Paper bundling band: an alternative to shrink film
- Karine Morel
- [wpcode id="48710"]
Table of content
The paper bundling band helps reduce the use of shrink film while keeping products securely in place. With heat-sealing and anti-slip properties, it offers an alternative for certain industrial applications.
With BANDOKRAFT® SEAL & GRIP, CGP COATING INNOVATION combines these two functions in a technical paper substrate. The aim is to reduce the amount of plastic used to bundle products without compromising packaging performance.
1- Why replace shrink film ?
Shrink film is commonly used to bundle bottles, containers, boxes and other products. It holds them together by shrinking under the influence of heat.
However, this proven technology presents three challenges:
Plastic consumption: the film wraps around a large part of the product bundle, sometimes beyond what is actually needed to hold the products together.
Energy consumption: shrink-wrapping generally requires a heating tunnel.
Regulatory requirements: the PPWR encourages packaging reduction and strengthens recyclability requirements.
The challenge is therefore to reduce the amount of material used while retaining the essential functions of bundling film.
2- How does a paper bundling band work?
Unlike shrink film, which wraps around the products, a paper bundling band holds them together using a strip positioned around the bundle.
Its effectiveness depends on three criteria:
The strength of the seal.
The grip between the band and the products.
The stability of the bundle during handling and transport.
The weight, shape and surface of the products determine whether this alternative to shrink film is suitable.
3- BANDOKRAFT® SEAL & GRIP: heat sealing and anti-slip properties
Developed by CGP COATING INNOVATION, BANDOKRAFT® SEAL & GRIP combines two complementary functions.
SEAL : a heat-sealable closure
A polyethylene (PE)-based coating allows the band to be sealed using heat and pressure.
This technology eliminates the plastic film shrinkage stage while providing a closure suited to the requirements of product bundling.
GRIP : an anti-slip function
The anti-slip function is designed to increase friction between the band and the products.
It helps limit product movement during handling and transport.
Heat sealing ensures the band is closed, while the anti-slip function helps keep the products in place.
This dual functionality is the key technical advantage of BANDOKRAFT® SEAL & GRIP.
4- What are the advantages over shrink film?
The heat-sealable, anti-slip paper bundling band offers several potential benefits:
Less plastic: a coated paper substrate replaces part of the wrapping film.
Less material: the packaging focuses on the bundling function.
A different process: heat sealing can replace thermal shrinkage.
Reliable product retention: the SEAL and GRIP functions work together to keep the bundle stable.
These benefits must be confirmed through representative testing, particularly regarding seal strength, bundle stability and the actual reduction in plastic use.
5- Paper bundling bands and the PPWR: what are the requirements?
Applicable since 12 August 2026, the European Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR, EU 2025/40) progressively strengthens packaging design requirements.
Three key issues concern bundling packaging:
Packaging reduction: from 2030, packaging weight and volume must be limited to the minimum necessary to fulfil their intended function.
Recyclability: the presence of a PE coating requires the band’s compatibility with recycling processes to be assessed.
Restrictions: certain single-use plastic packaging used to bundle products at the point of sale will be subject to specific restrictions from 2030.
BANDOKRAFT® SEAL & GRIP can contribute to plastic reduction objectives. However, its regulatory compliance and recyclability must be demonstrated.
6- How can you validate the replacement of bundling film?
Before changing a packaging process, five criteria should be assessed:
Heat-seal strength.
Anti-slip performance on the products concerned.
Bundle stability during handling.
Compatibility with packaging machinery.
Actual plastic reduction, measured under equivalent conditions.
Conclusion : reduce plastic without compromising functionality
A paper bundling band is an alternative to shrink film when products can be held together without being fully wrapped.
With BANDOKRAFT® SEAL & GRIP, CGP COATING INNOVATION combines heat sealing and anti-slip properties to support this transition.
Looking to reduce your use of bundling film? Contact our experts to assess your application and carry out product-retention tests with BANDOKRAFT® SEAL & GRIP.
Our team helps you find the solution that meets your needs.