Polyethylene (PE) is a polymer obtained by polymerizing ethylene. PE is used in many forms of flexible protective packaging, including shrink wrap and stretch wrap, each with widely varying properties.

PE can take many forms, but the three most common are low density polyethylene (LDPE), linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) and high density polyethylene (HDPE). Each of these are best used in different industrial applications, but for shrink wrap, LDPE is the most common form.

The benefit of using LDPE over other forms of shrink wrap is the added strength and durability to heavier larger items such as beverage multipacks. These packs can also be printed and great graphics can be added while still maintaining the image and desired intensity.

PE film thickness is usually 40, 60, 80, 100 and 120 microns. The disadvantage of PE shrinkage is that the shrinkage rate is not high, usually not more than 20%, and the transparency is much lower than other packaging papers