GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 22, 2026

shrink film

Packaging professionals reach for shrink film when products need to be bundled, secured, or protected against moisture and dust during storage and transport.

Quick Answer

Last updated: 22 June 2026Published: 19 June 2025

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shrink_film

Category

Incoterms 2020 Simulator: Who bears costs & risk?

Reading time

1 min

Words

111

Mentioned in

–

Definition & Explanation

Packaging professionals reach for shrink film when products need to be bundled, secured, or protected against moisture and dust during storage and transport. Made typically from polyethylene (PE) or polyolefin (POF), the film contracts tightly around the cargo when heat is applied – usually via a heat tunnel or hot-air gun. It works equally well for single items, multipacks, and full pallets. Unlike stretch wrap, which relies on mechanical tension without any heat source, shrink film requires a thermal activation step; the distinction matters for customs packaging declarations where material type and layering must be specified. In many markets, shrink films are subject to recyclability standards and mandatory material labelling requirements.

Next steps

Tools that match this term

Calculate customs valueWork out import duties and customs valueOpen Compare IncotermsClarify duties, cost and riskOpen Find HS codeDetermine the tariff number for customsOpen Calculate transit timeEstimate duration per transport modeOpen

Related Terms

You might also be interested in these terms

Shrink-Wrap Process Control

Shrink-wrap process control is the systematic monitoring and regulation of all machine-relevant parameters during heat-shrink film…

Learn more

Heat shrink packaging

Heat shrink packaging comes into play when a product needs to be enclosed and sealed in a single operation: a thermoplastic film –…

Learn more

Stretch wrap

Unlike rigid strapping or shrink wrap, stretch wrap secures palletized loads through elastic recovery alone – no mechanical fasten…

Learn more

Hard palletization

Hard palletization delivers maximum load stability by binding goods into a rigid, shape-retaining unit load using stretch film, sh…

Learn more

Packaging Load Securement Systems

Freight forwarders and carriers deploy packaging load securement systems to protect palletized or unitized cargo against shifting,…

Learn more

Wraparound Labeling

Unlike spot or single-sided labels, wraparound labeling uses a continuously printed label that encircles a cylindrical or prismati…

Learn more

⚖️ ICC Incoterms 2020

Incoterms 2020 Simulator: Who bears costs & risk?

Analyze all 11 Incoterms 2020: cost matrix, risk timeline, insurance gap detector and customs responsibility – free, no login required.

Incoterms Simulator →

Logistics knowledge straight to your inbox

Weekly: Top news, industry facts and insights from the world of logistics – free.

shrink film

Next steps

Related Terms

Shrink-Wrap Process Control

Heat shrink packaging

Stretch wrap

Hard palletization

Packaging Load Securement Systems

Wraparound Labeling

Incoterms 2020 Simulator: Who bears costs & risk?

Logistics knowledge straight to your inbox

Community Questions & Answers