Anyone observing a warehouse in operation or a delivery truck being loaded has likely noticed pallets securely wrapped in plastic. The tightly wrapped plastic around pallets in warehouses or on delivery trucks is known as stretch film. Professionals in warehousing rely on them to safeguard goods during transport and storage.
Stretch film is an integral component of the modern packaging, logistics, and shipping sectors. Without it, the movement of goods during shipping and transportation would be less practical and much riskier. From its protective properties to its cost-effectiveness, stretch film keeps products secure and intact for storage and delivery.
What is Stretch Film?
Stretch film is a highly stretchable plastic film, which is usually made from linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE). It’s used to wrap around products on pallets to keep them tightly bound and protected.
Unlike shrink wrap, which requires heat to shrink and conform to the shape of a product, stretch film packaging relies on its elasticity to create a secure hold.
When using it for pallet wrapping, stretch film prevents products from shifting during transport and protects them from dust, moisture, and potential damage.
The industrial wrapping film comes in a roll of different widths, thicknesses, and formulations like LDPE (low-density polyethylene), LLDPE (linear low-density polyethylene), and HDPE (high-density polyethylene). All these depend on the intended application. Stretch film can be applied manually or with the help of automated machines, depending on the packaging volume.
Stretch film comes in different varieties. Here are some main categories:
- Hand Roll Stretch Film: This type of stretch film is applied manually. Users can use a handheld dispenser to stretch the thin film around the pallet length by hand. It’s mainly used for small operations or loads that don’t require high-speed wrapping.
- Machine Roll Strech Film: Machine film designed for use with automated stretch-wrapping machines. These films are stronger than hand-applied films. They are often used for high-volume packaging projects. Machine rolls can also be stretched more than hand-stretch film, which means less film is needed to wrap each pallet, reducing costs.
- Cast Film: Cast film is made using a different process. The film is extruded through a flat die and cooled on large rollers. This method results in a clear, smooth, and consistent film thickness.
- Blown Film: Blown film is manufactured by inflating the film with air during extrusion. The result is a film with high strength, puncture resistance, and excellent cling properties. Blown film is ideal for wrapping heavy or irregularly shaped loads. However, it is more expensive and provides more friction during application than cast film.
- Pre-Stretched Film: Pre-stretched film has already been stretched during manufacturing, so it requires less effort to apply. This makes it a practical choice for manual wrapping, as it reduces worker fatigue and the risk of injury. Pre-stretched film also uses less material, which can lead to cost savings.
Key Benefits of Using Stretch Film for Pallet Wrapping
This packaging material provides several benefits for securing and protecting goods. Here are some advantages of using stretch film for pallet wrapping:
Product Protection
One of the main reasons the stretch film is often used for pallet loads is that it provides a protective barrier for products. When products are stacked on pallets, they can be damaged because of dust, dirt, and moisture.
Stretch film shields goods from these elements while preventing scratches and abrasions during handling or transit. Whether pallets are stored in a warehouse or shipped across the country, stretch film maintains product integrity, significantly reducing the risk of damage.
Load Stability
Load stability is fundamental for ensuring safe shipping. A poorly secured pallet can cause a chain reaction of problems. If a pallet tips over in a warehouse, it can damage nearby goods and equipment or injure workers. If a load shifts during transport, it can result in delayed deliveries, damaged products, or accidents on the road. Stretch film keeps the pallet loads stable.
Stretch film, when applied effectively, enhances the stability and cohesion of palletised loads. It combines the individual items to form a unified load, making it easier to move with forklifts or pallet jacks without worrying about the load falling apart. Securing goods with stretch film helps prevent shifting or damage during transit. This not only reduces losses but also improves overall operational efficiency.
Protection from External Elements
Besides protection from dirt and dust, stretch films also create a barrier against environmental factors like humidity, rain, and UV exposure. This is important when transporting goods over long distances or storing them outdoors for longer periods.
Certain stretch films incorporate UV protection to safeguard palletised goods from the damaging effects of prolonged sunlight exposure. Additionally, stretch film can be customised to suit various needs, making it an effective solution for shipping diverse goods such as electronics, food products, furniture, and other sensitive items.
Cost Savings
Stretch film is primarily made from polyethylene, a widely available and cost-effective plastic resin. Advances in manufacturing technology have enabled the production of durable films using less raw material, which helps to lower costs without sacrificing quality.
This packaging solution also eliminates the need for multiple packaging components like strapping bands, shrink wrap, or extra cushioning, making it an efficient solution for securing loads. Its lightweight design further reduces shipping costs compared to heavier alternatives, while its compact form ensures it takes up minimal storage space in warehouses.
