Technology comparison

Flow wrapper vs shrink wrapper: choose the right process

Both systems use flexible film, but they form the pack differently. Selecting the wrong process can create avoidable cost, presentation and line-layout problems.

Flow-wrapping application review Automatic shrink wrapping machine used for technology comparison

Core difference

Sealed pillow pack or heat-shrunk enclosure?

A flow wrapper creates a longitudinally sealed tube around products and makes transverse end seals. A shrink wrapper encloses or sleeves the product, then uses heat to contract shrink film.

Flow wrapping

Continuous formed-and-sealed packs

Product moves horizontally through a film former
Longitudinal seal plus transverse end seals
No shrink tunnel for the complete pack
Well suited to individual regular products and controlled groups
Printed-film registration commonly integrated

View the horizontal flow wrapper

Shrink wrapping

Film enclosure followed by heat

Product or group is enclosed or sleeved in shrink film
Pack passes through a heat tunnel
Film contracts around the product
Common for grouped products, transit packs and display bundles
Heat load and tunnel length affect the line layout

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Flow wrap and shrink wrap comparison
Decision point	Flow wrapping	Shrink wrapping
Pack formation	Film formed into a tube, longitudinally sealed and end sealed	Product enclosed or sleeved, then film shrunk with heat
Typical presentation	Pillow-style flexible pack with defined end seals	Film conforms around the product or group
Heat process	Localised sealing-jaw heat	Sealing plus a shrink tunnel or heat chamber
Typical products	Bars, biscuits, confectionery, soap, components and controlled multipacks	Bottles, cartons, trays, grouped products and transit bundles
Printed artwork	Registration can align film repeat to each pack	Possible, but artwork must tolerate shrink distortion where applicable
Line footprint	Wrapper, infeed and discharge	Sealer plus tunnel and cooling/discharge space

Selection logic

Choose flow wrapping when the pack needs defined seals and repeat

Each product or stable group needs an individual flexible pack
Artwork must register consistently to the cut
A pillow-pack appearance is acceptable or preferred
The product can be delivered horizontally in a controlled orientation
The chosen film can seal within the required speed window

Choose shrink wrapping when contraction is the packaging function

Shrink wrapping may be a better fit when the film should tighten around a product, tray or bundle, especially for grouped bottles, cartons or transit packs.

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See the difference

Shrink wrapping uses a different machine and pack process

The shrink-wrapping equipment shown here helps distinguish secondary shrink packs from individually sealed flow-wrapped packs.

For a project involving both primary and secondary wrapping, define the purpose of each pack layer and the transfer between machines.

Discuss the packaging process Return to flow wrappers

Shrink wrapping machinery comparison image

Frequently asked

Flow wrap versus shrink wrap questions

Is flow wrapping the same as shrink wrapping?

No. A flow wrapper forms and seals a web around each product using longitudinal and end seals. Shrink wrapping normally encloses the product in film and then applies heat so the film contracts around it.

Which process gives a tighter pack?

Shrink film is designed to contract and can conform closely to the product or group. Flow wrap forms a controlled pillow-style pack and does not rely on a shrink tunnel.

Which process is better for individual snack bars?

Horizontal flow wrapping is commonly used for regularly presented individual bars because it forms and seals each pack continuously. The final decision depends on product, film, barrier and presentation requirements.

Does a flow wrapper need a heat tunnel?

No. Its sealing jaws apply heat at the seals, but the pack does not pass through a shrink tunnel to contract the complete film web.