Strapping: how to choose and use the right type?
7min read
05/01/2023
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Strapping straps: these are those strong ‘ribbons’ you see around boxes or pallets quite often. They keep goods tightly packed and are consequently an indispensable link in cargo securing. And for those who might be in doubt: you are spoilt for choice when it comes to types and versions. So how do you know which type suits your cargo best? You will find the answer to that question in the selection guide below. We also give you tips on accessories, machines and techniques to make strapping run smoothly.
1. What strapping materials are there?
Based on the raw material, we can distinguish 5 types of strapping: paper, polypropylene (PP), textile, polyester and steel. Each type has its own advantages, of course. For example, polypropylene strapping is the cheapest (and most popular) variant in the packaging world. It is made of a type of plastic with an embossed structure for better grip. The strongest type, in turn, is steel strapping: ideal for the construction industry, for example. You can compare all types of strapping in the table below:
Material |
Applications |
Properties |
Paper |
. – For very light goods. – For short-term use (indoors only). – For manual or machine strapping. |
. – Tensile strength up to 55 kg. – Environmentally friendly: 100% from renewable raw materials. |
Polypropylene |
. – For light goods. – For short-term use (indoors only). – For manual or machine strapping.1 |
. – Tensile strength up to 245 kg. – With embossed surface.2 – Most elastic. |
Textile |
. – For heavy or fragile goods. – For long-term use (indoor/outdoor). – For manual strapping. |
. – Tensile strength up to 820 kg. – With soft surface. – Resists sharp edges. |
Polyester |
. – For heavy goods. – For long-term use (indoor/outdoor). – For manual or machine strapping.1 |
. – Tensile strength up to 543 kg. – With embossed surface.2 – Resists sharp edges . |
Steel |
. – For very heavy goods. – For long use (indoor/outdoor).3 – For manual strapping. |
. – Tensile strength up to 775 kg. – Resists sharp edges. – Least elastic. |
1 Depending on the quality of strapping. Download this selection guide (PDF) for a complete overview.
2 Relief surface: provides more grip on the substrate and guarantees a stronger seal when welding. The relief also makes the strapping more flexible and resistant to tearing.
3 For indoor use, blued steel strapping is generally used. For outdoors, one rather chooses painted steel strapping (= more resistant to corrosion, among other things).
What else you definitely need to know about PP tape:
- Why is it best to use PP tape only on short runs? PP tape is much more elastic than other types. After stretching, the band will want to recover to its original length. However, PP-tape tends to 'relax' (i.e. stretch) after a while. It then loses some of its elasticity (± 35% after 2 weeks). This makes it less effective in the long term.
- Why is it best to use PP tape indoors only? PP tape is less resistant to UV light. That light is detrimental to the quality and colour. White bands in particular suffer from this
2. What are the applications of strapping?
First, let’s look at the definition of strapping. Strapping straps are used to close, secure or group goods. The intention is to stop your cargo from moving during transport. Strapping facilitates transport and makes it safer to move pallets, among other things. Depending on the material, you can use strapping for the following applications:
- Paper strapping
: can be used for applications for which you used to need plastic wrapping film, for example, such as strapping parcels, bundling and grouping products, etc. The paper strap is also an eco-friendly alternative to PP strap with limited tensile strength. - Polypropylene strapping: bundling newspapers or magazines, additional theft protection for light packaging, sealing cardboard boxes, etc.
- Textile strap: strapping goods with fragile surfaces (such as wood) and objects with protruding or pointed corners (such as boards and tiles), etc.
- Polyesterstrap: palletising medium to heavy loads, grouping pipes, etc.
- Steel strapping: strapping very heavy, sharp and round loads such as building materials.
3. Manual strapping: how to do it?
Strapping by itself is not enough to get started. How do you tighten your strap and what do you attach the ends with? For that, some additional tools are just around the corner… We first show you the best way to strap manually. It is without doubt the most economical solution. To do this, you need to use one of these basic tools: buckles or seals.
Good to know: a buckle is only suitable for a PP (polypropylene) or textile strap. A seal can be used for PP, polyester or steel bands. Would you like more information about manual strapping? You can! Download our free selection guide for strapping and accessories here (PDF).
Buckle + Strap tensioner |
. Make 2 loops in the strap and attach it in the buckle. After this, tighten it by hand or with a strap tensioner. Simple and effective! ⇒ Suitable for paper, PP or textile strap. Watch our instruction video here. |
Seal + Tensioner |
. Step 1: place a seal and your strapping band in the pliers. Step 2: tighten the strapping band with the tensioner. Step 3: the seal is then clamped and the strap cut off. Done! ⇒ Suitable for PP, polyester or steel strapping. Watch our instruction video here. |
Did you know that… you can also manually strap using paper strapping? You then best combine your strap with plastic buckles.
4. Machine strapping: how to do it?
]For strapping larger quantities, it is best to stop at a strapping device or machine. With such a device, the ends of your strapping are welded together. This gives you the strongest possible seal. Would you like to know which options are available for machine strapping? Then download our free selection guide for strapping and accessories here ( PDF).
Good to know: when using machine strapping, it is best to use a plastic strap with an embossed structure (PP or polyester). Always place the side with the deepest relief upwards in the machine. This allows the strapping to melt and adhere better. Another thing not to lose sight of is… eye protection. Always wear safety goggles and gloves when applying and cutting strapping. Safety first!
Strapping device |
These devices have the highest working capacity (up to 150 strappings per hour) and can be used vertically and horizontally. Good to know: strapping tools also work ‘in the air’. So the device does not necessarily have to rest on a flat surface. |
Strapping machine |
. Ideal for strapping loose parcels and boxes. All you have to do is hang the strapping band around the parcel. The sealing and cutting of the strap is done automatically. |
Did you know that… you can also do machine strapping using paper strapping? It is best to use one of the strapping devices or machines from this list.
5. What other accessories come in handy when strapping?
- [1] Corner profiles: When strapping pallets, there is a great deal of tension from the strapping band on your goods. To prevent the strap from cutting into your goods, it is best to use a corner profile. It protects and gives more stability to your pallet load. They also keep your straps in place better.
- [2] Corner protectorsA corner protector is only used on the corners where the strapping can cut into your goods. Ideal for smaller packages.
- [3] Steel strap cutters: this type of scissors holds the strapping band securely while cutting so there is no risk of ‘slipping off’ and injury.
- [4] Mobile reel: A reel makes it much easier to move and unwind a roll of strapping. In addition, a tray is often provided for extra tools.
- [5] Pallet needle: slide the pallet needle under your pallet and apply the strapping much more easily. Bending down is no longer necessary and your back will be happy about that.
