Packaging film is unwound and formed into a tubular configuration, as the product flows on a belt into the tube of film. The film is overlapped either on top or bottom side. The so-called overlap is required to fix the two ends of the film tight together. Heat welding or electrostatic charge is applied, to prevent the film from tearing in the shrink tunnel.
The electrostatic electrode uses less energy than the heat welding system. It also requires no maintenance and the final product is easier for the end-user to unwrap.