PP Straps & Clips

PP Strapping for Pallet and Package Securing

Polypropylene (PP) strapping is the standard material for bundling, unitising, and securing loads on pallets and in shipping. A PP strap loop placed around a corrugated carton or a pallet load and tensioned with a strapping tool creates a restraint that holds the load together under the normal forces of road, sea, and air transport. Without strapping, palletised loads can shift, topple, or lose individual cartons during transit.

Upackarts supplies PP strapping in 12mm, 15mm, and 19mm widths in both hand-grade and machine-grade formulations. Hand-grade strapping has higher elongation to accommodate manual tensioning without breaking. Machine-grade has lower elongation and higher tensile stiffness for use in semi-automatic and automatic strapping machines.

Selecting the Right Width and Grade

12mm strapping is used for light bundling — securing corrugated boxes, closing cartons as a secondary fastening, and unitising small packages. 15mm is the standard for most pallet strapping applications — it provides the balance of breaking strength and flexibility needed for manual and semi-automatic strapping around mixed pallet loads. 19mm is used for heavy pallets, oversized loads, and wooden crates where maximum strap tension is required.

Breaking strengths range from 90 kg for 12mm to 180 kg for 19mm at standard grade. High-tensile grade strapping provides 20-30% higher breaking strength for the same width.

Strapping Clips and Tools

Strapping alone does not hold — it requires a clip (buckle) to lock the loop. Upackarts supplies open-seal and closed-seal steel clips matched to each strap width. Strapping tools — manual tensioner, sealer, and combination tools — are also available. For operations strapping 50+ pallets per day, a battery-operated or pneumatic strapping tool pays for itself in reduced labour cost within weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many straps are required per pallet?

Standard pallet strapping uses 2 longitudinal straps (running the length of the pallet) and 2-3 transverse straps (running the width). For tall or unstable pallet loads, add diagonal corner straps. For mixed-item pallets, additional straps at mid-height are recommended.

What is the difference between hand-grade and machine-grade PP strap?

Hand-grade strap has higher elongation (up to 25%) which prevents breakage during manual tensioning where the pull force is inconsistent. Machine-grade strap has lower elongation (12-15%) and is designed for the consistent, controlled tension of a strapping machine. Using machine-grade in hand tensioning applications can result in strap breakage.

Can PP strapping replace steel strapping for heavy industrial use?

PP strapping is adequate for most industrial pallet and carton applications up to 180 kg strap load. For very heavy machinery, dense metal components, or sharp-edged goods where strap cut-through is a risk, PET (polyester) strapping or steel strapping is more appropriate. Upackarts can advise on the right strapping for your specific application.