What Widths Are Available for PET Strap?

The Width Question for PET Strap

If you are sourcing PET strap (polyester strap) for heavy-duty packaging, one of the first questions you will face is: what width do I need? The answer determines break strength, load distribution, and whether your equipment can handle the strap. Unlike PP strap, which typically maxes out at 19mm, PET strap is available in significantly wider options to handle heavier loads.

According to industry sources, PET strap is available in standard widths from 9mm to 32mm, with common sizes including 12mm, 16mm, 19mm, 25mm, and 32mm. The width you choose directly affects break strength—a 19mm strap typically delivers approximately 450–550kg break force, while a 25mm strap can exceed 900kg and a 32mm strap can exceed 1,350kg.

At Jushuo Packaging, our production data shows that width selection is one of the most common specification decisions buyers face, and choosing incorrectly leads to either inadequate load security or unnecessary material costs.

1. Standard PET Strap Widths

1.1 Common Width Options

According to multiple industry sources, the most common PET strap widths are:

According to BENZ Packaging, width selection follows a clear pattern: medium loads and cartons use 9–12mm, heavy pallets and timber use 16–19mm, and steel coils and the heaviest loads use 25–32mm.

1.2 Width Naming Convention

PET strap is often identified by width-thickness shorthand. Common identifiers include:

• 1608: 16mm width × 0.8mm thickness

• 190127: 19mm width × 1.27mm thickness

• 2510: 25mm width × 1.0mm thickness

According to industrial catalogues, 19mm and 16mm widths are among the most commonly stocked sizes, available in multiple thickness grades to match different break strength requirements.

2. How Width Affects Performance

2.1 Break Strength

Break strength correlates directly with width. According to Ferplast’s polyester strapping specifications, a 19mm strap delivers approximately 550kg break strength, while a 25mm strap delivers approximately 1,014kg, and a 32mm strap reaches 1,350kg. This makes wider PET strap a direct substitute for steel strapping in heavy-duty applications.

2.2 Load Distribution

Wider straps distribute tension across larger surface areas. According to packaging engineering analysis, wider straps reduce pressure on any single point, minimizing the risk of strap cutting into soft or sharp-edged packages. For steel coils, bricks, and stone products, wider straps are generally preferred.

2.3 Equipment Compatibility

Not every width works with every strapping machine. According to equipment specifications:

• Manual tensioners: Accept 9–32mm depending on model

• Automatic machines: Often limited to 9–19mm standard; 25–32mm may require heavy-duty equipment

Always check your equipment’s width tolerance before selecting a width.

3. Width Selection by Application

3.1 Steel Coil and Heavy Metal Bundling

According to BENZ Packaging, steel coils and the heaviest loads require 25–32mm width. Fromm Packaging Systems notes that their heavy-duty grade replaces high-strength steel strap in metalworking applications. For this application, edge protection is essential.

3.2 Brick, Stone, and Construction Materials

Brick and stone bundling requires PET strap that resists abrasion and maintains tension. According to product specifications, 16mm and 19mm widths are commonly used for brick packaging, with break forces sufficient to secure heavy loads outdoors.

3.3 Cotton Bale Packaging

According to JCIBPC specifications, cotton bale strapping must meet minimum break force requirements of 3,200–4,000 pounds. Achieving this requires 19mm width or wider with appropriate thickness. For cotton applications, 19mm × 1.27mm (190127) or 19mm × 1.40mm (190140) are common specifications.

3.4 Export and Outdoor Applications

For outdoor storage and long-distance export, PET strap’s UV and weather resistance is essential. Width recommendations for export:

• Light export loads: 9–12mm

• Standard export pallets: 16–19mm

• Heavy export loads: 25–32mm

4. PET Strap vs. PP Strap Width Comparison

PET strap is available in significantly wider options than PP strap:

According to BENZ Packaging, one tonne of PET strap covers roughly the same length as six tonnes of steel, at a lower cost per metre.

5. Custom Width Options

While standard widths cover most applications, some manufacturers offer custom widths. According to IndiaMART suppliers, PET strap can be supplied in custom widths beyond standard ranges based on buyer requirements.

Jushuo Packaging offers custom width specifications across the 9mm to 32mm range with documented quality assurance.

Summary

PET strap is available in standard widths from 9mm to 32mm, with common sizes including 12mm, 16mm, 19mm, 25mm, and 32mm. Width selection determines break strength, load distribution, and equipment compatibility. For medium loads, 9–12mm is typically sufficient. For heavy pallets and industrial loads, 16–19mm is recommended. For steel coils, stone, and the heaviest loads, 25–32mm is the preferred choice.

Always check your equipment’s width tolerance before selecting. Wider straps provide higher break strength and better load distribution but require compatible equipment and may have higher material costs.

Jushuo Packaging offers comprehensive PET strap solutions across the full width range from 9mm to 32mm, with customizable specifications to match unique equipment and application requirements. Our manufacturing capabilities—4 PET production lines with 20,000 tons annual capacity—ensure consistent dimensional accuracy across all widths.

If you need assistance selecting the right PET strap width for your heavy-duty packaging operation, please send an email to sales@jushuopackaging.com, and our professional team will provide one-on-one support.

References

1. Ferplast. “WG Polyester Strapping Tape – Technical Specifications.” DirectIndustry.com, 2025.

2. BENZ Packaging. “PET Strap (Polyester Strapping) – Product Specifications.” benz-packaging.com, 2026.

3. Fromm Packaging Systems. “Starstrap – Polyester Strapping Product Specifications.” fromm-pack.co.za, 2023.

4. European Committee for Standardization. “EN 13394:2001 – Packaging – Strapping – Specifications for Polyester Strapping.” CEN.eu, 2001.

5. ASTM International. “ASTM D3950 – Standard Specification for Strapping, Flat Steel and Seals.” ASTM.org, 2021.