Strapping Bands: Safety for Load Security and Transport.

Strapping bands are an indispensable part of many packaging solutions in the logistics industry, used to securely fasten load units onto carriers for safe transport. In this article, we will explore the different types of strapping bands and discuss key considerations for choosing the right band for various applications and requirements. This serves as an overview of the topic of strapping bands.

What Are Strapping Bands?

Strapping bands are used to secure load units during transport and protect them from damage or shifting. They are wrapped around both the load unit and the carrier to hold them firmly together. Depending on specific requirements and applications, strapping bands are available in various materials, thicknesses, and widths, allowing for customized selection based on individual needs.

What Types of Strapping Bands Are There?

Polyester Strapping Band:

Also known as PET strapping, this is one of the most commonly used strapping bands due to its high tensile strength and flexibility. Thanks to its low tension relaxation, it maintains its tension over a longer period. Sealing—via welding—is quick and easy using a battery-powered strapping tool or a strapping machine. PET strapping is ideal for securing heavy goods and pallets, making it perfect for logistics and transportation.

Polypropylene Strapping Band:

PP strapping offers a good and cost-effective alternative to PET strapping when securing light to medium-weight packages. Made from plastic, these bands have high tension relaxation and are therefore suited for light and short-term loads, such as securing cartons and parcels. Like PET strapping, PP bands can also be sealed easily using a battery-powered tool or strapping machine.

Textile Strapping Band:

Made from textile fibers, this type of strapping is often used for heavy or irregularly shaped loads. With low tension relaxation—similar to PET—it is also suitable for long-term use. The band is secured manually using a tensioner. Due to its high resistance to weather, it is commonly used in load securing for shipping or truck transport, as well as in mechanical engineering and forestry. A key advantage is its reusability.

Steel Strapping Band:

Steel strapping is an excellent choice for heavy-duty and rugged loads. Its high strength and tensile resistance make it ideal for transporting hot, sharp-edged, or pointed goods, such as those in the construction or metalworking industries. Being made of steel, the strap is heavier and more rigid than plastic alternatives, but it remains essential in many industrial applications.

Plastic strapping bands are highly versatile due to their flexible nature. They can be used to strap irregularly shaped goods and packages, preventing them from shifting or causing accidents. These bands can be applied manually or with a strapping machine, and their lightweight material makes them cost-effective to ship and easy to handle. Additionally, they are more weather-resistant than steel strapping, which may rust or degrade under prolonged UV exposure. The sharp edges of steel strapping also pose a higher injury risk—something that can be avoided by using plastic strapping. However, in cases involving hot or sharp-edged loads, steel strapping may be unavoidable. Nonetheless, in many applications, steel bands can be replaced by plastic alternatives such as PET strapping.

	PET-Strap	PP-Strap	Textile Strap	Steel Strap
Tensile Strength	Low	Medium	High	Very High
Tension Relaxation	Low	High	Low	Low
Flexibility	High	High	High	Low

What to Consider When Strapping Loads

When strapping pallets, it is important to consider several aspects to ensure the securement of load units.

Selection of the Right Strapping Material:

Choose the appropriate strapping band based on the type of cargo, transport route, and environmental conditions. Factors such as the weight, shape, and nature of the packaged goods must be taken into account.

Proper Tensioning:

Ensure that the strapping material is applied with the correct tension. It should be tight enough to hold the load securely, but not so tight that it damages the goods.

Cross Strapping:

For additional stability, cross strapping can be used, where the strapping band is applied diagonally around the load unit and sealed.

Correct Application Technique:

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the strapping band and, if necessary, apply it using suitable machines. Various options are available, especially ErgoStrap, the market leader for ergonomic and mobile pallet strapping systems.

Regular Inspection:

Regularly check that the strapping around the load unit is intact and that the correct tension was applied during sealing. This allows any ineffective load securing to be detected and replaced in time to avoid accidents and damage.

It is also important to consider the required tensile strength to secure the load. According to VDI Guideline 3968 "Securing Load Units", there is a rule of thumb provided by TÜV/DEKRA for calculating the necessary tensile strength.