Additionally, pre-stretched and high-performance films are engineered to maintain strength and elasticity with thinner materials. This decreases the amount of film needed per pallet, further enhancing cost savings.
Improved Safety During Handling
Stretch film enhances workplace safety by ensuring more secure handling of palletised goods. A properly wrapped pallet significantly reduces the risk of shifting or collapsing during storage, transit, or unloading, helping to minimise the likelihood of accidents or injuries.
Preventing items from falling or shifting is crucial for maintaining workplace safety, especially in environments like warehouses where employees frequently handle large pallets. Following robust safety processes and ensuring secure handling significantly reduces the risk of accidents, helping avoid costly downtime or potential legal issues.
Versatility and Customisation
Stretch film can be tailored to meet specific requirements, making it suitable for shipping a wide range of goods, including electronics, food products, furniture, and other sensitive materials. They are available in various thicknesses, strengths, and stretch capabilities to suit diverse applications.
Options include films with UV protection for outdoor storage, anti-static properties for sensitive electronics, or vented designs for products requiring air circulation, such as fresh produce. The flexible packaging films are also offered in different colours and opacity levels, allowing for effective colour coding or enhanced product privacy during transportation.
Environmentally Friendly Options
How to Choose the Right Stretch Film For Pallet Wrapping
Selecting the wrong stretch film type can damage the product and compromise safety. To ensure optimal performance, it is important to review and consider the following factors:
Type of Loads
One factor to consider is the type of load. Is the load fragile, rigid, or unevenly shaped? Heavier loads, for example, need a stronger film with higher tensile strength.
However, lighter or more delicate items will need a thinner film that’s easier to stretch without applying too much pressure. For irregularly shaped loads, a more flexible, thin film that can easily conform to different shapes is necessary for complete coverage and stability.
Weight of the Load
Heavier loads need thicker or stronger stretch films to support the additional weight without tearing or stretching too much. For lighter loads, a thinner wrapping film should be sufficient, but ensure enough pressure to hold everything in place securely.
For pallets with uneven or unbalanced weight, higher-performance options like reinforced stretch or pre-stretched film may be required to maintain stability during transit. These cargo protection films offer enhanced strength and durability, reducing the risk of load shifting or collapse.
Stretch Film Gauge (Thickness)
Stretch films range from 37 to 120+ gauge. The higher the gauge, the thicker and stronger the film. A mid-range gauge (around 60 to 80) is suitable for most applications.
For heavy-duty applications or loads with sharp edges, a thicker stretch film is necessary to prevent tearing. Choosing the appropriate thickness is crucial—using a too-thin film may not provide adequate load protection, while opting for one that is too thick can lead to unnecessary material waste and higher costs. Selecting the right film ensures both efficiency and load security.
Hand vs. Machine Application
Determining whether to use a hand or machine application is another factor that will influence the choice of stretch film.
Hand-roll stretch films are lighter and designed for manual wrapping, making them suitable for low-volume or more flexible applications. In contrast, machine roll stretch films are heavier and are used together with wrapping machines, which is ideal for high-volume operations requiring efficiency and consistency.
Film Colour or Transparency
Transparent films allow easy visibility of the wrapped products, offering advantages for inventory management and quick identification. Clear or coloured wrapping films can also be used for branding purposes or to categorise specific product types, helping to improve warehouse organisation and streamline operations.
Environmental Conditions
Considering the environmental conditions where the wrapped pallets will be stored or transported is important. For instance, pallets exposed to extreme temperatures—such as freezing conditions in refrigerated storage or high heat in outdoor settings—require specialised films like cold-temperature or UV-resistant stretch films to maintain performance.
Similarly, if moisture poses a risk, water-resistant or anti-corrosion VCI stretch films offer protection against humidity or rain. Customised stretch films can help address these environmental challenges and ensure enhanced durability and reliable product protection.
Conclusion
Stretch film is a versatile and cost-efficient solution for pallet wrapping that offers numerous benefits across various industries. Its ability to stabilise loads, protect products, and streamline logistics makes it indispensable for ensuring safe and efficient transportation.
With options tailored to specific needs—such as UV protection, anti-static properties, and sustainability-focused materials—stretch film enhances packaging processes. By choosing the right type of stretch film, reduce product damage and optimise operations.
Stream Peak offers a comprehensive range of quality stretch films to meet diverse packaging needs. Schedule an appointment with our experienced packaging engineers to discuss your requirements and determine the most suitable stretch film for your operations.
