PP vs. PET | A Guide to Choose the Best Strapping Material

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 have their own properties, applications, advantages and drawbacks.

So how do you pick the right strapping material?

Don’t sweat it. And let us break down both options 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 All Pack Tech, we are supplying 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 explore the pros and cons of PP strapping first.

PP Strapping | Key Features and Benefits

PP or polypropylene strapping, is a lightweight strapping material. It is used for setting lighter loads to pallets or bundling small number of items for shipping.

Its material is durable enough to secure lightweight packages. And its flexibility makes it easy to handle and apply to varying sizes and shapes. That’s why, it is the most common and popular choice of businesses. Especially for the products that do not require heavy-duty strapping.

1. Material & Composition

PP strapping is made from polypropylene. Which is 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. It can be printed with logo of brand for marketing purposes.

2. Strength and Durability

PP strapping is flexible but has a lower tensile strength compared to PET strapping. This means it is suitable for light to medium loads. But is unable to handle the heavier products.

So, it is only utilized for shipping of lightweight products. E.g. cardboard boxes, plastic containers, or bundles of paper.

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 that do not use automated strapping machines. Because it can be quickly adjusted on the go.

5. Strapping Cost

Another advantage of PP strapping is its low cost. Which increase its suitability 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?

Its flexibility allows it to be applied easily by hand or with semi-automatic machines.

It doesn’t offer automation and preferred 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.
• Retail: Securing boxed items and consumer goods.
• Textile: Bundling lightweight fabrics or clothing.

Now let’s see what strengths and weaknesses PET Straps feature.

PET Strapping | Key Features and Benefits

PET strapping is stronger and provides a more durable alternative to polypropylene.

It is designed to secure heavy loads and withstand more demanding conditions. It also has additional benefits like temperature and UV resistance. It is the best choice for businesses that need a durable strapping material for long-term use.

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. And have the ability to handle much heavier loads.

2. Strength and Durability

PET or polyester is all about strength. It is the strongest plastic strapping material with a Break Strain of 700-900 kg.

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 securing 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) straps. It won’t relax or elongate even with extreme force.

Moreover, their tension can be retained over a more extended period of time. 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 dont 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 is more expensive than Polypropylene straps. But it’s worth every dollar due to its 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?

While 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 shipping: Securing large pallets for long-distance transportation.

PP vs. PET Strapping | 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.

Looking to Buy PET Strapping Online?

Choose All Pack Tech for Every Type of Strapping Solution

At All Pack Tech, we provide both PP and PET strapping for the packaging needs of your business. Our high-quality products guarantee the secure packaging of your goods. Whether you need PET strapping rolls or automated strapping systems, we’ve got you covered.

Since 2000, we have been providing custom-built systems and everyday strapping materials. So, you can find the best solution to improve your quality and protect your products.

Check Our PP and PET Strapping Range

Contact Us to Place an Order