The steel industry requires packaging solutions that are robust, secure, and tailored to the specific needs of its products, as well as the conditions of transport and storage.
Among the most widely used industrial packaging materials, two key options from Inviker stand out: polypropylene woven fabric and laminated kraft paper with woven fabric (also known as smooth woven fabric). Both offer unique advantages, but their differences can significantly impact the choice of packaging material.
In this article, we explore the characteristics of each material and provide specific recommendations for the steel industry.
Table of contents
What is polypropylene woven fabric?
Polypropylene (PP) woven fabric is a durable material made from interwoven polypropylene fibres, laminated with a plastic layer. It is known for its high mechanical strength and durability, making it an ideal choice for demanding industrial applications.
Key properties
- High tensile and tear resistance, making it suitable for heavy loads.
- Waterproof properties to protect against external moisture.
- Lightweight, facilitating transport and reducing logistical costs.
- Reusable and recyclable, contributing to more efficient waste management.
- Easy to handle, offering flexibility and adaptability for different product shapes and sizes.
Depending on the characteristics of the product and the logistics process conditions, we offer standard weights of 85, 120, or 170 g/m2. At Inviker, we also customise PP woven fabric to various widths and formats.
The most common format is woven fabric in rolls of various widths, generally used manually for irregularly shaped items or for custom cutting. The weight of each roll depends on the customer’s requirements and the automatic, semi-automatic, or manual packaging processes used.
At Inviker, we also supply pre-cut woven fabric sheets where specific packaging processes require them.
Applications in the steel industry
Polypropylene woven fabric is commonly used for packaging steel coils, metal tubes and bars, and other heavy, irregularly shaped products – even those with sharp edges and points.
Its strength and waterproofing make it an excellent choice for storage or transport in outdoor conditions, while its easy handling allows it to adapt to various metallurgical product formats.
What is kraft paper with woven fabric?
Paper with PE woven fabric combines smooth kraft paper with a layer of polyethylene woven fabric. This material offers a mix of protection, strength, and a polished appearance, making it a highly valued alternative for applications involving more delicate steel products.
Key properties
- Reinforced with woven fabric, it has excellent mechanical tensile and tear resistance.
- Reduces condensation risk in closed packaging, preventing moisture build-up inside.
- Protects against marking, acting as an effective barrier against damage from strapping, friction, or external pressure.
Its greater thickness compared to standard polypropylene woven fabric provides added strength, thanks to the kraft paper combination, and enhanced protection for higher-value pieces.
The most common format is kraft paper laminated with woven fabric in rolls of various widths, tailored to specific customer needs. At Inviker, we prepare these rolls to measure for both manual and automatic use, ensuring an optimal solution for each packaging process.
Another format occasionally requested by our customers is pre-cut sheets of smooth woven fabric.
Applications in the steel industry
This material is ideal for protecting more delicate metal products, such as flat or coiled steel sheets, or any components that need to avoid marks during transport and storage – whether from external forces or the packaging itself.
The high-quality kraft paper layer in contact with the packed material acts as cushioning, offering internal protection and absorbing some moisture. Meanwhile, the polyethylene woven fabric on the exterior provides waterproofing and resistance to tears, rips, and outdoor conditions.
Comparison: polypropylene woven fabric or paper with woven fabric?
Both materials have unique properties that make them suitable for different applications within steel industry packaging strategies. To make the best choice, it is essential to evaluate their performance in terms of strength, sustainability, versatility, weight, and protection.
Below, we analyse the six most important factors.
- Strength and durability
Polyrpoylene (PP) woven fabric: this material stands out for its high mechanical strength, making it ideal for handling heavy loads and extreme conditions such as humidity or outdoor transport. Its tear resistance ensures effective protection in demanding steel industry applications.
Polyethylene (PE) woven fabric with kraft paper: this material has superior mechanical tensile strength due to its woven fabric reinforcement, making it highly resistant for industrial use.
- Versatility of use
PP woven fabric is a versatile choice for packaging large, heavy, and irregularly shaped products such as steel coils or tubes. It is also suitable for products requiring enhanced protection against harsh conditions.
PE woven fabric with kraft paper: mainly used for products that need a higher level of protection against strapping marks or handling damage. This material is particularly recommended for applications that prioritise minimising condensation risk in closed packaging, offering a reliable and effective solution.
- Weight and transport
PP woven fabric: significantly lighter packaging, which facilitates handling and reduces transport costs. Its flexibility and malleability enable operators to work more quickly and comfortably.
PE woven fabric with kraft paper: the kraft paper adds structural strength but slightly increases weight.
- Cost
PP woven fabric: The more cost-effective option per square metre, making it ideal for large-scale packaging.
PE woven fabric with kraft paper: Due to its reinforced composition, this material has a higher cost per square metre.
- Sustainability
PP woven fabric is recyclable within appropriate waste management systems and reusable, improving long-term sustainability.
PE woven fabric with kraft paper: made from recycled materials. Although both kraft paper and woven fabric are recyclable separately, the composite material is more challenging to recycle post-consumption due to its component separation complexity. However, laminated kraft paper with woven fabric can be reused in various industrial applications, extending its lifecycle before disposal.
- Protection
PP woven fabric: its strength and flexibility provide excellent protection for complex shapes and outdoor applications.
PE woven fabric with kraft paper: offers an ideal barrier against external damage, making it particularly suitable for protecting delicate surfaces or products requiring a flawless finish.
Specific recommendations for the steel industry
Choosing the right packaging material is critical in the steel industry, where protection and logistical efficiency determine operational success. Polypropylene woven fabric excels in strength and adaptability, making it the ideal choice for packaging heavy and bulky products such as steel coils, metal beams, and calibrated bars. Its ability to withstand harsh environmental conditions makes it ideal for outdoor transport and storage. Additionally, its reusability and recyclability contribute to a more sustainable logistics approach.
For more delicate metal products, kraft paper with woven fabric offers superior protection. This material prevents marks caused by strapping, friction, or impact during transport, ensuring product integrity. Its design also minimises the risk of condensation in closed packaging, which is essential for moisture-sensitive components. The combination of moisture-absorbing kraft paper and waterproof woven fabric provides comprehensive protection, even in complex logistics environments.
To optimise operations in the steel industry, it is essential to analyse the specifications of each product and the logistics conditions. Both polypropylene woven fabric and kraft paper with PE woven fabric help enhance operational efficiency, reduce damage, and improve supply chain sustainability.
Tailored solutions, based on a prior assessment of each company’s specific needs, make a crucial difference in protecting metal products during transport and handling.
For the steel industry, following these recommendations will maximise product protection, improve logistics efficiency, and add value throughout the supply chain. The choice of packaging material depends on the product’s specific characteristics, transportation and storage conditions, and the budget allocated for protection.
At Inviker, we understand the complexities of the sector and provide customised solutions that ensure the integrity of your metal products. Our team is ready to assist you in selecting the most suitable material, whether polypropylene woven fabric or kraft paper with woven fabric.
Request a free consultation or ask for a sample to test our products directly in your operations!