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{{Short description|Method of packaging}}
⚫
An '''Overwrap''' is a wrapping applied over another form of [[packaging]]. It us often made of plastic film (sometimes called '''Polywrapping''') or [[paper]].<ref>
{{Multiple issues|
{{Cite book
{{lead too short|date=July 2014}}
⚫
| last = Soroka
{{ref improve|date=July 2014}}
⚫
| first = W
}}
| title = Illustrated Glossary of Packaging Terminology
[[File:Tiefkühlschublade.JPEG|thumb|Trays of frozen meat with overwraps]]
| place =
[[File:Hong kong during typhoon utor 14.08.2013 08-22-10.JPG|thumb|Apples in overwrap of shrink film with foam cushioning]]
| publisher = Institute of Packaging Professionals
⚫
An '''overwrap''' or '''wrap''' is a method of sealing a contained product, typically as part of retail packaging. It is often made of [[plastic film]] (sometimes called''' polywrapping''') or [[paper]].<ref>
| year =
{{Cite book |last=Soroka |first=W |url=http://www.iopp.org/i4a/pages/Index.cfm?pageID=1 |title=Illustrated Glossary of Packaging Terminology |publisher=Institute of Packaging Professionals |edition=Second}}</ref> The wrap is applied over the bare product or can be applied over another form of [[packaging]]. It is typically used to protect products, but can be used decoratively.
| volume =
| edition = Second
| url = http://www.iopp.org/i4a/pages/Index.cfm?pageID=1
⚫
}}</ref>



==Functions==
==Functions==
An overwrap can have several purposes or functions:
An overwrap can be used for several purposes or functions:
*Combine two or more smaller packages into a larger one
*Combine two or more smaller packages into a larger [[multi-pack]]
* Keep a package clean
* Keep a package or item clean
* Help prevent [[package pilferage]] or premature opening of the package
* Help prevent [[package pilferage]] or premature opening of the package
* Help provide a [[tamper indicating]] seal
* Help provide a [[tamper indicating]] seal
* Help keep insects out of a package
* Help keep insects out of a package<ref>{{Citation
⚫
| last = Cooke
⚫
* Obscure a package for distribution or for gifting
⚫
| first = Linda
| title = Pest-Proofing Food Packaging
| journal = Agricultural Research
|date=March 1998
| url = http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/AR/archive/mar98/pest0398.pdf
⚫
}}</ref>
⚫
* Obscure a package for distribution, sale, or gifting
* Help provide an [[authentication]] seal
* Help provide an [[authentication]] seal
* Help provide grease resistance or water resistance to a package
* Help provide grease resistance or water resistance
* Keep an item, such as magazines, clean and intact during shipment; provide an address label that does not damage the item
* Provide graphics, advertising, warnings, instructions, bar codes, etc.
* Provide odor control by preventing odor leakage and cross-contamination.


==Types of Overwraps==
==Types of overwraps==
===Shrink wrap===
===Shrink wrap===

{{main|Shrink wrap}}
{{main|Shrink wrap}}
Shrink wrap is a material made up of polymer plastic film. When heat is applied it shrinks tightly over whatever it is covering. Heat can be applied with a hand held [[heat gun]] (electric or gas) or the product and film can pass through a [[heat tunnel]]. Most [[shrink film]]s are [[polyethylene]].


===Film wrap===
===Film wrap===
[[Plastic film]]s, usually [[polyethylene]] or [[polypropylene]], can be wrapped around an item and attached with [[adhesive]], [[PSA tape]], or heat seals. Sometimes the film is in the form of a [[plastic bag]] which is sealed around the item.


===Decorative wrap===
===Decorative wrap===
{{main|giftwrap}}Wraps can be either exclusively for visual appeal (decoration) or be protective in nature but encompass a decorative element such as a printed design.{{Empty section|date=July 2021}}
{{main|giftwrap}}


===Paper wrap===
===Paper wrap===
[[Kraft paper]] and a variety of other papers can be used to overwrap items in a package or to overwrap a package. Some papers provide abrasion protection for packaged items. Sealing can be by adhesive, tapes, heat seals, etc. Some papers also have grease resistance or are saturated with volatile [[corrosion inhibitor]]s, etc.




Items that can be polywrapped include: direct mail, books, brochures, catalogues, CDs, guides, magazines, periodicals etc.

The size of items which can be polywrapped will vary from machine to machine but as a general rule items as small as 2pp A6 card or up to 60 mm [[Paper size|A3 items]] are within tolerances. A number of items of similar of smaller size to the original can be machine fed onto the polywrapping line. Because these items are placed on top of the product they are called [[onsert]]s.

