Recycling companies process increasing volumes of paper, cardboard, film, plastics and PET. Due to stricter European regulations on waste separation, packaging recycling and circular material flows, a reliable baling process is becoming increasingly important. Baling wire plays a critical role in this process: without stable and secure bundles, materials cannot be safely stored, transported or further processed. Choosing the right baling wire for recycling therefore directly determines the safety and stability of each bale.
Within our range of steel baling wire, we supply three variants that together cover almost every baler installation and material stream: quicklinks (double loop bale ties), annealed baling wire, and single loop bale ties. Below, we explain how these types of baling wire differ technically and how to determine which wire best fits your installation and material flow.
What is baling wire?
Baling wire is steel wire used to bind compressed bales of cardboard, plastic film, textile, PET or other recyclable materials. The wire must have sufficient tensile strength, run smoothly through the baler and close reliably so that the bundle remains intact — both immediately after compression and during transport. It is therefore an essential part of every baler system.
The most suitable baling wire depends on:
the type of baler (manual, semi-automatic or fully automatic)
the pressing force and bale dimensions
the material being compressed (e.g. baling wire for cardboard, film or PET)
the required bale stability and weight
Because each material reacts differently when the baler opens, different types of steel wire for recycling exist, each with its own technical properties.
Quicklinks – self-locking double loop bale ties for expanding materials
Quicklinks — also known as double loop bale ties — are steel wire rods with a closed loop at both ends. During the pressing cycle, the operator hooks the loops together. When the baler opens, the expanding material tightens the connection automatically. This makes quicklinks ideal for applications with high tension and strong rebound forces.
Quicklinks are available in fixed lengths ranging from approx. 2,500 to 4,800 mm, with a diameter tolerance of ±0.05 mm. This precise sizing ensures predictable closure and consistent tension.
Available finishes
Galvanised – smooth surface, high corrosion resistance
Phosphated – rough surface for additional grip on expanding material
Copper-coated – available for specific applications
Typical materials
foam
tyres
felt, fibre and other highly expanding materials
Quicklinks are often the best choice when maximum locking strength is required. Their self-closing design and fixed length minimise the risk of shifting or breakage.
Single loop bale ties – controlled manual closure for compact and variable bales
Single loop bale ties have one fixed loop and are closed manually by the operator. This provides full control over tension and makes the wire suitable for bales that show limited rebound. The galvanised finish keeps the wire clean and corrosion-resistant, which is particularly useful in retail and logistics environments.
Single loop bale ties are available in lengths from approx. 2,500 to 6,000 mm and are supplied tightly bundled to prevent deformation during storage and handling.
Typical materials
paper and cardboard
film
soft plastics
textiles (retail and logistics)
Because the operator tightens the wire manually, flexibility and smooth handling are essential. Choosing the correct combination of length and wire gauge ensures a stable bundle.
Annealed baling wire – optimum performance in automatic baler systems
Annealed baling wire is steel wire that is reheated after drawing, making it exceptionally flexible. The oiled version reduces friction and prevents jams, ensuring a smooth and continuous baling process in automatic installations.
It is available in various diameters and coil formats, such as rosette coils and Brehmer rings. Each batch is tested for tensile strength, diameter and winding consistency.
Typical applications
cardboard and paper baling
film baling
light plastic fractions
automatic horizontal and vertical balers
Annealed baling wire is therefore a highly efficient choice for high-volume operations that rely on a continuous and stable baling process.
Which baling wire should you choose?
The correct wire depends on material behaviour, baler type and the required bale quality.
Material behaviour
Strong expansion → quicklinks (double loop bale ties)
Limited expansion → single loop bale ties
Continuous high-volume processing → annealed baling wire
Baler type
Vertical baler, manual closure → single loop bale ties
Vertical baler, self-locking system → quicklinks
Automatic horizontal/vertical baler → annealed wire
Process requirements
Maximum locking strength → quicklinks
Flexibility and variable bale sizes → single loop bale ties
High output and smooth processing → annealed baling wire
Recycling is becoming more technical — and the demands are increasing
European regulations set higher standards for bale quality, stability and material handling. Bales must remain stable during transport and be suitable for further automated processing. The right baling wire prevents disruptions, downtime and quality issues — making it a key component in any future-proof recycling process.
What you can expect from Metalwire
We supply quicklinks, single loop bale ties and annealed baling wire in multiple specifications tailored to different balers, material streams and bundling processes. Our wires are dimensional-accurate, reliable and ready for immediate use thanks to strict quality control and in-house processing. We maintain large stock levels and provide targeted technical advice based on wire gauge, coating, length and application.
Need advice for your baler installation?
We are here to help. Based on your material stream, baler settings and bale volume, we provide clear and practical advice on the most suitable baling wire for your process.
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