PP vs. PET Strapping | How to Choose the Perfect Option?
If you deal with the packaging of goods. You will be aware of the importance of strapping material.
PP and PET strapping are two of the most popular choices in the industry. Both get the job done. But differ in their properties, applications, advantages, and drawbacks.
So how do you pick the right strapping material for your business?
Let us simplify the PP vs. PET strapping discussion for you. So, you can make the best choice for your packaging needs. And of course, keep your products safe and sound during transit.
At Allpack Packaging Technologies, we supply high-quality packaging equipment and materials to Australian businesses. Helping them improve the efficiency and safety of their goods. We have the equipment for your lightweight products as well as heavy-duty shipments.
Let’s start our comparison.
What is PP Strapping?
PP or polypropylene strapping, is a lightweight strapping material. Its material is durable enough to secure lightweight packages. So, it is used for lighter loads to pallets or bundling a small number of items for shipping.
It comes in multiple colours, is easy to handle, and applies to varying sizes and shapes. Resistance to different chemicals & moisture is an additional feature. That’s why, it is the popular choice for products that don’t require heavy-duty strapping.
Key Features and Benefits of PP Strapping
Here are the key features offered by polypropylene strapping.
1. Material & Composition
PP strapping is made from polypropylene, a flexible and lightweight thermoplastic polymer. It is also textured to improve friction and gripping.
It comes in a range of colours, widths, and polymer variations. You can also print it with your brand logo for marketing purposes.
2. Strength and Durability
PP strapping is flexible but has a lower tensile strength compared to PET strapping. This means it can stretch to more extent but can break easily.
That’s why it is suitable for light to medium loads. Like cardboard boxes, plastic containers, or bundles of paper. But is unable to handle heavier products.
3. Tension Retention
Major drawback of PP strapping is its lower tension retention compared to PET. Over time, PP straps lose their grip and initial tightness. Especially in the case of heavier loads.
So, it can only be used for short-term packaging or shipment. Don’t consider it for warehouses or long-term storage.
4. Additional Feature | Flexibility and Handling
The reason why PP strapping is widely used is its ease of handling. Its material is flexible and can be applied manually without much resistance. So, it’s like the elastic band of packaging world.
This feature makes it ideal for businesses with no automated strapping machines. Because it can be quickly adjusted on the go.
5. Strapping Cost
Another advantage of PP strapping is its low cost. Affordability makes it more suitable for small and economical businesses.
It provides affordable packaging and adequate security for lighter loads. Without the higher price tag associated with stronger materials like polyester.
6. Environmental Considerations
PP strapping is recyclable. But it is not as widely recycled as PET strapping.
However, its lightweight results in less amount of waste material. So, it can help businesses in reducing their environmental impact.
7. Manual Use or Automation?
Flexibility of PP strapping allows it to be applied by hand or with semi-automatic machines.
It doesn’t offer automation and prefers to be used manually. That’s why, it is a popular choice for smaller-scale businesses.
8. Applications | Where You Can Use PP Straps?
PP strapping is ideal for industries that handle with lightweight goods. It is used to secure items like timber, pipes, sealing cartons and paper.
It is commonly used in sectors like:
- Food and beverage: Packaging small to medium cartons of food products in boxes, trays, or containers.
- Retail: Securing boxed items and consumer goods.
- Textile: Bundling lightweight fabrics or clothing.
- Pharmaceutical and Healthcare: For packaging pharmacy supplies and lightweight medical equipment.
- Electronics and Appliances: Wrapping small electronic devices & accessories.
Now let’s move toward PET straps.
What is PET Strapping?
PET strapping is stronger and provides a more durable alternative to polypropylene.
It is designed to secure heavy loads and withstand more demanding conditions. Additional benefits like temperature and UV resistance make it suitable for outdoor use. It is the best choice for businesses that need a durable strapping material for long-term use.
Key Features and Benefits
Following are some strengths and weaknesses that PET straps feature.
1. Material Composition
PET polyester strap is made from Polythene Terephthalate material. It is also a synthetic material but offers more rigidity than polypropylene.
That’s why, PET straps have a higher tensile strength & handle much heavier loads.
2. Strength and Durability
PET or polyester is the strongest plastic strapping material with a break strain of 700-900kg.
So, PET straps can handle high-tension applications. They don’t break even when exposed to high pressure or stretching. This quality increases their demand for heavy products. E.g. construction materials, metal items, and large pallets.
3. Tension Retention
PET straps can be tensioned 50% more than the maximum ability of polypropylene (PP). It won’t relax or elongate even with extreme force.
Moreover, their tension can be retained over a more extended period. Making them ideal for long-term storage or long-distance shipping. You don’t have to worry about the worry about things loosening up over time.
4. Additional Feature | Weather and UV Resistance
An additional benefit of PET strapping is its resistance to weather and UV rays. Unlike polypropylene, PET strapping rolls do not degrade when exposed to sunlight or extreme temperatures. They are also weather-resistant and don’t rust.
This opens the possibility of outdoor storage. And the products strapped with them can be shipped to different climates.
5. Strapping Cost
PET strapping rolls are more expensive than Polypropylene straps. But they are worth every dollar due to their diverse uses and long-term durability.
For businesses dealing with large amounts of goods or high-stress environments. Investing in PET straps can reduce the need for frequent re-strapping. And also minimise the risk of product damage.
6. Environmental Considerations
Polyester Strapping is more environmentally friendly than PP. Because it is made from recycled materials.
Additionally, PET straps themselves can be recycled after use. So, they are the most sustainable choice for businesses wanting to reduce their environmental footprint.
7. Manual Use or Automation?
PET strapping is less flexible than PP and hence difficult to use manually. But they work well with automated strapping equipment.
So, businesses with high-volume packaging need PET strap rolls. They are just compatible with their heavy automated machinery and fast processing.
8. Application | Where You Can Use PET Straps?
PET strapping is suitable for large and heavy materials packaging. E.g. glass, steel, stone, bricks etc. Mostly it is considered for high-value or fragile goods
Some common applications include:
- Construction and building materials: Securing heavy bricks, tiles, or cement.
- Metal and glass: Strapping metal rods, glass panes, or other dense materials.
- Logistics and international shipping: Securing large pallets for long-distance transportation.
- Industrial packaging: Packaging of heavy equipment, metals, etc.
- Beverage industry: Bundling of heavy-weight beverages & large cans.
- Timber transport: Securing planks, logs, and processed pieces of timber & other type of wood.
- Automotive Parts: Packaging bulky automotive parts like engines, radiators, and tyres.
PP vs. PET Strapping Rolls | Which One Should You Choose?
PET & PP both are equally essential for strapping and packaging industries. PP strapping is reliable and cost-effective. While PET strap rolls are tough and eco-friendly.
Let’s have a quick look while placing them in front of each other.
When deciding between PP vs. PET strapping. Consider the weight of your products and the demands of your packaging process.
If you deal with light to medium loads or carton bundling, PP strapping is right for you. But for heavy loads, long-term storage, or outdoor transit, you should choose PET strapping.
Looking to Buy PET Strapping Online?
Choose Allpack Packaging Technologies for Every Type of Strapping
At Allpack Packaging Technologies, we offer both PP and PET strapping for your business’s packaging needs. Our high-quality products guarantee the secure packaging of every good. From easy-to-use rolls to automated strapping systems, our collection got you covered.
Since 2000, we have been providing custom-built systems and everyday strapping materials. So, you can improve your packaging quality and protect your products.