Pallet Weight × 1.5 / Number of Straps = Required Tensile Strength for a Secured Load Unit

Here’s an example calculation:
Assume we have a pallet weighing 500 kg and use 2 strapping bands.

500 kg × 1.5 (TÜV/DEKRA) = 750 / 2 = 375 kg of Required Tensile Strength to ensure proper Load Unit Security

Risks of Incorrect Use

When strapping is done manually, there is a risk that the strap twists—especially when it is manually guided under the pallet. This poses a serious hazard, as a twisted strap can result in a loss of up to 30% in tensile strength, meaning the load unit may no longer be adequately secured.

Incorrect Use of Load Unit Securing Aids

Stretch film is used for load unit securing but must be wrapped around the base of the pallet at least 6 to 12 times to ensure a connection between the pallet and the load. However, it’s important to note that stretch film is only classified as a load unit securing aid and does not create a secure bond between the load and the pallet.

Stretch film quickly loses tensile strength, and especially heavy or sharp-edged loads cannot be adequately secured. Costs also increase due to frequent usage and the required minimum wrapping. This large quantity of plastic material significantly contributes to environmental pollution. It is therefore always recommended to weigh the potential pros and cons when deciding on a load unit securing method and to take into account the specific requirements and conditions of the cargo.

Strapping Bands and ErgoStrap

Model	700X LI	713X LI	726X LI	745X LI	700	700E	713E	726E	745E
Tension force	-	150N – 1200N	400N – 2500N	400N – 4500N	-	-	150N – 1200N	400N – 2500N	400N – 4500N
Strap types	PP/PET	PP/PET	PP/PET	PP/PET	PP/PET	PP/PET	PP/PET	PP/PET	PP/PET
Strap width	3/8" - 3/4"	3/8" - 1/2"	1/2" - 5/8"	5/8" - 3/4"	3/8" - 3/4"	3/8" - 3/4"	3/8" - 1/2"	1/2" - 5/8"	5/8" - 3/4"
Strap thickness	0.019" - 0.051"	0.019" - 0.031"	0.019" - 0.040"	0.031" - 0.051"	0.019" - 0.051"	0.019" - 0.051"	0.019" - 0.031"	0.019" - 0.040"	0.031" - 0.051"

Overall, strapping bands are essential for the safe packaging and transport of products across various industries. Proper selection and correct application are crucial to prevent accidents and damage. It is important to consider the specific requirements of each application and to use the appropriate strapping bands to ensure secure and reliable packaging.

With ErgoStrap strapping machines, all PP and PET strapping bands can be used with maximum flexibility.

Band	Strap Dimensions	Tensile Strength	in/Rolls	Rolls/Pallet
PP	0.50 x 0.03 in	236kg	78,740.2	48
PP	0.63 x 0.03 in	225kg	78,740.2	48
PET	0.49 x 0.02 in	290kg	98,425.3	22
PET	0.61 x 0.04 in	534kg	59,055.1	22
PET	0.75 x 0.04 in	700kg	47,244.1	22

The tension force of the strapping tools varies by machine type, ranging from 150 N to 4,500 N. We would be happy to advise you and help find the right system for your specific application.

Our battery-powered strapping tools are ideal for use with PP and PET strapping. Designed for safe one-handed operation, they combine high tension force, lightweight handling, and a compact, rugged construction – making them particularly well-suited for ergonomic use in industrial environments.

Here’s a brief overview of the strapping tools available in combination with our ErgoStrap systems:

Sealing Tool	Strap Width	Tension Force
ORT-130	0.51 in	150N - 1,200N
ORT-260	0.47-0.63 in	400N – 2,500N
ORT-450	0.59-0.75 in	400N – 4,500N

Are you Interested?

Our experts are happy to advise you and work with you to find the right strapping solution for your specific application—completely free of charge and without obligation.

Our team will visit you on-site and demonstrate how ErgoStrap works—right at your location, using your pallets and your own products in a familiar environment. See for yourself!

Just get in touch with us!