Strapping – The Ultimate Guide

The use of strapping around – either around your products or the packaging that’s being used to protect them – is widely used in industrial and warehouse applications.

There is a wide range of strapping available, including steel, polypropylene, polyester, and cord strapping – each serving different purposes & applications.

We have put together an extensive guide to help you decide which strapping suits your needs & along with various tools that can be used to seal and/or tension the strapping.

What is strapping?

Strapping is the process wherein items are combined and bundled together using pallet strapping, made from steel, polypropylene, polyester, or cord.

Steel Strapping

Steel strapping is one of the most commonly used banding materials; its exceptional strength makes it an optimal choice for combining large loads.

Steel strapping’s durability and strength make it ideal for combining large loads. At Hub Packaging, we stock stainless steel strapping in a range of widths and lengths, all of which are highly resistant to both weather and corrosion.

Advantages

Steel strapping has several advantages including:

• Brute strength, making it a great choice for large loads
• Extremely durable
• Low elongation

Disadvantages

Whilst steel strapping has a number of advantages, it also has a few disadvantages including:

• Cost, often steel strapping is the most expensive
• Steel strapping is a struggle to recycle, meaning it is not a great option if your business is looking to make more eco-conscious packaging choices
• Steel strapping has sharp edges which can pose a significant risk to your staff

Popular applications of Steel Strapping:

• Steel strapping is often used in heavy construction
• Additionally, steel strapping is often used in industries where sharp products are produced and shipped

Polypropylene Strapping

Polypropylene strapping is one of the least expensive strapping options on the market. Its versatility means it can be used in a wide range of workplaces. Its strength and durability make it ideal for medium to heavy loads.

Advantages

Polypropylene strapping has an abundance of advantages including:

• Polypropylene is a great cost-effective option
• It’s both easy to recycle, and easy to use
• Good elongation and elastic memory
• Lightweight

Disadvantages

Although polypropylene has several advantages, it also has a few disadvantages including:

• Low retained tension, heightening its potential to tear

Popular applications of Polypropylene Strapping:

• When bundling products together
• Unitising
• Carton packaging

Polyester Strapping

Polyester strapping is rigid and has less elongation than polypropylene strapping. Polyester strapping is often used in heavy-duty loads wherein high tension is required. Polyester strapping is a favourable alternative to steel strapping due to its high strength and competitive pricing.

Advantages

Polyester strapping has numerous advantages including:

• High strength and durability
• Easy to recycle

Disadvantages

Whilst polyester strapping has a number of advantages, it also has disadvantages including:

• Less elongation

Popular applications of Polyester Strapping:

• As a replacement for steel strapping
• Heavy pallet loads

Woven Cord Strapping

Cord strapping is often used in manual applications and outdoor activities due to its excellent moisture resistance.

Advantages

Cord strappings advantages include:

• No extra tools are needed to apply cord strapping

Disadvantages

Despite its advantages, cord strapping also has a number of disadvantages such as:

• Cord strapping is difficult to recycle
• Poor/low elongation capability

Popular applications of Cord Strapping:

• Agriculture
• Boating

Strapping Tools

Source your packaging machines, tools, and equipment from Hub Packaging with confidence knowing that you are supported by our professional engineers.

We have a wide selection of tools and machines available for speedy delivery. As part of our wide range of tools, we have various options for the application of strapping. From high-performance battery-powered strapping tools to popular manual strapping options, we have a range of options suitable for all budgets.

Tensioners

Tensioners create tension within the steel or plastic that is being secured. Hub Packaging stocks a range of tensioners that are compatible with either plastic or steel.

Sealers

Sealers are used in conjunction with tensioners; they ensure the strapping is securely fastened around your load. We stock a wide range of sealers– both heavy-duty and standard, in a range of sizes.

Combination Tools

Combination Tools combine the properties of a tensioner and sealer into a single tool, serving both purposes with no compromise. We stock a range of Safeguard Combination Tools.

Get in touch with Hub Packaging

Get in touch today to find out more about strapping and which type best suits your requirements. Our technical team can provide more information on our products, and will reply to any queries you may have:

Email: sales:@hub-packaging.com

Sales (NI): +44 (0) 28 4175 4977

Sales (ROI):  +353 (1) 866 0136

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