PACKAGING GUIDE · CARTOTECNICA SILVANA

Overwrapping or shrink wrapping: which finish should you choose?

Pack shape, the desired finish and how the product will be presented all influence the choice. For a regularly shaped cosmetics or perfume carton, overwrapping provides a clearly defined folded closure. For individual packs, promotional bundles and multipacks, shrink wrapping allows the film to conform to the product configuration.

Based in Sarcedo, near Vicenza in Italy, we have supported businesses with contract packing since 1997. This guide helps you prepare a useful brief and identify the operations your project may need.

How the two processes differ

With cosmetics and perfume overwrapping, film is folded around the carton and sealed to create the characteristic envelope-style end folds, known in Italian as a “chiusura a sigaretta”. A regularly shaped box helps achieve neat, defined folds and a carefully presented finish.

With contract shrink wrapping, a product or group of products is wrapped in film that contracts as it passes through a shrink tunnel. The film follows the shape of the pack and can hold several items together as one unit. Material, format and compatibility with the process need to be assessed for each project.

Three practical examples

A perfume already packed in its carton

If you want a transparent finish with precise folds on a regularly shaped box, overwrapping is an option to consider. Dimensions and a sample pack help establish the expected result.

Two cosmetics products sold together

Shrink wrapping can be considered for a two-item promotion or multipack. The brief should explain how the products will sit together, how they will be held in position and whether labels or other components are needed.

A product, an insert and a leaflet to place inside a box

The first step is product cartoning: placing cosmetics, sachets, jars or other items in cartons, together with any inserts, dividers and information leaflets. Overwrapping or shrink wrapping can then complete the pack, depending on the project.

What to include in a quotation request

• Product and packaging: type, dimensions and shape, including whether the items are already in cartons.
• Quantity and variants: approximate unit count, different formats and whether the project may repeat.
• Desired result: carton finish, individual pack, promotional bundle or multipack.
• Components and additional work: inserts, leaflets, labels, batch coding, kitting, storage or order preparation.
• Timing: when materials will be available and your target delivery date.

You can start with the information you have. Photos, dimensioned drawings or a sample can help with the assessment; we can agree any further details together.

Frequently asked questions

Which process costs less?

The comparison depends on format, quantity, film, setup and additional operations. A meaningful comparison starts with the same product and the same required result.

Are overwrapping and shrink wrapping interchangeable?

They produce different finishes. The choice should take account of pack shape, presentation and compatibility with the process. A sample can help assess the options.

Can Cartotecnica Silvana handle several stages?

Yes. We can combine cartoning, labelling, batch coding, gift set assembly, quality checks and logistics, with the stages defined around the project. We handle different project sizes and production volumes.