What Is the Difference Between Banding and Strapping?

Is banding the same as strapping? You may be surprised to learn that while the two terms are often used interchangeably, they refer to distinct packaging techniques with different applications, materials, and performance characteristics.

Whether you're in logistics, manufacturing, retail, or e-commerce, choosing the right securing method can dramatically impact your operational efficiency, cost control, and product safety. As a professional in the packaging industry, it's crucial to understand the difference between banding and strapping to make informed decisions.

In this post, you'll learn:

• What banding and strapping really mean

• How they differ in function, material, and usage

• When to use one over the other

• Why ORTPAK is the trusted supplier for global strapping solutions

Let's break it all down.

Key Takeaway

Here's a quick comparison of banding vs strapping:

What Is Banding?

Banding is a packaging technique that uses thin, flat bands — usually made from paper or polypropylene film — to wrap around products for bundling or branding purposes. It is most commonly seen in:

• Retail packaging

• Printed materials

• Pharmaceuticals

• Food products like vegetables or chocolate boxes

Characteristics of Banding:

• Low tension, suitable for delicate or small items

• Typically uses banding machines for application

• Often used for aesthetics and branding (e.g., printed paper bands)

Advantages of Banding:

• Eco-friendly (especially paper banding)

• Great for lightweight items

• Does not damage the product

• Can be customized with logos and graphics

However, banding is not suitable for heavy-duty securing. If you're shipping heavy pallets, steel coils, or bricks, strapping is the better choice.

What Is Strapping?

Strapping is a method of securing items together or to pallets using high-tensile plastic or steel bands. It is designed to withstand significant tension and maintain load stability during storage and transport.

ORTPAK specializes in high-performance strapping solutions, including:

• PET strapping: Durable, eco-friendly, and ideal for heavy loads

• PP strapping: Lightweight, flexible, and cost-effective

• Composite and woven strapping: For irregular or sharp-edged items

Applications of Strapping:

• Industrial packaging

• Palletizing heavy goods

• Shipping cartons

• Securing steel coils, timber, textiles, cotton

Advantages of Strapping:

• High breaking strength

• Works with manual, semi-automatic, and automatic machines

• Compatible with major global tool brands

• Can be customized in color, width, print, and coil weight

Explore ORTPAK's full product range at Strapping Solutions

Banding vs Strapping: Key Differences

To help you determine which method is right for your application, here's a detailed comparison:

When Should You Use Banding or Strapping?

Choosing between banding and strapping depends on several factors, including load weight, product sensitivity, and logistics requirements.

Use Banding When:

• You're packaging lightweight or delicate items

• You want a clean, branded appearance

• You're working with retail packaging or food products

• You need eco-friendly packaging (e.g., recyclable paper)

Use Strapping When:

• You're securing heavy or bulky items

• You require high tensile strength

• You need to use automated machines for high-volume packaging

• Your products are in transit or warehoused long-term

Materials Used in Banding and Strapping

Understanding the materials used in both processes helps you choose the right product for your needs.

Common Banding Materials:

• Paper Banding: Recyclable, printable, low tension

• Polypropylene Film: Transparent, flexible, non-abrasive

Common Strapping Materials:

ORTPAK offers all major strapping materials in customizable sizes and specifications.

Strapping Solutions from ORTPAK

With over 20 years of experience, ORTPAK is a global leader in PET and PP strapping manufacturing, offering:

• 60,000+ tons annual capacity

• Over 20 production lines

• Export to 20+ countries

• Customization in width, thickness, color, tensile strength, and printing

Why Choose ORTPAK?

Sustainability Commitment

ORTPAK is committed to carbon reduction and plastic recycling. According to our sustainability report (source):

• Producing one ton of PET strapping saves 3 tons of oil

• Reduces 6 tons of CO₂ emissions

• Consumes up to 70,000 plastic bottles

• Aims for zero virgin plastic usage

Conclusion

While banding and strapping both serve the purpose of securing items, their applications, materials, and strengths differ significantly. Banding is perfect for clean presentation and light-duty packaging. Strapping is essential for heavy-duty, secure, and industrial-strength bundling.

As packaging demands evolve with automation, sustainability, and global logistics, working with a trusted supplier like ORTPAK ensures you're always equipped with the right solution for your needs.

Ready to upgrade your packaging? Contact ORTPAK Today

FAQs

Q1: Is banding the same as strapping?

No. Banding is used for lightweight, often aesthetic bundling, while strapping is used for securing heavy loads with high tension.

Q2: What is the strongest type of strapping?

PET strapping is one of the strongest plastic options, while steel strapping is the strongest overall but heavier and more expensive.

Q3: Can I use banding for shipping boxes?

Only for lightweight, non-fragile items. For shipping, strapping is more secure and reliable.

Q4: Is strapping recyclable?

Yes. ORTPAK's PET and PP strapping are recyclable. PET is made from recycled plastic bottles.

Q5: Does ORTPAK offer custom strapping?

Absolutely. ORTPAK provides custom color, logo printing, width, thickness, and coil weight options.