Plastic strapping is one of the most versatile and widely used materials in the packaging and logistics industry. It’s essential for bundling, securing, and stabilizing loads during storage or transport. But one of the most common questions customers ask is — how much weight can plastic strapping actually hold?
In this article, we’ll explain the load capacity of different types of plastic strapping, what factors affect strength, and how to choose the right one for your application.
1. Types of Plastic Strapping
Not all plastic strapping is the same. The two main types used in industrial packaging are polypropylene (PP) and polyester (PET), with composite cord strapping as a heavy-duty alternative.
Polypropylene (PP) Strapping
- Strength: 60–360 kg breaking strength
- Best for: Light to medium loads such as cartons, boxes, and light pallets
- Advantages: Lightweight, cost-effective, easy to handle
- Limitations: Less resistance to UV and temperature changes; not ideal for heavy or long-term storage
📎 Related product:PP Strapping Rolls – available in custom widths and colors for light-duty packaging.
Polyester (PET) Strapping
- Strength: 300–1900 kg breaking strength
- Best for: Medium to heavy loads such as lumber, bricks, or metal parts
- Advantages: Excellent tension retention, high tensile strength, weather-resistant
- Limitations: Slightly higher cost but much stronger and safer than steel in many cases
📎 Explore more:PET Strapping Rolls – ideal for heavy-duty packaging and outdoor use.
📖 Learn more:What Is a PET Strap?
Composite / Woven Cord Strapping
- Strength: 600–8,000 kg breaking strength
- Best for: Heavy-duty applications like timber, steel pipes, or machinery
- Advantages: Extremely tough, flexible, and reusable; ideal for irregular or rough surfaces
- Limitations: Requires specific tensioning tools; slightly bulkier than PET
📎 See also:Polyester Cord Strap – the best option for export packaging or long-term outdoor storage.
2. Factors That Affect Strapping Strength
Several factors influence how much weight a plastic strap can safely hold:
- Strap Width and Thickness: Wider and thicker straps carry more load.
- Material Quality: Higher-grade PET or composite materials offer greater tensile strength.
- Tension Applied: Proper tensioning ensures maximum holding force without overstretching.
- Environmental Conditions: Heat, sunlight, or moisture can reduce the strength of some materials like PP.
- Number of Straps Used: Distributing weight across multiple straps increases total load capacity.
🔗 External reference: Learn more about strapping selection from Linc Systems’ Strapping Guide.
3. Recommended Strapping for Lumber and Heavy Loads
For lumber stacks, construction materials, or heavy pallets, 16–19 mm PET or composite strapping is ideal.
- PET strapping: Typically holds 800–1,200 kg per strap.
- Composite strapping: Can reach up to 1,800 kg per strap.
Both types resist UV, weather, and vibration, making them perfect for outdoor or long-distance transport.
Always use corner protectors on sharp edges to prevent strap damage and maintain maximum strength.
📎 Pro tip: Pair your strapping with a manual tensioner and sealer or battery-powered PET tool for faster, consistent application.
4. Steel vs. Plastic Strapping: Which Is Better?
While steel strapping offers the highest tensile strength, it’s heavy, expensive, and poses safety risks during handling.
In comparison, plastic strapping (especially PET) provides nearly the same load capacity for most applications — without rust, cuts, or complicated tools.
Unless your load is extremely heavy or metallic, PET or composite strapping is the better, safer, and more efficient choice.
The weight plastic strapping can hold depends on its material, width, and application, but here’s a quick summary:
- PP strapping: up to 360 kg
- PET strapping: up to 1920 kg
- Composite strapping: up to 8,000 kg
For lumber stacks, construction loads, or export packaging, PET or composite strapping offers the perfect balance of strength, safety, and cost-effectiveness.
