What is a PET Strap Used For?

The Heavy-Duty Strapping Question

In warehouses, factories, and shipping yards around the world, a common question arises: what is the best strapping material for heavy loads? PET strap (polyester strap) has become the answer for many industrial applications. Also known as polyester strap or plastic steel strap, PET strap combines steel-like strength with the safety and handling advantages of plastic.

According to packaging industry analysis, PET strap offers tensile strength up to 600 N/mm², significantly higher than PP strap’s 100–150 MPa range, making it ideal for heavy-duty industrial applications where load security is critical. From steel coils weighing several tons to cotton bales destined for export, PET strap secures some of the world’s most demanding loads.

At Jushuo Packaging, our production data shows that PET strap has successfully replaced steel in the majority of heavy-duty packaging applications across global markets—reducing injury claims, eliminating rust contamination, and lowering total packaging costs. Understanding what PET strap is used for helps buyers select the right material for their application.

1. Steel Coil Bundling

1.1 Why PET for Steel Coils?

Steel coils are among the most challenging loads to secure. They are heavy (often exceeding 2,000 kg), have sharp edges that can cut strapping, and must remain secure during handling and transport. According to industry analysis, PET strap’s tensile strength up to 600 N/mm² and excellent tension retention make it ideal for steel coil bundling, particularly when combined with proper edge protection.

Key requirements for steel coil strapping:

• High break force: 800–1,360kg depending on coil weight

• Edge protection: Essential to prevent strap cutting

• Tension retention: Maintains security as coils settle

• Rust-free: No contamination risk to steel products

1.2 Typical Specifications

Steel coil bundling typically requires:

• Width: 16–25mm

• Thickness: 0.8–1.25mm

• Break force: 800–1,360kg

• Surface finish: Smooth or embossed depending on equipment

Jushuo Packaging's high-strength PET strap delivers break forces up to 1,360kg, accommodating the most demanding steel coil bundling applications.

2. Cotton Bale Packaging

2.1 Why PET for Cotton Bales?

Cotton bales require strapping that is completely rust-free to prevent fiber contamination. According to JCIBPC specifications, PET plastic strapping is the preferred material for cotton bales because it combines high tensile strength with rust-free performance and excellent tension retention as bales settle and shrink during storage and transit.

Key requirements for cotton bale strapping:

• Break force: 1,450–1,814kg per JCIBPC standards

• Rust-free: Essential to prevent fiber contamination

• Tension retention: Maintains compression as bales settle

• Recess placement: Strapping must be placed in recesses on bale sides

2.2 Typical Specifications

Cotton bale packaging typically requires:

• Width: 19mm minimum per JCIBPC

• Thickness: 0.635–0.787mm minimum per JCIBPC

• Break force: 1,450–1,814kg depending on bale type

• Compliance: JCIBPC/USDA standards

3. Brick and Masonry Bundling

3.1 Why PET for Bricks?

Brick bundling involves heavy loads with abrasive surfaces. According to packaging industry analysis, PET strap provides the strength needed to secure brick bundles while resisting abrasion and maintaining tension despite rough handling.

Key requirements for brick bundling:

• Abrasion resistance: Strapping must withstand rough brick surfaces

• UV resistance: Bundles are often stored outdoors

• Break force: 600–1,000kg depending on bundle size

3.2 Typical Specifications

Brick bundling typically requires:

• Width: 12–19mm

• Thickness: 0.6–0.9mm

• Break force: 600–1,000kg

• Surface finish: Smooth or embossed

4. Lumber and Timber Bundling

4.1 Why PET for Lumber?

Lumber shipments require strapping that secures wood bundles as they settle, shrink, and shift during handling and transit. According to industry analysis, PET strap’s elastic recovery and tension retention properties are particularly valuable for lumber, maintaining consistent tension as wood dries and shrinks.

Key requirements for lumber bundling:

• Elastic recovery: Strapping must adapt as lumber settles

• Tension retention: Critical as wood dries and shrinks

• Break force: 600–1,200kg depending on bundle size

4.2 Typical Specifications

Lumber bundling typically requires:

• Width: 12–19mm

• Thickness: 0.6–1.0mm

• Break force: 600–1,200kg

• Surface finish: Smooth or embossed

5. Heavy-Duty Palletizing and Export

5.1 Why PET for Export?

Export shipments require strapping that maintains tension across long distances, varying climates, and multiple handling stages. According to industry analysis, PET strap’s superior tension retention and environmental resistance make it ideal for export applications.

Key requirements for export packaging:

• Tension retention: Maintains security over long distances

• Environmental resistance: Withstands temperature and humidity variations

• Rust-free: No product contamination risk

5.2 Typical Specifications

Export packaging typically requires:

• Width: 9–19mm depending on load

• Thickness: 0.5–0.9mm

• Break force: 280–635kg

6. Industry Standards and Specifications

6.1 Material Properties

PET strap is manufactured to meet specific standards including:

• EN 13394: European packaging strapping specifications

• ASTM D3950: American standard for strapping

• JCIBPC: Cotton bale packaging specifications

Jushuo Packaging's PET strap is manufactured to meet international standards, with documented quality assurance and 99%+ pass rates.

6.2 Key Performance Indicators

Summary

PET strap (polyester strap) is used across heavy-duty industrial applications where steel-like strength is required without steel’s drawbacks. Key applications include steel coil bundling (800–1,360kg break force), cotton bale packaging (1,450–1,814kg per JCIBPC standards), brick and masonry bundling, lumber and timber bundling, and heavy-duty export packaging.

The material’s combination of high tensile strength (up to 600 N/mm²), excellent tension retention, and rust-free performance makes it the preferred choice for these demanding applications. Procurement professionals should select PET strap based on specific load requirements, environmental conditions, and equipment compatibility.

Jushuo Packaging offers comprehensive PET strap solutions across all key applications with customizable specifications, documented quality assurance, and supply chain reliability. Our manufacturing capabilities—4 PET production lines with 20,000 tons annual capacity—ensure consistent performance across all specified dimensions. We support clients through application-specific consultation, sample testing, and ongoing technical assistance.

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

References

1. Joint Cotton Industry Bale Packaging Committee. “Bale Packaging Specifications – Polyester Plastic Strapping.” cotton.org, 2024.

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

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

4. Signode Industrial Group. “Polyester Strapping for Steel Coil Packaging – Application Guide.” Signode.com, 2025.

5. International Organization for Standardization. “ISO 9001:2015 – Quality Management Systems – Requirements.” ISO.org, 2015.