How to Compare PET Strapping Suppliers Beyond Price per Ton

1. Compare the Specification Definition

Start with:

• width;
• thickness;
• surface;
• g/m;
• breaking force;
• elongation;
• core;
• coil format.

Make sure the two suppliers are measuring the same characteristics using comparable methods.

2. Compare g/m, Not Just Price/kg

If two straps cost the same per kilogram but have different g/m, they provide different lengths per kilogram.

See PET strapping g/m.

This can materially change the real material cost.

3. Compare Breaking Force Correctly

Do not confuse:

• breaking force;
• tensile strength;
• safe package load.

See breaking force vs tensile strength.

4. Compare Elongation

Confirm whether the supplier is reporting:

• elongation at break;
• working elongation;
• recovery.

Do not compare percentages that use different definitions.

5. Compare Joint Performance

A strong parent strap does not guarantee a strong completed joint.

Use the target machine and relevant settings.

6. Compare Retained Tension Where Relevant

For applications where load geometry changes over time, compare retained tension under equivalent conditions.

7. Evaluate Machine Compatibility

For illustration, a hypothetical 3% saving per ton may be lost if machine interruptions rise. This is not a Newton cost-saving claim.

Run a controlled PET strapping machine trial.

8. Ask for Quality Evidence

Depending on the qualification level, request:

• technical datasheet;
• CoA/batch report;
• dimensional measurement method;
• traceability;
• process capability where appropriate;
• machine-trial evidence;
• joint validation.

See what a PET strapping CoA should include.

9. Compare Change Control

Ask:

• What happens if raw material changes?
• What happens if dimensions change?
• How are product revisions controlled?
• How are customers notified of relevant changes?

Supplier consistency is not only about today's sample.

10. Compare Commercial Value Last

Once the technical gates pass, compare:

• price/kg;
• cost/meter;
• meters/kg;
• coil length;
• coil changes;
• downtime risk;
• package failures;
• total cost per secured load.

This is more meaningful than price/ton alone.

Supplier Comparison Scorecard

This is a buyer worksheet. Complete it with verified supplier evidence; these cells are not reported Newton results.

Red Flags

Be cautious when a supplier says:

• “Our 16 mm is exactly the same as your current strap.”
• “Higher tensile strength means it is better.”
• “This works on every machine.”
• “Our Cpk proves there will be no defects.”
• “The joint is as strong as the parent strap” without test evidence.
• “This price per ton is automatically cheaper.”

FAQs

What is the best way to compare PET strap prices?

First technically qualify the products, then compare cost per meter and total operating cost.

Is price per ton misleading?

It can be if g/m, coil length and machine performance differ.

Should I ask for Cpk?

Only where the characteristic, limits and statistical basis are meaningful.

Does a CoA prove supplier quality?

It is one piece of evidence, not the entire qualification.

Should machine trial come before purchase?

For machine-grade applications, controlled trial evidence is highly valuable.

Discuss Your Requirements With Newton

Send Newton your current supplier specification and quotation format for a like-for-like technical and commercial comparison.

Review PET Strapping Cpk & Process Capability only with stable-process data, defined limits and an adequate measurement system.

Discuss your specification with Newton →