When cargo needs tying down for international shipping, woven polyester lashing has replaced steel strap, chain and timber blocking on most modern loads — it's stronger where it counts, safer to handle, and won't rust or damage your goods. Cordstrap Cordlash is the woven lashing system we stock. This guide explains the strengths, how the buckles work, and how to choose the right combination for your load.
What is Cordlash woven lashing?
Cordlash is a high-tenacity woven polyester lashing belt used to secure cargo on containers, flat racks, railcars and ships. Unlike steel, it's non-abrasive, flexes to absorb the dynamic shocks of transit instead of snapping, and is safe to tension and cut by hand. It's fully certified — Germanischer Lloyd (GL) certified, AAR approved and CTU Code compliant — so your load passes controls through the logistics chain without hold-ups. Browse the range in the Cordstrap collection.
Choosing the strength (daN) for your load
Lashing strength is rated in daN (decanewtons) — the higher the number, the heavier the load it restrains. Match the belt to your cargo weight and how it's restrained:
- Lighter palletised & boxed goods: Cordlash CW105, 32mm × 250m (4,000 daN) — the everyday workhorse.
- Medium to heavy freight: Cordlash CW150, 40mm × 200m (6,000 daN) for heavier machinery, drums and dense loads.
- Heavy & high-value cargo: the range extends up to CW200 (8,500 daN) and Cordlash 1500 (20,000 daN) for the toughest jobs — ask us if your load needs this level.
Buckles — the other half of the system
A lashing is only as strong as the buckle that closes it. Cordstrap buckles are high-quality steel, engineered to match each belt so the joint holds full rated strength. Match the buckle to your strap width:
- HDB10C buckles (35mm) for the CW105 32mm belt.
- HDB12N buckles (40mm) for the CW150 40mm belt.
See the full buckle options in Cordstrap Buckles. Always pair the correct buckle with its belt — mismatched combinations reduce the securing strength.
Why woven lashing beats steel strapping
| Factor | Cordlash woven lashing | Steel strapping / chain |
|---|---|---|
| Handling safety | Non-abrasive, no sharp edges, tensioned by hand | Sharp edges, recoil risk, heavier to handle |
| Dynamic loads | Flexes and absorbs shock without snapping | Can fail suddenly under shock loads |
| Cargo damage | Won't mark or dent goods; won't rust | Can cut, dent and rust-stain cargo |
| Compliance | GL certified, AAR approved, CTU compliant | Varies |
How to choose
Start from your load weight and restraint method: CW105 (4,000 daN) covers most palletised and boxed freight, CW150 (6,000 daN) steps up for heavier goods, and higher grades handle the heavy end. Always pair the matching steel buckle. If you're unsure — or your cargo is heavy, high-value or subject to specific regulations — email sales@nzpackaging.nz with your load type, weight and transport mode and we'll spec the right system. Trade accounts get tiered pricing across the Cordstrap range.
Frequently asked questions
Is woven lashing really as strong as steel?
For securing cargo in transit, yes — Cordlash grades run from 4,000 daN up to 20,000 daN, and the polyester flexes under dynamic loads rather than snapping like steel can. It's also GL certified and CTU compliant.
What does daN mean?
daN (decanewtons) is the strength rating of the lashing system — roughly, 100 daN ≈ 102kg of force. Higher daN restrains heavier cargo. Match it to your load and lashing arrangement.
Do I need a special tool to tension it?
Cordlash is tensioned with a matching hand tensioner. We can supply the tools alongside the belt and buckles — just ask.
Can I reuse woven lashing?
Lashing and buckles are designed for single-use securing to guarantee rated performance. Don't re-tension used belts on high-value loads.
