Choosing the Right Strapping Material: Plastic vs. Steel

Choosing the Right Strapping Material: Plastic vs. Steel

When it comes to securing products for transport or storage, selecting the right strapping material is crucial. The choice often narrows down to two popular options: plastic and steel. Each material has its unique properties, advantages, and ideal applications. This guide will help you choose the best strapping material based on your product type, weight, and shipping requirements.

Understanding Strapping Materials

Plastic Strapping

Plastic strapping, typically made from polypropylene or polyester, is a lightweight and flexible option. It’s resistant to moisture and chemicals, making it suitable for a wide range of applications. Here are some key benefits:

1. Polypropylene

• Lightweight: Easier to handle and reduces shipping costs.
• Flexibility: Conforms to the shape of the product, providing a snug fit.
• Safety: Edges are less sharp than steel, reducing injury risks during handling.
• Corrosion Resistant: Ideal for products that may be exposed to moisture.

2. Polyester

• High Strength: Polyester strapping can offer similar strength in traditional steel; strapping applications.
• Safety: Edges are less sharp than steel, reducing injury risks during handling.
• Tension: Retains its tension well and keeps the load well secured
• Unitisation: Elongates and recovers its elongation, ensuring loads are held tight under shock or impact

Steel Strapping

Steel strapping is a more robust option, often used for heavy-duty applications. It provides high tensile strength and is ideal for securing heavy items. Here are its main advantages:

• High Strength: Excellent for heavy and sharp-edged products.
• Durability: Can withstand extreme temperatures and environmental conditions.
• Resistance to Stretch: Maintains tension over time, ensuring a secure hold.

Choosing the Right Strapping Material

1. Consider Product Type

The nature of your product plays a significant role in your choice of strapping material.

• Lightweight or Non-Fragile Products: If you’re securing lightweight items like cardboard boxes or pallets of non-fragile goods, plastic strapping is often sufficient.
• Heavy or Sharp-Edged Products: For steel, round lumber, or industrial machinery, steel strapping offers the necessary strength and durability.

2. Evaluate Weight

Weight is a critical factor in determining which material to use.

• Under 300 kg: For products under this weight, plastic strapping can be effective and cost-efficient.
• Over 300 kg: Heavy items generally require steel strapping or PET strapping to ensure safety and stability during transport.

3. Shipping Requirements

Your shipping conditions can influence the strapping material choice.

• Indoor Shipping: If your products are shipped indoors and will not be exposed to moisture, both plastic and steel can work.
• Outdoor Shipping: If there’s a chance of exposure to moisture or corrosive environments, plastic strapping, especially polyester, is preferable.
• Long-Distance Transport: Steel strapping may provide better security for products transported over long distances due to its resistance to stretching and shifting.

4. Budget Considerations

Cost can also be a deciding factor. Plastic strapping tends to be less expensive than steel, making it a popular choice for many businesses. However, consider the long-term value and safety implications, especially for high-value or heavy items.

RLB – the Strapping experts

Choosing the right strapping material is essential for the safe and efficient transport of your products. By assessing the type and weight of your items, understanding your shipping requirements, and considering your budget, you can make an informed decision between plastic and steel strapping.

At RLB Packaging, we offer a range of strapping solutions to meet your specific needs. We can visit your business for a comprehensive strapping audit and recommend the ideal strapping solutions and tools tailored to your needs. Contact us today to find the best options for your business!