Stretch film, also known as stretch wrap, is a plastic film – wrapped around items – that is highly stretchable. The elastic recovery keeps items on a pallet tightly bound. In addition to its use in unitizing pallet loads, stretch film may also be used for bundling smaller items.
Types of stretch film include:
Stretch film is most often used to wrap products on pallets and secure them to the pallet and each other. It helps to reduce product loss, reduce worker injury, and discourage load tampering. Stretch film comes in a variety of widths and thicknesses.
Functions of Stretch Film
In pallet unitizing, stretch film can have several functions:
Stretch wrap contributes to warehouse personnel safety by ensuring boxes stay on the pallet and remain properly aligned.
UVI Stretch Film
If you’ve ever seen stretch wrap that has taken on a yellow tint, it means that it’s been exposed to excessive sunlight and is on its way to breaking down completely. To combat this, a UVI additive is added during the manufacturing of the film, protecting the film for up to twelve months.
Stretch Film – Frequently Asked Questions
When should I use stretch film?
You want to use it to hold boxes and products together on a pallet for transportation, as well as during storage.
What is the difference between stretch film and shrink wrap?
For all intents and purposes, stretch film and shrink wrap are the same – only you heat shrink wrap but not stretch wrap. With stretch wrap, the wrap is stretched to 200% – 300% of its static length.
Will down-gauging increase my price per roll?
A better way to contain your cost is by considering the cost per pallet, not per roll. You won’t realize any cost savings if the cost of your current stretch film is half the price of a roll of down-gauged film, but you’re using three times as much to wrap each pallet.
What do I need to measure to determine if down-gauging makes sense for me?
Down gauging should always be evaluated, especially in a time where resin prices are on the rise. You can take advantage of our packaging consulting services and have us evaluate your current stretch film versus a downgauged film. We’ll perform testing that includes measuring the force being applied to the pallet in multiple areas and weighing the amount of film used. Then we’ll perform the same test using a downgauged film to match/improve the containment and show the decrease in stretch film used to save costs.
Do you recommend using opaque stretch film?
If you want to deter theft of valuable shipments, opaque stretch film will conceal your products. It also outlasts transparent stretch wrap during extended outdoor storage.
Is stretch wrap recyclable?
Both stretch wrap and shrink wrap are recyclable. Check with your local recycling center and be sure they accept soft plastics.
Common Stretch Film Terms
Blown Stretch Film- A stretch film derived from the blown extrusion process with higher puncture resistance.
Bottom Wraps-The wraps a stretch wrap machine uses to apply film to the bottom section of the load. Forming a secure bottom wrap will help to ensure load stability.
Cast Stretch Film- A stretch film derived from the cast extrusion process. Lower manufacturing costs allow cast stretch film to be a widely used stretch film.
Cling- Allows the film to stick to itself and not the product. Some films have one-sided cling, and others have two-sided cling.
Co-extrusion- Extruding two or more materials through a single die to enable the two materials to merge.
Dart Drop- A commonly used test to measure the puncture strength of a stretch film. It’s conducted by dropping a semi-circular-shaped object onto the film.
Elastic Recovery- The ability of a stretch film to recover to its original shape after being stretched.
Elmendorf Tear- Another standard test used for stretch film and other products to measure tear resistance.
Extruder- Equipment used to change solid polymers into molten polymers.
Film Feed-In a stretch wrap machine is the speed at which stretch film is supplied to the load.
Film Force- Refers to the amount of tension applied to the film as the film is applied to the load.
Film Memory- The ability of the film to return to its pre-stretched form, enabling the film to maintain a tight load during transportation.
Film Tail- The start and end pieces of stretch film applied to the load. The first tail is tied to the pallet, and the end is tucked or tied off.
Gauge- A measurement used to measure film thickness or caliper. One gauge is equal to .254 microns. Microns are another common form of film measurement.
Gloss- The amount of light reflected from a film’s surface. Cast stretch films tend to have a higher gloss than blown stretch films.
Haze- Refers to a lack of clarity in the film. Thicker plastic films generally have more haze than thinner films.
Contact Korpack today and put our expertise to work. We’ll help you identify excess costs and process inefficiencies with your utilization of stretch film and other essential spend categories. We’re committed to helping bolster your bottom line and being there for you long-term. It’s the Korpack way.
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