How to Choose the Right Shrink Wrap Machine for Your Product Line

Choosing the right shrink wrap machine is a critical decision that can directly impact your throughput, product quality, and bottom line. With so many machine types, film options, and layout configurations available, it’s important to match the equipment to your specific product and packaging goals.

Whether you’re packaging bottled water, personal care items, pharmaceuticals, or multi-packs for club stores, here’s what to consider when selecting a shrink wrap solution.

1. Inline vs. Right-Angle Machine Configuration

Your production layout will often determine the best machine configuration:

• Inline shrink bundlers are ideal for lines where product flows straight through the wrapper. These are common in high-speed food and beverage applications.

• Right-angle machines are better for tighter plant layouts or when products need to be rotated before wrapping.

Explore Polypack's full line of shrink bundlers to see which layout works for your application.

2. Bull’s-Eye Wrap or Total Enclosure?

• Bull’s-eye wrappers leave openings at the ends of the bundle, which is ideal for bottles, cans, and trays. It uses less film and provides excellent ventilation.

• Total enclosure machines fully seal the product in shrink film, offering extra protection and tamper resistance—perfect for pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and retail products.

Polypack also offers pharmaceutical shrink wrappers specifically designed for compliance, cleanliness, and full enclosure.

3. Clear vs. Printed Film

• If you’re using cardboard sleeves or trays for branding, printed shrink film is a sustainable, cost-effective alternative that reduces material waste and improves shelf appeal.

• For bulk packaging or clear visibility, transparent film may be the better choice.

The Polypack Clearprint shrink wrap series is built to run clear or printed film, these machines handle pad, tray, or unsupported products in single or dual lanes. With quick changeovers and a small footprint, they deliver efficient, cost-effective packaging for both retail and distribution.

4. Match the Machine to the Product

Not all machines are built to handle every product. Consider:

• Size and shape (uniform vs. irregular)

• Product fragility or rigidity

• Packaging count per bundle (2-pack, 6-pack, 12-pack, etc.)

• Speed requirements (low volume vs. high-speed lines)

Browse Polypack's shrink wrap machines to find solutions for food, personal care, dairy, pharmaceuticals, and more.

5. Think Long-Term: Efficiency, Flexibility & Support

Don’t just buy for today. The best shrink wrap machines grow with your business:

• Modular systems allow you to scale as demand increases

• Changeover ease is key if you’re running multiple SKUs

• Support matters—Polypack provides full training, service, and parts from our U.S. facility

Ready to Automate Your Packaging Line?

Polypack offers American-built shrink wrap machines designed for your industry, your products, and your growth goals. Whether you’re looking for a printed film solution, full enclosure, or a high-speed bundler—we can help.

Request a custom quote or explore Polypack's shrink wrap machine lineup today.