Polyster Strapping vs Steel Strapping

Historically all strapping had been handled using steel but now many organisations are moving to polyester. This migration is being driven by several factors. These include cost when the steel price is high and ease of handling associated with the lower weight of polyester. Polyester is also safer when cut under tension.

Polyester strapping is generally cheaper than steel, especially when the price of steel is at a peak. However, if the only consideration for change is price then you will need to remember to factor in the price of the new strapping tools that will be required. Thankfully, the range of polyester strapping tools is growing all the time.

When cutting steel strapping it is possible for the strap to fly out and cause serious lacerations, usually to the hands or face. This arises as the strap is under tension and can be compounded by the strapped objects moving during transit. As polyester will stretch, the same issues do not occur. For these reasons, some companies are now refusing to receive items that have been steel strapped.

The weight of a new reel of polyester strapping is around half that of steel. Large reels of wide steel strapping can weigh around 50Kg and require specialist handling.

One of the main characteristics by which strapping is judged is its breaking strain. Steel will always win on pure breaking strain.

However, steel banding does not stretch and it tends to present relatively sharp edges which are not kind to finished surfaces.

Stretched polyester can be an advantage for some types of loads, particularly those that settle. However, this can be a disadvantage if the load has to be handled frequently during transit.

Environmentally, both can be easily recycled and both contain recycled material. In the case of polyester strapping, it is very often made from recycled plastic bottles.