IMPORTANT NOTES WHEN USING STRAPPING IN PACKAGING

In today’s era, where logistics, import–export, and e-commerce are booming, the demand for transportation and safe storage of goods has become stricter than ever. Among packaging materials, strapping is indispensable, playing a key role in securing cargo, improving safety, and optimizing the shipping process. However, not every business fully understands how to use strapping effectively. Using the wrong strap type, applying improper strapping techniques, or storing straps incorrectly can cause goods to shift, tear, or break during transit, leading to customer dissatisfaction and higher logistics costs. Let’s explore the essential notes when using strapping with Hòa Phong Pack:

CHOOSING THE RIGHT STRAP FOR THE LOAD

Not all strapping types are suitable for every product. Currently, the two most common plastic strapping materials are PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) and PP (Polypropylene), each serving different packaging needs.

PET Strapping: Made from PET resin, a thermoplastic commonly used in beverage bottles, PET strapping is reprocessed into strong fibers with excellent tensile strength. It is ideal for heavy-duty applications such as bricks, steel coils, wooden pallets, machinery, and containers.

• High tensile strength, comparable to steel strapping but safer and lighter.
• Rust-free, UV-resistant, and moisture-resistant—suitable for storage or outdoor use.
• Maintains stability without elongation or deformation.
• 100% recyclable, making it more eco-friendly than metal or non-degradable plastics.

  At Hòa Phong Pack, PET strapping is produced from virgin or high-grade recycled PET resin, ensuring durability, consistency, and safety.

PP Strapping: Manufactured from polypropylene (resin code 5), this type is lightweight, flexible, affordable, and easy to apply manually. PP strapping is ideal for lighter goods such as household items, electronics, and packaged food products. However, it is less suitable for heavy loads due to lower tensile strength.

In short, choosing the correct strap based on load and cargo type not only reduces costs but also ensures safe transportation. PET strapping remains the ideal solution for heavy goods requiring high stability.

ENSURING PROPER STRAPPING TECHNIQUES

Incorrect strapping techniques are one of the main reasons for damaged or unstable cargo during transport. Whether using PET for heavy loads or PP for lighter ones, proper strapping practices are crucial:

• Apply the right tension: Tight enough to secure goods but not so strong as to deform cartons or damage products.
• Use proper equipment: Semi-automatic or automatic strapping machines, or manual tools, ensure even tension and consistent results.
• Match strap specifications to manual methods: Thinner straps break easily, while overly thick straps make manual binding difficult.
• Choose the right strap orientation: Position straps horizontally, vertically, or diagonally depending on product shape and load-bearing points.
• Check after strapping: Ensure straps are tight, evenly placed, and not cut by sharp edges.

Correct technique ensures professional appearance, stability, and reduced risk during long-distance transport.

PROPER STORAGE OF STRAPPING

Both PET and PP straps are sensitive to environmental factors such as heat, humidity, and sunlight. Proper storage preserves strap performance and minimizes risks:

• Avoid direct sunlight: UV rays cause fading, brittleness, and premature aging.
• Limit high temperatures: PET weakens above 70°C, while PP deforms above 100°C.
• Avoid damp environments: Moisture can damage paper cores and attract pests.
• Store off the ground: Place rolls on pallets or shelves at least 10cm above the floor to prevent moisture absorption.
• Keep packaging intact: Maintain straps in their original wrapping to stay clean and dust-free.

USING THE RIGHT BUCKLES AND SEALS

Strapping buckles and seals are the “final lock” that keep the system secure:

• Plastic buckles: Suitable for PP strapping and light loads.
• Steel seals or serrated seals: For PET strapping and heavy-duty loads like pallets, steel, or machinery.
• Wire buckles: Often used with manual tensioners.

Always inspect buckles and seals before use—damaged or rusty ones compromise strapping performance.

FINAL INSPECTION BEFORE DISPATCH

Even after proper strapping and storage, a final check is critical:

• Inspect straps for cracks, brittleness, or discoloration.
• Confirm correct tension and positioning.
• Verify buckle/seal security.
• Apply protective PE film or shrink wrap for valuable or fragile items.
• For bulk shipments, prepare packaging inspection reports to ensure accountability.

CONCLUSION

Using plastic strapping is more than a technical step—it safeguards your brand and customer trust. From choosing the right type of strap (PET or PP), storing it properly, applying correct techniques, using the right buckles, to conducting final checks before shipment—every stage directly impacts cargo safety, transportation efficiency, and customer satisfaction.