Steel vs. PET Straps: Choosing the Right Strapping Material for Your Needs

Straps or strapping are utilized in packaging to secure items for transport, storage, or handling. Straps are utilized to ensure the safety, security, and integrity of goods.

Why are straps popular in the packaging industry?

• Straps hold items tightly together and prevent them from shifting during transit. For items like pallets, straps stabilize the load ensure it remains intact and reduce the risk of toppling.
• Straps keep items secure and minimize the impact and vibration that can cause damage, especially to fragile or sensitive goods. It keeps items from colliding with each other.
• Straps are a cost-effective alternative to more extensive packaging materials like shrink wrap or bulky containers. It provides sufficient security with less material.
• Strapped bundles or pallets are easier to move with machinery like forklifts. This enhances workplace safety and efficiency.
• Straps are used for small packages and large pallets. This makes them versatile for different industries and applications.
• Straps are used with manual or automatic strapping tools and hence it is quick and efficient and helps to streamline packaging operations.
• In a few industries, strapping is a requirement to comply with shipping regulations and standards to ensure that goods are transported safely and legally.
• Strapping is less wasteful and more recyclable as compared to other packaging materials. This helps promote more sustainable packaging practices.

What is the strapping process?

First, the appropriate type and size of strapping material is chosen based on the weight and nature of the load. Next, the strap is positioned around the pallet.

A tensioner is used to tighten the strap, and a seal and a crimper are used to secure the strap in case of manual strapping. In the case of battery-powered or automatic strapping tools, the machine seals the strap using friction welding or heat.

What are the types of Strapping Materials?

There are mainly 3 types of strapping materials available:

• Polypropylene (PP) straps – Designed for securing light to medium loads.
• Polyester (PET) Straps – It is stronger than PP straps and used for heavier loads like pallets.
• Steel Straps – Renowned for their strength, are employed for heavy-duty loads.

How to Choose the Right Strapping Material for Your Needs?

The choice of straps will depend on your packaging needs. The below mentioned are the factors based on which you can select the right strapping material.

Composition:

PET Straps are made from polyethylene terephthalate, a type of plastic. It has high tensile strength and flexibility. Steel Straps are made from high-quality steel. The tensile strength is extremely high and hence it is rigid.

Strength and Durability:

PET Straps are best suited for medium to heavy loads. Its exceptional resistance to rust and corrosion makes it perfect for outdoor storage. It absorbs shock better than steel straps.

Steel Straps are best suited for the heaviest loads. It does not elongate under tension and provides secure bundling. It can bear rough handling and extreme conditions. Yet, it can be prone to rust and corrosion.

Application and Use Cases

PET Straps are used for securing boxes, pallets, and bundles of goods, especially for products that are sensitive to pressure. It is best for industries like food and beverage, electronics, and logistics. It can be used with both manual and machine applications.

Steel Straps are best for securing extremely heavy loads, such as in the construction, metal, lumber, and automotive industries. It is ideal for industries like steel coils, bricks, and heavy machinery. It can be used in manual applications or with specialized machinery.

Ease of Use

PET straps offer a lightweight and more manageable alternative to steel. It doesn’t have sharp edges that can cause injuries like the steel straps.

Cost

PET Straps are more cost-effective than steel straps. PET straps can lower shipping costs due to their light weight as compared to steel straps.

PET straps boast high recyclability, making them a favored choice due to their eco-friendliness. The production of PET straps has a lower carbon footprint whereas for steel straps the production process is more energy-intensive.

Performance in Various Conditions

Both the PET Straps and steel straps can withstand high humidity and temperature fluctuations. PET straps are UV-resistant, making them suitable for outdoor packaging. It doesn’t degrade. But steel straps will rust if exposed to moisture. But it performs excellently under extreme temperatures and physical stress.

Cyklop India manufactures both PET and steel straps along with seals for the straps. We have PET straps as per the weight of the pallets that is, from light to heavy packages. Steel straps are available with both European and American winding options. We also have PP straps. You can connect with us and we can help you choose the best strapping material for your needs.