There are principally three type of film available:

* 'Standard' Polythene - Used currently for the majority of mailing packs.
* 'Degradable' Polythene - Increasingly used, the film is extruded from the same material but a very small amount of degrading agent is added. Typically 'Oxo-degradable' (breaks down in the presence of oxygen) degrades in a short timescale, leaving no fragments, no methane, and no harmful residues. This film cannot be recycled.
* [[Biodegradable polythene film]] - Starch based or biobased (hydrodegradable) film. Less commonly used due to the price being 3-4 times that or standard film{{Citation needed|date=January 2010}}.

The above films are available in a variety of thicknesses from 15 to 150 μm although polywrapped packs are rarely over 50 μm (more typically 25 or 30 μm)

Polythene can be recycled at a few accepting centres and used to make such items as garbage bags, fertilizer sacks, chairs, benches, tables, pallets etc.

Polywrapping is sometimes referred to as Poly Bagging or Film Wrapping.

==Advantages==
The use of polythene has several advantages over envelopes:

* Polythene is lighter and significantly cheaper than a [[Envelope size|C4 paper envelope]]. A reduction in weight could mean the addition of an additional leaflet or promotional item at no extra postage cost.
* Clear polythene allows recipients to view the contents (such as a magazine cover) prompting them to open immediately if the item is of interest or expected (i.e. subscription magazine)
* A pre-designed opaque film with an address window, the use of spot or full colour can create a more immediate and professional impact.

==Disadvantages==

* The recipient may not want the contents to be visible to everybody
* In the [[United Kingdom]] there are very few recycling sites for polywrap


==See also==
==See also==
Line 70: Line 49:
* [[Plastic wrap]]
* [[Plastic wrap]]
* [[Plastic bag]]
* [[Plastic bag]]

==References==
==References==
{{reflist}}
<references />


* Soroka, W, "Fundamentals of Packaging Technology", IoPP, 2002, ISBN 1-930268-25-4
* Soroka, W, "Fundamentals of Packaging Technology", IoPP, 2002, {{ISBN|1-930268-25-4}}
* Yam, K. L., "Encyclopedia of Packaging Technology", John Wiley & Sons, 2009, ISBN 978-0-470-08704-6
* Yam, K. L., "Encyclopedia of Packaging Technology", John Wiley & Sons, 2009, {{ISBN|978-0-470-08704-6}}


{{packaging}}
{{packaging}}

<br />
[[Category:Packaging]]
[[Category:Packaging]]

Latest revision as of 19:24, 8 October 2024

Trays of frozen meat with overwraps
Apples in overwrap of shrink film with foam cushioning

An overwrap or wrap is a method of sealing a contained product, typically as part of retail packaging. It is often made of plastic film (sometimes called polywrapping) or paper.[1] The wrap is applied over the bare product or can be applied over another form of packaging. It is typically used to protect products, but can be used decoratively.

Functions

[edit]

An overwrap can be used for several purposes or functions:

  • Combine two or more smaller packages into a larger multi-pack
  • Keep a package or item clean
  • Help prevent package pilferage or premature opening of the package
  • Help provide a tamper indicating seal
  • Help keep insects out of a package[2]
  • Obscure a package for distribution, sale, or gifting
  • Help provide an authentication seal
  • Help provide grease resistance or water resistance
  • Keep an item, such as magazines, clean and intact during shipment; provide an address label that does not damage the item
  • Provide graphics, advertising, warnings, instructions, bar codes, etc.
  • Provide odor control by preventing odor leakage and cross-contamination.

Types of overwraps

[edit]

Shrink wrap

[edit]
Main article: Shrink wrap

Shrink wrap is a material made up of polymer plastic film. When heat is applied it shrinks tightly over whatever it is covering. Heat can be applied with a hand held heat gun (electric or gas) or the product and film can pass through a heat tunnel. Most shrink films are polyethylene.

Film wrap

[edit]

Plastic films, usually polyethylene or polypropylene, can be wrapped around an item and attached with adhesive, PSA tape, or heat seals. Sometimes the film is in the form of a plastic bag which is sealed around the item.

Decorative wrap

[edit]
Main article: giftwrap

Wraps can be either exclusively for visual appeal (decoration) or be protective in nature but encompass a decorative element such as a printed design.

Paper wrap

[edit]

Kraft paper and a variety of other papers can be used to overwrap items in a package or to overwrap a package. Some papers provide abrasion protection for packaged items. Sealing can be by adhesive, tapes, heat seals, etc. Some papers also have grease resistance or are saturated with volatile corrosion inhibitors, etc.

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Soroka, W. Illustrated Glossary of Packaging Terminology (Second ed.). Institute of Packaging Professionals.
  2. ^ Cooke, Linda (March 1998), "Pest-Proofing Food Packaging" (PDF), Agricultural Research
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