{"id":5517,"date":"2025-03-21T09:44:19","date_gmt":"2025-03-21T09:44:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rajapack.co.uk\/blog-uk\/?p=5517"},"modified":"2025-03-28T14:33:02","modified_gmt":"2025-03-28T14:33:02","slug":"what-is-strapping","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rajapack.co.uk\/blog-uk\/what-is-strapping","title":{"rendered":"What is Strapping?"},"content":{"rendered":"

When it comes to securing large packages, strapping is often the most effective solution.
\nWe\u2019ve given you a guide to strapping machines before which covers the differences in the machines, but how much do you know about strapping itself? This guide will help you understand the different types of strapping, what each type of strapping is used for and<\/p>\n

What is Strapping?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Strapping bands are the strong ‘ribbons’ that you often see around boxes or pallets. They keep goods tightly in the package and make sure they don\u2019t get separated or damaged in transit. Its origins date back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when industries sought stronger and more efficient ways to secure goods for transport. Before strapping, ropes and metal wires were commonly used to bundle and stabilize shipments, but these methods were often unreliable and prone to breaking under heavy loads. By the mid-20th century, advancements in materials led to the development of polypropylene (PP) and polyester (PET) strapping. These plastic strapping materials gained popularity in industries ranging from logistics to agriculture. Today, strapping continues to evolve with high-strength composites and automated strapping machines, improving efficiency and sustainability in global trade and transportation.<\/p>\n

What types of strapping are there?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

This is dictated by what material the strapping is made of. In our range there are 5 types of strapping. These are paper, polypropylene (PP), corded\/textile, polyester and steel. Each type has its own advantages and best use-cases depending on its properties. For example, polypropylene strapping has the lowest cost and is one of the most popular variants in the packaging world. It is made of a type of plastic with a relief structure for more grip. The strongest type is steel strapping: ideal for the construction sector, for example.<\/p>\n

In the table below you can see how the different types of strapping compare:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Material
\n\"\"<\/strong><\/td>\n		Applications
\n\"\"<\/strong><\/td>\n		\n

Properties
\n\"\"<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

Paper<\/strong><\/a>
\n\"\"<\/td>\n		\u2022 For\u00a0very light<\/strong>\u00a0goods.
\n\u2022 For short-term use (indoors only).
\n\u2022\u00a0For manual or machine strapping.<\/td>\n		\u2022 Tensile strength\u00a0up to 55 kg<\/strong>\u00a0.
\n\u2022 Environmentally friendly: 100% renewable raw materials.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Polypropylene<\/strong><\/a>
\n\"\"<\/td>\n		\u2022 For\u00a0light<\/strong>\u00a0goods.
\n\u2022 For short-term use (indoors only).
\n\u2022\u00a0For manual or machine strapping.<\/td>\n		\u2022 Tensile strength\u00a0up to 300 kg<\/strong>\u00a0.
\n\u2022 With embossed surface.
\n<\/sup>\u2022 Most elastic.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Polyester<\/strong><\/a>
\n\"\"<\/td>\n		\u2022 For\u00a0\u00a0heavy<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0goods.
\n\u2022 For long-term use (indoor\/outdoor).
\n\u2022 For manual or machine strapping.<\/td>\n		\u2022 Tensile strength\u00a0\u00a0up to 1070kg<\/strong>\u00a0.
\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0With embossed surface.
\n<\/sup>\u2022\u00a0\u00a0Resists sharp edges.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Textile<\/strong><\/a>
\n\"\"<\/td>\n		\u2022 For\u00a0very\u00a0heavy\u00a0<\/strong>or\u00a0fragile<\/strong>\u00a0goods.
\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0For long-term use (indoor\/outdoor).
\n\u2022 For manual strapping.<\/td>\n		\u2022 Tensile strength\u00a0\u00a0up to 1200<\/strong> kg<\/strong>\u00a0.
\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0With soft surface.
\n\u2022 Resists sharp edges.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Steel<\/strong><\/a>
\n\"\"<\/td>\n		\u2022 For\u00a0very heavy<\/strong>\u00a0goods.
\n\u2022\u00a0For long-term use (indoor\/outdoor).
\n\u2022 For manual strapping.<\/td>\n		\u2022 Tensile strength\u00a0up to 725 kg<\/strong>\u00a0.
\n\u2022\u00a0Resists sharp edges.
\n\u2022 Least elastic.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

Here are a few common FAQs about strapping<\/p>\n

Why is it best to limit PP strapping to short term use?<\/h3>\n

PP band is much more elastic than the other types. After stretching, the band will want to revert to its original length. However, it also has the tendency to ‘relax’ after a while (to remain stretched). It then loses some of its elasticity (\u00b1 35% after 2 weeks). This makes it less effective in the long term.<\/p>\n

Why is it best to use PP strap only indoors?<\/h3>\n

PP strap is less resistant to UV light. This light is detrimental to the quality and colour. White straps in particular suffer from this.<\/p>\n

What are the different kinds of strapping used for?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

All strapping serves the same approximate purpose: it’s used to band together products or to hold a package securely shut. By using strapping, you can facilitate transport and make it safer to move products on pallets. Which strapping you should use will depend upon what it is you\u2019re attempting to strap up.<\/p>\n

As a rough steer, here is what each type of strapping is best used for:<\/p>\n