Brian Learning to Use the Shrink-wrap System
We’re slowly converting all our soaps over to new packaging. Yes, I know, I loved the clear PET boxes, too! While they are recyclable, they still require the end consumer to actually have a viable means to recycle them. I know a good percentage of people still do not have easy access to recycling, even though we are one of the lucky few who have curbside recycling (Awesome, right?!) So, some of them were still ending up in the landfill…
Enter National Shrinkwrap! They have some great affordable systems, and major bonus, they carry biodegradable shrink film! Not to mention, they are a US-based company who manufacture their systems meaning no importing and a smaller carbon footprint. I picked out a wand-based system so we could easily wrap dozens of bars of soap at one time. I’m all about efficiency and streamlining the process!
Soap Waiting to be Blasted with the Heat Gun
The shrink wrap is Biolefin, a oxo-biodegradable polyolefin which is acid-free and will totally decompose into biomass. Another awesome feature of the shrink wrap I chose is that it’s perforated, so you can SMELL through it. How cool is that? Can you tell I’m totally in love?
At first, I was not in love at all. The one thing about shrink wrap is that it definitely has a learning curve. Out of the first batch of soaps we wrapped, only 60% of them were ideal. Sometimes, we didn’t seal them properly with the wand, or we didn’t use the heat gun properly so it shrank too much and produced a hole in the wrap. After about six or seven batches, we were down to a 5% error rate. So it’s not a steep learning curve by any means!
Before (Clear PET Boxes) and After (Oxo-Biodegradable Shrink-wrap)
Add to the fact that National Shrinkwrap sends you detailed instructions and a DVD on how to get a good seal and proper shrink… they even offer up their personal time to assist you with a phone call if needed! Talk about great customer service. I almost called but then I watched the DVD again and realized I was sealing the soaps too close together and not getting a good seal, presto! Problem solved.
I’m sure the giddiness will wear off, but right now? I love wrapping soap! It’s quick, easy, and fun – not to mention the feeling of accomplishment when I make it through a batch without any bars needing to be re-wrapped. I’ve had a couple other soapers inquire as to whether I would recommend the system, so here you go – it’s got my two thumbs up!
Now I’m thinking I might modify our labels a bit so it’s a completely fresh look. Maybe frosted vellum? Clear stickers? I’ll keep you updated! 
