding purposes.

The whole production process needs the following stages:

Melting–Extrusion–Cooling–Stretching–Embossing–Fixing–Winding

Determine the width and thickness of the strapping based on the parcel or pallet’s weight.

Cut the belting to the desired length using a strapping cutter or scissors.

Please ensure the smooth side of the strapping faces up and the uneven side faces down as you thread it through the buckle.

Place the container or pallet on a flat surface and ensure the strapping is taut and snug.

Re-thread the strapping through the buckle, ensuring that it is accurately positioned and that there are no kinks or twists in the strapping.

Pull the strapping taut and, if necessary, use a tensioning tool to tighten it further.

Utilize a tool for sealing to crimp the closure onto the strapping to secure it.

Use the strapping cutter or scissors to remove any excess strapping.

Repetition is required for any additional straps to secure the container or pallet.

When using strapping, it is crucial to adhere to safety guidelines, such as wearing appropriate personal protective equipment and avoiding sharp edges on the package or pallet. Additionally, it is essential to avoid overtightening the strapping, as this can cause harm to the box or pallet.

Polyester strapping, also known as PET strapping or Green strapping, PET (polyethylene terephthalate) as the main raw material, by extrusion one-way stretch moulding of polyester strapping.

PET strapping is currently the most popular international alternative to steel, steel wire, heavy PP strapping new environmentally friendly packaging materials.

The main raw material of PET strapping is polyethylene terephthalate, a strong and durable thermoplastic material. relative density 1.34.

(1) Strong tensile strength, both steel strapping-like tensile strength and impact elasticity resistance, ensure the safety of product transportation.

(2) Small elongation, elongation is only one-sixth of poly strapping, can maintain the tension for a long time.

(3) Strong temperature resistance, the melting point of 260 degrees, 120 degrees below non-deformation.

(4) Good safety will not be like steel strapping rust pollution of the bound objects.

(5) Good economic efficiency, the length of 1 ton of PET strapping is equivalent to 6 tons of steel belt, and the unit price per meter are more than 40% lower than steel belt, which can reduce the cost for users.

The whole production process needs the following stages:

Preheating–Drying–Crystallisation–Extrusion–Cooling–Stretching–Embossing–Fixing–Winding

Preheating–Drying–Crystallisation:  Drying is an important part of the production of PET Strapping, and these three steps are all for drying the raw materials.

Extrusion: The pellets or the flakes are melted after internal processing in the extruder.

The melted material is extruded through multiple-channel dies.

The extruded straps start with a wide extruded sheet.

Cooling: The melt is cooled down in a water bath until solidification.

Stretching: The heated straps are pulled through a low speed five roller–heating furnace–high speed five roller, respectively, and stretched to the required technical properties. Such as tensile strength and stretching.

The straps narrow after stretching.

Embossing: The embossing process increases the friction on the surface of the plastic strapping.

Fixing: The strap is reheated, stretched, and air-cooled to stabilize the strap and remains straight.

Winding:  The PET straps are fully automatically winded according to the required length.

Polyester and polypropylene strapping is frequently used to secure and bundle products.

Both are composed of thermoplastic materials, but their distinct properties make them appropriate for distinct applications.

We will compare polyester and PP strapping based on their primary applications, materials, production process, advantages and disadvantages, price, and other pertinent factors.

Main Applications:

Polyester strapping is suitable for applications requiring high strength and durability. It is commonly used in the steel, lumber, and construction industries and for transporting large, weighty objects.

In contrast, poly strapping is better suited for lighter-duty applications such as packaging and bundling. It is typically employed in the food, beverage, retail, and logistics sectors.

Materials:

PET (polyethylene terephthalate) is a thermoplastic material that is robust and long-lasting. It is resistant to weathering, ultraviolet light, and chemicals, making it suitable for outdoor applications.

In contrast, polypropylene strapping comprises poly resin, a thermoplastic polymer derived from petroleum. It has a lower tensile strength than polyester but is more flexible, impact- and stress-resistant, and crack-resistant.

Production Process:

Polyester strapping is manufactured by extruding PET resin into a flat strap, which is then oriented and stretched to increase its strength and decrease its thickness.

Polypropylene strapping is produced by extruding molten polypropylene resin into a flat strap, which is then cooled and wound onto a spool.

Advantages and Disadvantages:

Polyester strapping has several advantages, such as its high strength and durability, resistance to UV radiation and weathering, and ability to maintain tension over time. Additionally, it is simple to recycle, making it a more eco-friendly option.

However, it is more expensive than poly strapping, and its rigidity makes it more difficult to handle.

Polypropylene strapping is less expensive and easier to handle and recycle than polyester strapping but is also less durable and weaker.

Price:

Polyester strapping is generally more expensive than polypropylene strapping due to its strength and durability.

However, the difference in cost may be mitigated by the reduced amount of material required for heavy-duty applications.

Polyester and poly strapping are suitable for securing and bundling items, but their properties and applications vary.

Polyester is the superior material for applications requiring critical strength and durability.

In contrast, polypropylene is better suited for lighter-duty applications where cost, simplicity of handling, and recycling are crucial considerations.

Depending on the application’s specific demands and requirements, both options can provide dependable and efficient strapping solutions.

Plastic strapping is a common packaging and transportation material.

Consider the following factors when evaluating the grade of plastic banding:

Tensile strength:

This is the utmost force that the strapping can withstand before breaking.

The firmer the strapping, the greater the tensile strength.

Look for belts with high tensile strength for applications requiring great force.

Elongation refers to the strapping’s capacity to stretch without breaking.

A strapping with a high elongation can withstand transportation shocks or impacts without breaking.

However, strapping with a high elongation may not be suitable for applications requiring high tension.

Width and Thickness:

The strapping’s width and thickness can impact its strength and durability.

Generally speaking, thicker and wider strapping will be stronger and more enduring.

Surface texture:

The texture of the strapping’s exterior can affect its ability to adhere to surfaces and secure packages.

Strapping with a smooth surface may be more prone to slipping while strapping with a rougher surface may provide a stronger grip.

Color:

Although the color of the strapping may not affect its strength, it can be used to identify the contents of containers or to differentiate between shipments.

Roll size:

The size of the roll can affect the amount of strapping required for a specific task and its manageability.

Consider purchasing rolls that are manageable and sufficiently long for your requirements.

Finally, it is essential to consider the reputation and dependability of the brand and the supplier.

Consider manufacturers and vendors with a history of providing high-quality strapping and excellent customer service.

By considering these factors, you can evaluate the quality of poly strapping more accurately and select the most suitable product for your requirements.

In 2009, KEEPTOP Packaging was established. We specialize in manufacturing premium plastic strapping and strapping machines.

With a multitude of experiences in the industry, we offer strapping solutions that exceed expectations and produce exceptional results.

We have served over a thousand satisfied customers as a reputable manufacturer, garnering their trust and loyalty through our dedication to excellence.

Our commitment to providing dependable and superior products distinguishes us.

At our company, we comprehend the specific requirements of your business.

Whether you need strapping solutions for packaging, bundling, or securing commodities during transportation, we have you covered with our expertise and extensive product selection.

We provide a vast assortment of plastic strapping with exceptional strength, durability, and performance.

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You can trust that our solutions will meet and exceed your expectations due to our cutting-edge technology and precision engineering.

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