What Is Polywrapping?

We have 5 polywrapping lines, but what exactly is polywrapping?

Polywrapping is an automated process of wrapping an item in a clear or printed polythene film. Polythene wrap is fed from reels under and around a product. The two edge are then brought together and heat sealed together and crop sealed at the top and bottom to create a "pack".

Items that can be polywrapped include: direct mail, books, brochures, catalogues, CDs, guides, magazines, periodicals etc.

The size of items which can be polywrapped will vary from machine to machine but as a general rule items as small as 2pp A6 card or up to 60 mm A3 items are within tolerances. A number of items of similar of smaller size to the original can be machine fed onto the polywrapping line. Because these items are placed on top of the product they are called onserts.

Polythene can be recycled at a few accepting centres and used to make such items as garbage bags, fertilizer sacks, chairs, benches, tables, pallets etc.

The use of polythene has several advantages over envelopes:
Polythene is lighter and significantly cheaper than a C4 paper envelope. A reduction in weight could mean the addition of an additional leaflet or promotional item at no extra postage cost.

Clear polythene allows recipients to view the contents (such as a magazine cover) prompting them to open immediately if the item is of interest or expected (i.e. subscription magazine).

A pre-designed opaque film with an address window, the use of spot or full colour can create a more immediate and professional impact.

BTB Mailflight's polywrapping services

BTB Mailflight are one of the UK's leading polywrapping companies. We have 5 Sitma polywrap lines and we polywrap approximately 40 million items a year.

• Polywrapping technology
• 5 Sitma polywrapping lines.
• Online inkjet addressing.
• Carrier-sheet insertion. (We also offer sheet-fed & continuous laser printing services).
• Capacity for up to 10 inserts.
• Selective insertion of 3 inserts.
• A covermounter (with or without glue).
• Strapper.
• Missing product and double sheet detectors.
• Tabloid folder.

Polywrapping Prices
Many factors determine the costs - principally:

• Number and type of Inserts.
• Position of seal.
• Pack changes.
• Thickness of poly wrap film.
• Inserting inside of magazine / catalogue or onserting.
• Selective insertion requirements.
• Number of sortations.
• Size of material.
• Length of run.
• Quality of material.
• Presentation of material.
• Inkjett addressing or carrier sheet.

Sourcing polythene
We source polythene from the manufacturer directly and in large volumes so get excellent trade prices, this includes:

• Plain polythene, 50 micron to 17micron is typical.
• Plain polythene wrap with a white band printed on it for inkjet addressing.
• Printed polythene, whether it's full colour, special colours, or simply a spot colour.
• Biodegradable polywrap.
• Recycleable polywrap.
• Clear or printed polybags for polybagging.