Safeguard^® Plastic Strapping

The best strapping for the job

Polypropylene (PP) is compatible with most types of metal seals and friction-weld sealing used in automated strapping machinery. Due to the relatively low cost of the raw material, polypropylene accounts for the highest proportion of all strapping used globally.

Extruded polyester (PET) is similar in appearance to polypropylene but has higher break strain and is more elastic so is used for heavier duty strapping. It can be used on some automated strapping systems.

Woven polyester (WP) is used mainly for manual strapping and uses buckles rather than seals. Softer than steel and with good ‘memory’; it holds loads more securely without damage, and it is safer and cheaper than steel.

Composite polyester (CP) features a plastic coating that increases its abrasion resistance and rigidity, making it easier to feed through a pallet frame.

Hotmelt cord polyester (HM) has a higher break strain and system strength than composite (see below to find out about break strain and system strength).

Steel is used where high strength and abrasion resistance are required, particularly in the construction materials sector. It is however gradually being replaced with woven polyester.

Break strain or system strength?

Woven strapping is graded both by break strain and system strength.

Break strain is the force required to break strap when placed under pressure along its length.

System strength is the maximum force sustainable by the combination of strap and buckle. Woven strapping may have a lower break strain than other strapping but the system strength is considerably higher.

Our colour-coded guide here indicates which tools are compatible with which strapping: