Strapping is a reliable, cost-effective and very common method for securing products during storage and transportation. The straps are designed to keep bundles of items secure in transport, and they prevent shifting, reduce damage, and improve overall load stability. There are many strapping options available, and each type has its own unique benefits.
Types of Strap and Benefits
Polyester Strapping (PET)
Polyester (PET) strapping is a high-performance and cost-effective alternative to steel strapping. It offers excellent elongation and recovery, making it ideal for loads that may shift during transit.
Benefits of Polyester Strapping
- High elongation and recovery, great for absorbing shock during transit
- Resistant to water, rust, and is UV-resistant for outdoor storage
- Non-toxic and safer to handle compared to steel
- Dust-repellent and maintains tension over time if used for long-term storage
Common Uses
- Outdoor storage applications
- Heavy pallet loads
- Lumber and construction materials
- Brick, stone, and concrete products
- Long-distance shipping
See our selection of Polyester Strapping and match your load requirements.
Steel Strapping
Steel strapping is the strongest and most durable strapping option available. With steel strapping’s strength and sharp edges, there is increased injury risk; more care and attention is required when using this type of strapping.
Benefits of Steel Strapping
- Extremely high tensile strength and minimal stretch for excellent load stability
- Ideal for heavy and dense shipments like large machinery
- Performs well under extreme stress
- Available in high-tensile options ideal for railroad shipments
Common Uses
- Heavy industrial loads like steel coils and metal products
- Railroad and freight transport
- Construction materials
- Securing large machinery
See steel strapping solutions for heavy-duty needs.
Polypropylene (PP) Hand Strapping
Polypropylene (PP) hand strap, sometimes referred to as poly hand strap, is a lightweight, lower-cost option designed specifically to be applied by hand using tools or tensioners.
Benefits of Polypropylene Hand Strapping
- Cost-effective packaging solution
- Lightweight, easy to use, flexible and safe for manual handling
- Compatible with hand tools or friction sealing tools
- Ideal for low-volume operations
Common Uses
- Carton closing
- Small package bundling – like shipping boxes or consumer goods
- Light palletizing
- Warehouse operations
Explore the polypropylene hand strapping options for light-duty applications.
Polypropylene (PP) Machine Strapping
Machine-grade polypropylene strapping is one of the most common types of strapping used across many industries because it’s lightweight and easy to use, improving productivity.
Benefits of Polypropylene Machine Strapping
- Consistent tension across the strap
- Increases packaging speed and overall productivity
- Compatible with automatic strapping machines
- Easy to handle and reliable for repetitive operations
Common Uses
- Carton closing
- Small package bundling – like shipping boxes or consumer goods
- Light palletizing and warehouse operations
Check out our poly machine strapping options, and the accessories to secure them.
Paper Strapping
Paper strapping is as strong as polypropylene strapping, works with the same semi-automatic strapping machines, and is 100% recyclable making it an eco-friendly option for warehousing and consumer shipping businesses.
Benefits of Paper Strapping
- Smoothness of the paper protects products and reduces friction damage
- 100% recyclable and eco-friendly alternative
- Works with semi-automatic strapping machines and poly strapping accessories
- Lightweight and easy to apply
Common Uses
- Retail packaging
- Light palletizing
- Printed materials and paper bundles
- Carton bundling
See the paper strapping options, and the other eco-friendly packaging products KeyPak offers.
Cord Strapping
As strong as steel; cord strapping is a lightweight and lower-cost alternative to steel strapping. It uses tools and accessories that are unique to it, but can also be hand tied for light-weight bundles.
Benefits of Cord Strapping
- Lightweight, shockingly strong, and safer than steel strap
- Weather-resistant and non-corrosive
- Flexible for irregular loads and won’t scratch surfaces
- Cost-effective alternative to steel
Common Uses
- Securing irregular or fragile loads
- Bundling pipes, lumber, and other materials
- Shipping machinery and equipment
- Export packaging and load securing in transport
If you want to make the switch to a light and safer strapping option than steel, check out the cord strapping options here.
Choosing the Right Strapping
Every business has unique needs, so it’s not as simple as what is ‘the best’. It’s the question of ‘what is the best type of strapping for my needs’. It’s best to look at the need that your company is looking to fill:
| Business Need | Strapping to Consider |
| Heavy loads: shipments that have heavier loads require a high-strength strap to handle the increased weight. | Steel, PET, and Cord Strapping |
| Uncertain transportation conditions: tensile strength, vibration and shifting, and the weather all are factors. | Steel, PET, and Cord Strapping |
| Long-term storage: tensile strength and longevity are as important to consider as dust, rust and weather resistance. | Poly Machine and PET Strapping |
| Sustainability: for the eco-conscience or businesses that need sustainable strapping alternatives. | Paper and PET Strapping |
| Cost-Effective: if there’s a need to find low-cost alternatives compared to poly machine or steel strapping. | Poly Hand and Cord Strapping |
| Reducing damage to shipments: shifting, vibration and hard stopping can lead to straps damaging shipments. | Paper and Cord Strapping |
If none of these needs match what you’re looking for, or you want to learn more about strapping options available, feel free to contact our PakPro’s – experts in Canadian packaging needs and solutions.
Finding the right strapping option for you can improve safety of your team, reduce damage of goods, and increase overall efficiency. Whether you need paper for light-duty tasks or steel for heavy industrial shipments, the right strap makes a big impact.
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