There are two major types of shrink wrap film in common use today. Each of the types is often divided into further subdivisions, but are essentially the same material. The two types are PVC film and Polyolefin film.
PVC is the older of the two and has been in use for many years. Most people who have used shrink wrap would be more familiar with it, as it is still the material of choice for the wrapping of individual products. It is used extensively with furniture, kitchenware, home appliances, as well as software packaging.
It is very durable but can become brittle. It is compatible with all types of shrink wrap equipment and is the least expensive of the two materials. In most cases, it is sold in either 75 gauge or 100 gauge thickness and comes in all width and roll sizes.
Polyolefin is newer and is rapidly becoming the most popular choice for many applications. It is extremely durable, more so than PVC film which makes it useful for items with sharp edges. It is also the better choice for food products, mainly because it is more odor-free than PVC.
It is compatible with most wrapping equipment. Since it is a bit more durable, 60 gauge wrap is also common along with the 75 and 100 gauge sizes. The downside of Polyolefin film is that it is more expensive than PVC.
As in any material use decision, the important thing about the selection of shrinkwrap film is the matching of the best material to the job at hand. Although Polyolefin film is more durable, its higher cost makes it impractical for jobs that can be handled by PVC film.
On the other hand, a small cost saving would not justify the use of material unsuited for the job specifications. The combination of materials along with the various gauge sizes means that it is possible to find the right shrink wrap film for any job.