The Benefits Of Using Spiral Sewn Polypropylene Tubing
Long, rolled and irregularly shaped products can be difficult to pack in standard boxes or fixed-size bags. Spiral-sewn polypropylene tubing provides a flexible covering that can be cut to suit the length of each item.
It is commonly used for carpets, fabric rolls, hoses, pipes and other products that need protection without being completely sealed inside polythene.
Martins Mill Packaging supplies spiral-sewn polypropylene tubing in continuous 225-metre rolls and a range of diameters up to 107 cm.
What Is Spiral-Sewn Polypropylene Tubing?
This tubing is manufactured from woven polypropylene material sewn into a continuous spiral sleeve. Its flexible construction allows it to conform around cylindrical, bulky and irregularly shaped products.
The tubing is supplied on a roll rather than as individual bags. Users can therefore cut each section according to the length of the item being packed and close both ends using a suitable fastening method.
The woven structure also allows air to circulate around the product. This makes it different from sealed polythene packaging, which provides greater resistance to moisture but less ventilation.
What Products Can It Be Used For?
Spiral-sewn polypropylene tubing may be suitable for:
- Carpets and rugs
- Fabric and textile rolls
- Baled clothing and textiles
- Hoses and flexible ducting
- Pipes, poles and profiles
- Conveyor belts
- Rolled roofing materials
- Engineered parts and long components
The tubing is particularly useful where several products have similar diameters but different lengths. One continuous roll can be cut to produce individual sleeves without stocking a separate bag for every product length.
Why Is It Popular for Carpets and Fabric Rolls?
Carpets and fabric rolls are often too long for ordinary sacks and too narrow for standard cardboard boxes. Their length can also vary considerably between orders.
Polypropylene tubing can be pulled over the roll, cut slightly longer than the product and fastened at both ends. The woven construction forms a close-fitting covering without requiring a rigid container.
It can help protect the outer surface from:
- Warehouse dust and dirt
- Light scuffing during routine handling
- Contact with other stored products
- Loose fibres and general contamination
The packaging should still be handled carefully. Polypropylene tubing cannot prevent damage caused by crushing, dragging, sharp objects or unsuitable stacking.
Benefits of Cut-to-Length Tubing
Flexible Packing Lengths
The packer can cut the tubing according to the individual product rather than selecting the nearest fixed-length sack. This is useful for businesses handling made-to-order carpets, fabric rolls and industrial components.
Compact Storage
A roll of flexible tubing generally requires less storage space than keeping several sizes of long cardboard boxes or pre-cut bags available.
Breathable Construction
The woven polypropylene allows some airflow around the product. This can be beneficial for textiles and other suitable goods where fully sealed plastic packaging is unnecessary.
Lightweight Handling
The tubing remains lightweight before use and can be handled at a packing bench or warehouse workstation without specialist forming equipment.
How to Choose the Correct Diameter
The tubing must be wide enough to slide over the product without excessive pulling or pressure on the seams.
Before ordering, measure:
- The product at its widest point
- Any protective wrapping already applied
- Projecting fittings or irregular sections
- The finished length that needs covering
Allow sufficient clearance to pull the tubing over the item and close both ends. Tubing that is too narrow may be difficult to apply or could place unnecessary strain on the woven material.
An excessively large diameter may leave loose material around the product, making the finished package more awkward to handle.
How to Use Polypropylene Tubing
- Measure the full length and maximum diameter of the product.
- Select tubing that can pass comfortably over its widest point.
- Cut a section slightly longer than the item to leave room for closing both ends.
- Slide the product carefully into the tubing.
- Gather or fold the material at each end.
- Secure it using suitable ties, tape, staples or another appropriate closure.
- Check that no sharp edges are pressing directly against the material.
Use appropriate cutting tools and keep the unused roll clean and dry. Staff should also be trained to handle long or heavy products safely rather than relying on the packaging as a lifting aid.
How Should the Ends Be Closed?
The best closure depends on the product, handling process and whether the tubing needs to be reopened.
Possible methods include:
- Cable ties
- Wire ties
- Strong packaging tape
- Suitable industrial staples
The cable and wire tie range includes several lengths for closing different tubing diameters.
Closures should not be so tight that they damage the product beneath the tubing. Staples should also be positioned carefully so they do not scratch the contents or create a sharp handling point.
Polypropylene Tubing vs Polythene Layflat Tubing
Both products are supplied in continuous rolls and can be cut to create packaging for long or awkward goods, but their properties differ.
| Consideration | Polypropylene Tubing | Polythene Layflat Tubing |
|---|---|---|
| Construction | Woven and spiral sewn | Continuous polythene film |
| Airflow | Breathable | Provides less ventilation |
| Moisture resistance | Limited | Better protection when properly closed |
| Typical products | Carpets, textiles, hoses and bulky rolls | Posters, clothing, components and moisture-sensitive goods |
| Closing methods | Ties, tape or suitable staples | Heat sealing, ties, tape or staples |
Polythene layflat tubing may be more appropriate where protection from dust and light moisture is the priority. Spiral-sewn polypropylene tubing may suit products that benefit from airflow or a more flexible woven covering.
Is Polypropylene Tubing Waterproof?
The woven material should not be treated as waterproof or airtight. Water, fine dirt and other contaminants may pass through the weave or enter through the closures.
Products stored outdoors or in damp environments may require an additional waterproof covering. Highly sensitive, clean or delicate surfaces may also need a protective inner wrap before the polypropylene tubing is applied.
Can the Tubing Be Reused?
A cut section may be reusable if it can be removed without damage and remains clean and suitable for the next product.
Check it for:
- Torn or stretched material
- Damaged spiral stitching
- Contamination from previous contents
- Holes caused by staples or sharp edges
- Worn areas caused by dragging
Damaged tubing should not be relied upon to provide the same level of protection during another storage or transport cycle.
Flexible Protection for Long Products
Spiral-sewn polypropylene tubing provides a practical way to cover carpets, textiles, pipes, hoses and other long or awkward products. Its continuous-roll format allows each sleeve to be cut to length, while the woven construction provides flexibility and airflow.
To choose an appropriate diameter, contact Martins Mill Packaging with the product’s maximum width, length, shape and intended storage conditions.
Martins Mill Packaging
We are a Halifax, West Yorkshire based supplier of high quality industrial and commercial packaging, materials & solutions, providing local and national deliveries, and competitive pricing, and have been trading for over 20 years.
