PP strap, or polypropylene strapping, is a lightweight plastic strapping used to bundle, unitise and seal cartons and light-to-medium loads. It is produced by extruding molten polypropylene resin into a flat strap that is cooled and wound onto a core. PP strap has the highest elongation and recovery of all strapping materials, so it flexes with the load and absorbs shock without snapping, at a lower cost than PET or steel. It is the standard, go-to choice for high-volume, light-duty packaging where cost per strap and speed matter most.
BENZ Packaging manufactures PP strap for logistics, e-commerce, printing, food, carton and general manufacturing operations. It is supplied in hand-grade for manual tools and machine-grade for semi-automatic and fully automatic strapping machines, joined by heat seal, friction weld or metal seal to suit your equipment.
Key benefits:
- Highest elongation and recovery of all strapping, flexes and absorbs shock
- Lowest cost per strap, ideal for high-volume everyday use
- Hand-grade and machine-grade for manual, semi-automatic and automatic lines
- Embossed finish for higher joint efficiency and split resistance
- Wide choice of widths, thicknesses, colours and printed options
- Light and easy to handle, no rust, no sharp edges
How to choose the right PP strap:
- Carton closure and light bundling: 5 mm to 9 mm width
- General palletising and medium loads: 12 mm to 15 mm width
- Heavier bundling: 15 mm to 19 mm with higher break strength
- Hand-grade for manual tensioning and low-volume work; machine-grade (thinner, tighter tolerances, minimal camber) for automatic lines and regular high volume
Hand-grade vs machine-grade PP strap:
Hand-grade is thicker and suited to manual tools, small runs and low-cost light bundling. Machine-grade is thinner, more flexible, manufactured to closer tolerances with minimal camber, and is the right choice for automatic strapping machines and regular high-volume shipping.
PP strap vs PET strap:
Choose PP strap for light to medium loads, cartons and high-volume work where cost and flexibility matter. Choose PET strap for heavy loads, export shipments and outdoor storage where high tensile strength, retained tension and weather resistance are required. PET can be tensioned up to around 50% more than PP of the same size.
Frequently asked questions:
What is PP strap made of?
PP strap is made from polypropylene resin, extruded into a flat strap and wound onto a core. It is the lightest and most flexible of the plastic strapping materials.
How much weight can PP strap hold?
Depending on width and thickness, PP strap holds roughly 45 kg to 230 kg per strap, and heavy-duty grades can reach around 400 kg. For heavier loads, PET strap is recommended.
What is the difference between hand-grade and machine-grade PP strap?
Hand-grade is thicker and used with manual tools for smaller or occasional loads. Machine-grade is thinner and made to closer tolerances for automatic strapping machines and regular high-volume use.
Does PP strap lose tension over time?
Yes, PP strap has relatively low retained tension and can loosen over time, so it is best for light loads and short-term or indoor use. For long-term storage or long-distance export, PET strap holds tension far better.
Is PP strap suitable for outdoor storage?
PP strap can degrade under prolonged UV exposure and high temperature, so it is best for indoor or short-term use. For outdoor storage and export, choose PET strap.
How do I seal PP strap?
PP strap is joined by heat seal or friction weld on automatic and semi-automatic machines, or by a metal seal and crimp with manual tools. The correct seal depends on the strap width, thickness and your tool.