Stretch Film: Everything You Need to Know

Types of stretch film

Stretch film can be classified by application:

machine (which can be further divided into pre-stretched and stretchable types)

hand

By production technology:

cast

blown

By appearance:

transparent

coloured

The advantage of cast stretch film is that it is cheaper than blown film, which makes it more popular. Cast stretch film offers two-sided cling, which keeps the wrap together. Blown stretch film can withstand higher loads and stretches better. Its higher tensile strength is an advantage when securing sharp-edged loads on a pallet.

In terms of appearance, both variants have their pros and cons. Transparent film is useful because you can see what is on the pallet, while dark, coloured film comes in handy precisely when you do not want the contents of the load to be visible.

Properties of stretch film

Stretch film remains elastic up to a certain optimal stretch; it usually only tears above 500% elongation, but it is not worth going beyond 300% with either hand or machine stretching.

The properties of the film we produce also depend on the film thickness, the production technology and the additives used.

General properties:

easy to use

economical

protects goods

resistant to temperature and weather

also protects against dust damage

An additional feature of black or opaque stretch film is that it also protects products from UV radiation.

How to choose stretch film

First, decide whether you will use the film for hand or machine wrapping. Another decision point is whether transparent or coloured film suits your products better. Then choose the film thickness best suited to the packaging and to optimal protection. This also depends on the weight and type of load, how the products within the load are packed, and the mode of transport. Our specialists will be happy to help you choose the right film quality and thickness. We also meet custom requirements with short lead times.

Because of rising oil costs, manufacturers have developed a stronger, thinner stretch film that uses less petroleum-based resin in production and therefore costs less.

How to apply stretch film

Although stretch film is easy to use, how you wrap the pallet does matter. When loading the pallet, make sure the boxes do not overhang the edge of the pallet. An irregularly, haphazardly loaded pallet is vulnerable and can also endanger the safety of other loads.

For hand wrapping, it is best to start at one corner of the pallet by tying the end of the film to the corner, then work your way up, wrapping round and round. If you also want to cover the top of the load, start from one of the top corners and wrap diagonally towards the opposite corner, then do the same along the other diagonal. A stretch film dispenser (applicator) can be used for hand wrapping.