When it comes to securing goods for shipping, storage, or handling, polypropylene strapping (also known as PP strapping) is one of the most versatile and cost-effective solutions available.
Lightweight yet strong, PP strapping is used worldwide for bundling products, reinforcing cartons, and stabilizing pallets — all while remaining affordable and easy to use.
In this complete guide, we’ll cover what polypropylene strapping is, its specifications, benefits, uses, and how it compares to other strapping types like PET. Whether you’re a small business or a large industrial shipper, this resource will help you choose the right PP strapping roll for your needs.
What is Polypropylene Strapping?
Polypropylene strapping is a thermoplastic polymer-based strap used for securing products during transport or storage.
Manufactured from polypropylene resin, this strapping is flexible, resistant to moisture, and available in a wide range of widths, thicknesses, and colors.
Key features of PP strapping bands:
- Material: 100% virgin polypropylene (optional recycled content)
- Widths: Commonly 9mm, 12mm, 16mm, and 19mm
- Core sizes: 200mm, 406mm (machine or manual use)
- Colors: Black, white, yellow, blue, green (customizable)
- Surface: Embossed or smooth for better grip
Benefits of Polypropylene Strapping
When compared to other strapping materials, PP strapping offers a unique balance of cost, performance, and safety.
- Lightweight & Easy to Handle
- Reduces fatigue for workers
- Easier to transport than steel or polyester
- Cost-Effective
- Lower price per roll compared to PET or steel strapping
- Ideal for high-volume, budget-conscious operations
- Non-Corrosive
- Resistant to moisture and chemicals
- Won’t rust or stain packaged goods
- Safe for Operators
- No sharp edges, reducing the risk of cuts
- Easy to dispose of or recycle
- Customizable
- Available in various colors and can be printed with company logos for branding
Polypropylene Strapping Specifications
Choosing the right PP packing strap depends on the weight of your load, method of application, and storage conditions.
| Width | Thickness | Breaking Strength | Common Use Cases |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5mm | 0.5mm | 60–80 kgf | Bundling letters, small parcels, magazines |
| 9mm | 0.6mm | 90–110 kgf | Light bundling, postal packaging |
| 12mm | 0.7mm | 120–160 kgf | General carton strapping |
| 16mm | 0.8mm | 220–280 kgf | Palletizing, medium loads |
| 19mm | 1.0mm | 300+ kgf | Heavy-duty bundling |
💡 Pro Tip: For machine-compatible polypropylene strapping, ensure you choose the correct core size (200mm or 406mm) and consistent strap dimensions for smooth operation.
PP Strapping vs PET Strapping
While both polypropylene (PP) and polyester (PET) are types of poly strapping, they differ in performance:
| Feature | PP Strapping | PET Strapping |
|---|---|---|
| Strength | Good for light–medium loads | Excellent for heavy loads |
| Tension Retention | Moderate | High |
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Weather Resistance | Good | Excellent |
| Applications | Cartons, light pallets | Bricks, timber, metals |
Summary: Choose PP strapping for lighter loads and PET strapping for heavy-duty, long-term storage.
🔗 View article: Differences between pp vs pet strapping band
Applications of Polypropylene Strapping
Polypropylene strap for packaging is used in industries such as:
- E-commerce & Retail → Bundling parcels, securing boxes
- Food & Beverage → Stabilizing cartons of bottled goods
- Logistics & Warehousing → Palletizing for shipment
- Printing & Publishing → Bundling newspapers, magazines
- Manufacturing → Securing lightweight industrial parts
Polypropylene Strapping Tools & Machines
Manual Tools
- Tensioners & Sealers → Ideal for low-volume use
- Plastic buckles → Quick fastening without seals
👉View the tutorial：Strapping Tool Operation Video
Semi-Automatic & Automatic Strapping Machines
- High-speed, consistent tension application
- Suitable for 12mm and 16mm polypropylene strapping rolls
- Require machine-grade PP straps
👉View product details：Strapping Machine&Tools
Buying Guide & Pricing
When buying polypropylene strap rolls, consider:
- Width & thickness – match to load weight
- Core size – machine compatibility
- Surface type – embossed for grip
- Branding – printed straps for marketing
- Quantity – bulk orders reduce cost per roll
Polypropylene strapping remains one of the most reliable, cost-effective, and safe packaging materials for light to medium loads.
With the right PP strapping band and tools, you can secure shipments efficiently while reducing packaging costs.
For high-quality polypropylene strapping rolls in various sizes, colors, and machine-compatible formats, explore our PP Strapping Products.
