Strapping materials, whether steel, plastic-derived, or otherwise, are essential for safely securing goods for transport. Why does the type of strapping material matter? Depending upon the nature of your product, its weight, size, and fragility, one strapping material may damage the goods, while another can add unnecessary weight. Therefore, your selection in choosing which is suitable for you is the first step in ensuring that you save money on material costs and protect your products over the entire transportation process.
Factors When Choosing Strapping Materials And Where Different Types Shine
When weighing your options for strapping materials, there are three things to remember. They are the strength of the material, the cost of the strapping product and the cost of weight that it adds to shipping, and finally, the application size requirements. So where does each type excel, and what are their weaknesses?
- Steel Strapping: Steel is a classic strapping material used for centuries when rope and cord weren’t strong enough. While other materials offer more versatility than steel, it is still essential when shipping via rail and, due to its unyielding nature, is the most robust material you can buy. Steel is an excellent choice for building materials, machinery, and other large products.
- Polyester (Plastic-Derived Woven): Polyester is the modern choice for strapping strength and versatility. It is helpful in all situations where you may use steel strapping but want to reduce the weight and provide a more straightforward application process for individuals loading or unloading pallets. It is fantastic for heavy yet fragile components such as roofing tiles or construction equipment. Yet, unlike steel, polyester can be more affected by environmental conditions and shouldn’t be used when products are stored outdoors for an extended period.
- Polypropylene Strapping (Plastic-Derived Material): Polypropylene strapping is available for all your lightweight strapping needs. This product is lightweight and far less expensive than steel or polyester, making it a great cost-saving strapping material. However, polypropylene doesn’t hold up under as much pressure and loses tension quickly, making it best suited for lighter products like mail, loose materials, or small products.
- Other Strapping Options To Consider: Other strapping products include stretch film, which is perfect for food and beverage transport, or woven cord straps, which are among the strongest but can be prohibitively expensive.
Innovations Coming In The Industry And Making Informed Strapping Choices
Current industry trends in the logistics industry have focused more and more on sustainable products and production. Strapping products have followed the trend, emphasizing recyclability and biodegradable properties. Therefore, strapping products can become more sustainable as petroleum-based products are slowly being phased out over the coming years. As more eco-friendly strapping materials are produced, their cost will decrease with increased usage and mass adoption of these new products.
When choosing the right type of strapping material, it’s essential to weigh cost, material type, use cases, and reusability. For more guides on choosing suitable strapping material and logistics industry trends, be sure to check out our professional blog.
Strapping-Products.Com Is Your Go-To Source For Strapping Products Shipped Nationwide
Don’t miss out on getting everything you need for shipping and logistics from Strapping-Products.com. We have polyester, steel, polypropylene, the necessary tools, and more. At Strapping-Products.com, we take pride in providing you with the best quality strapping products at unbeatable prices. Don’t settle for less than what you deserve! Visit us online or call 888-803-8140 now to learn more and place your order today.
