Bundling lightweight corrugated boxes can be trickier than people realize. Fragile cartons need secure wrapping, but can’t be crushed in the process. That’s where plastic strapping comes in.
Plastic straps weigh very little, yet still hold well. Unlike tougher stuff that can tear right into delicate boxes, plastic strapping has a bit of “give.” It hugs the box without ripping through the cardboard. Find out more about plastic strapping for corrugated boxes in this guide.
Polyester vs. Polypropylene
There are two types of plastic straps in our lineup: polyester (PET) and polypropylene (PP). Each has its need profile, so you’ll want to pick the right one for your situation.
Polyester Strapping (PET)
PET strapping is strong enough to replace certain steel straps in some scenarios, yet it’s still flexible enough to avoid bashing up your boxes.
If you’re shipping something a little heftier or you’re concerned about damage, polyester might be your best bet. Plus, it holds tension really well over time, which is handy if your cargo’s sitting in a warehouse for a while or headed on a long trip.
Polypropylene Strapping (PP)
PP strapping is more budget-friendly. It’s lighter-duty than PET, but it can be perfect if your boxes aren’t heavy. It stretches more than polyester, so it won’t squeeze your boxes too tightly and is typically inexpensive.
If your shipments are quick turnarounds or you’re bundling lower-weight cartons, polypropylene could be your go-to choice.
When Hand Strapping Makes Sense
For a smaller operation or crew, hand-grade strapping could be right for you. You will need a tensioner, sealer, and maybe some buckles or seals.
Our hand-grade straps come in different thicknesses, so you can match the strap to your box’s heft. Manual strapping is usually the simplest route if you’re only bundling a few boxes per day or need to strap up awkward packages.
The Perks of Machine-Grade Strapping
If you’re bundling endless pallets or shipping containers of product, running straps by hand might be too cumbersome. In that case, machine-grade strapping steps up. It’s produced to tighter specs to run smoothly through strapping machines without jamming.
You can zip dozens of boxes through in minutes with a semi-automatic or fully automatic setup. But if you skip maintenance, you could end up with costly downtime.
Protecting Corrugated Boxes
Nobody wants damaged boxes. Using the right plastic strapping can make all the difference. Industries all over the US use plastic strapping to achieve their goals. Groceries or big box stores use PP straps to carefully secure produce boxes. Government agencies often lean on polyester for heavier shipments or longer storage because the tension stays solid over time.
PET and PP both guard against straps snapping mid-transit, which can scatter boxes across a truck floor (or worse). The slight elasticity of plastic strapping also helps reduce the risk of the strap tearing the box edges. It’s a good balance of tight enough to hold, but flexible enough to cushion.
Vulcan Wire is Your Partner in Packaging
At Vulcan Wire, we want to be your go-to resource, whether you need polypropylene straps for some lighter shipping runs or you’re looking at polyester for something more demanding. For help understanding your business needs, you can contact us today. We can help you decide which tools work best for your shipping processes.
Ready to Secure Your Boxes?
If you’re looking to bundle lightweight corrugated boxes with plastic strapping, reach out to us for a quick quote or to pick our brains about the best materials for your setup. We’ll make sure you’re set up with the right plastic strapping, tools, and ongoing support, so you can ship with total confidence.
