Shrink wrapping machines for 2023

Companies must invest wisely and strategically in their packaging operations in the current competitive market space to ensure smooth navigation through challenging times. The key to this is sourcing the perfect shrink wrapping machines.

After working hard to develop and manufacture a product, win contracts, and secure customers, cutting corners on packaging machinery can increase downtime and risk higher maintenance and running costs. Poor equipment can also damage packs, presenting an inferior product for end consumers, which begs the question, is it worth it?

At YPS, we offer a unique ‘systems’ approach, supplying a total packaging solution. We supply your shrink wrapping machines, then provide the correct specification of shrink film to suit your application, spare part supplies, engineering assistance, and an included service contract to support the new packaging operation. 

We don’t see the completion of a successful installation as the end of a transaction but the beginning of a great business relationship. Whatever your application, factory layout, or operator capacity, we can provide the product and pallet wrapping solutions for your requirements.

Smart shrink wrapping machines to invest in this year

-For smooth aesthetics: L-sealers

Typically used for display packs requiring glossy and wrinkle-free finishes, L-sealers use centre-folded 30% recycled polyolefin shrink film to wrap a wide range of products. These shrink wrapping machines are perfect for retail environments and are available in semi-automatic and fully automatic models. 

Our super-fast Automatic L-sealers can wrap up to 30 packs per minute with total precision, making them one of the most versatile types of shrink wrapping machines on the market. With no operator intervention, these reliable machines drastically cut labour costs. Meanwhile, our easy-to-use L-sealer Combination Unit generates smooth, consistent wrapping results, guaranteeing neat, secure, central-located seals on every pack. Whichever L-sealer you choose, an exceptional aesthetic is always achieved. 

-For transit packaging: Sleeve wrappers

Designed for transit packaging applications, sleeve wrappers are the best choice to contain and protect products for direct-to-customer shipments or extra end-of-line packaging. Catering to almost all products, speed requirements, and factory layouts, these shrink wrapping machines can deliver enclosed packs or packs with bullseye holes at either end. 

For particularly high-volume applications, our High-Speed Flight Bar Sleeve Sealer offers a sealing-jaw-free mechanism for enhanced speeds and minimal maintenance. Growing businesses looking to future-proof their operation in 2023 could benefit from a trial of our BAMA-complying Side Feed Automatic Sleeve Sealer, ideal for running single, multipack, trayed or trayless items with ease. If packs are larger or longer, our Inline Automatic Sleeve Sealer can cater for almost any product size. 

-For longer products: Side sealers

Side sealers are the machine of choice for shrink wrapping extra-long products. Generally delivering a tighter wrap than L-sealers and operating faster than most shrink wrapping machines, these unrivalled models provide a totally enclosed, stunningly presented pack.

When Nestlé approached YPS to wrap the world’s widest-ever cereal multipack (18 boxes totalling 3.5 metres), we used a Hugo Beck Flexo X side sealer with our thinnest 9-micron BTT +90 polyolefin shrink film to finish the job with a high-shine (and 100% recyclable) finish. While the Flexo can wrap up to 80 packs per minute, the Hugo Beck Servo X Side Sealer can wrap up to 100. As well as reaching unbeatable speeds, this showstopping model reduces waste (and saves costs) by lowering film consumption by 35%.

-For consistent presentation: Shrink wrap tunnels

With accurate temperature control, shrink wrap tunnels (also known as shrink ‘ovens’) are perfect for applications where end pack presentation needs to be consistent. Conveyor systems are designed so that the bottom of a pack never touches the belt, preventing markings that other cheaper mesh belt systems leave on the film. With steel-mesh belts and double-insulated curtains, these shrink wrapping machines will keep running costs down, improve energy efficiency, and reduce the need to replace parts - even after years of production. 

Our Single Chamber Shrink Tunnel is available for polyolefin and polythene applications - polyolefin is thinner for more aesthetic display packaging, and polythene is thicker and more durable for heavier packs. For precision shrinking at faster speeds, our Double Chamber High-Speed Shrink Tunnel gives a user complete control of production. Harsher, wetter environments can benefit from using our Stainless Steel Shrink Tunnel, which prevents rusting for a longer lifespan. At the same time, larger, heavier packs are best suited to a Wide Shrink Tunnel. 

As well as our top-performing machines, films and spares, YPS offer a complete end-to-end service with 24/7 technical support and more. Contact us to get a feel for our product and pallet wrapping solutions. You can also book a trial at our showroom, where one of our friendly technical experts will demonstrate how our shrink wrapping machines solve your unique requirements.