What Is a Shrink Tunnel?
A shrink tunnel is a piece of end-of-line packaging equipment that applies heat to shrink film wrapped around a product, case, or pallet load. As the product passes through the tunnel on a conveyor, heated air circulates around the film, causing it to contract tightly around the item for a secure, tamper-evident, presentation-ready package.
Where Shrink Tunnels Are Used
Shrink tunnels are common in food and beverage packaging, retail multi-packs, printing and publishing, industrial parts bundling, and any application where products need a protective, visually clean outer wrap. They are typically paired with a shrink wrap machine or L-bar sealer that first wraps the product in film before it enters the tunnel.
Choosing the Right Shrink Tunnel
- Tunnel size - must accommodate your largest product dimensions with clearance for the film to shrink evenly.
- Conveyor speed - determines your maximum packaging throughput.
- Heating method - electric and gas-fired tunnels have different operating costs and heat-up times.
- Film type - PVC, polyolefin, and polyethylene films shrink at different temperatures and suit different products.
We work with manufacturers of shrink tunnels for a range of throughput requirements, from low-volume operations to high-speed production lines. Tell us about your product and packaging goals, and we will help you find the right fit.