Stretch Film (Pallet Wrap)

Stretch Film: A Versatile Packaging Solution

Stretch film, also known as stretch wrap or pallet wrap, is a highly versatile and widely used packaging material in various industries worldwide. It is a thin, flexible, and elastic plastic film designed to stretch and cling tightly to items, particularly when used to wrap pallets of goods. The film's ability to elongate and contract provides an effective means of securing and protecting products during storage, transportation, and handling.

Pallet wrap is used to wrap pallets to protect them from water and dust and keep them stable while in transit or storage. Pallet stretch wrap is manufactured from LLDPE which is a widely recyclable plastic and has a high stretch memory making it an ideal product to wrap pallets of all shapes and sizes. It is used in many different industries such as distribution, manufacturing, wholesale, engineering, and transport. Pallet wrap is an easy to use product and allows warehouse teams to wrap pallets, parcels, and cages fast and efficiently. It is manufactured in the UK as well as being imported from Europe and the rest of the world. Cast pallet wrap is a silky smooth and quiet pallet wrap manufactured from cast LLDPE. It is ideal for general wrapping applications and is nice a quiet so you can wrap a pallet in peace without disturbing the rest of your colleagues.

Over the years, stretch wrap manufacturers have developed stronger and thinner films helping packing operations use less plastic and be more environmentally friendly. High strength multi-layer films and nano films have produced high performance pallet wrap which can be used in the same applications as standard films but at less than half the thickness. Our range covers many different pallet wrap grades and colours in both hand pallet wrap rolls and rolls for machine pallet wrapping use.

Our pallet wrap range includes a selection of different thicknesses, colours, and types, all of which are developed for different pallet configurations. Stretch film is used in many different industries including manufacturing, distribution, and wholesale and is a very versatile pallet wrapping product. It is supplied in hand rolls for wrapping a pallet by hand, and in machine rolls for wrapping pallets with an automatic pallet wrapping machine.

Composition and Types

Stretch film is typically made from linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), a type of plastic known for its strength, flexibility, and stretchability. During the manufacturing process, the film is extruded into thin layers and then wound onto large rolls.

There are primarily two types of stretch film:

1. Hand Stretch Film: This type of stretch film is usually used for smaller-scale operations and is applied manually by hand. It comes in various widths and thicknesses, providing flexibility for different packaging needs.

2. Machine Stretch Film: As the name suggests, this type of stretch film is designed for use with stretch wrapping machines. It is thicker and more durable than hand stretch film and is ideal for high-volume packaging applications in industries like logistics, manufacturing, and warehousing.

Benefits and Applications

Stretch film offers numerous benefits that make it a popular choice for packaging and securing goods:

1. Load Stability: When wrapped securely around a pallet or product, stretch film maintains load stability by preventing items from shifting or toppling during transit. This significantly reduces the risk of damages and ensures products reach their destination intact.

2. Protection from Dust and Moisture: Stretch film acts as a barrier against dust, dirt, and moisture, safeguarding products from environmental factors that could potentially damage them.

3. Cost-Effective: Stretch film is a cost-effective packaging solution compared to other methods, such as strapping or taping, as it requires less material and time for application.

4. Efficient Handling: With stretch film, multiple items can be bundled together, making handling and storage more efficient. It also aids in organizing and categorizing goods during inventory management.

5. Tamper-Evident and Security: In some cases, stretch film can serve as a tamper-evident seal, indicating if a product or pallet has been tampered with during transport.

The applications of stretch film span across various industries, including:

• Logistics and Shipping: To secure palletized goods for transportation.
• Manufacturing: To protect finished products and raw materials during storage and transit.
• Retail: To bundle and secure items for display or sale.
• Agriculture: To wrap hay, straw, or other agricultural products for storage and transport.

Sustainable Alternatives

While stretch film is an essential packaging material, there is growing concern about its environmental impact. Manufacturers and industries are actively exploring sustainable alternatives, such as bio-based or recycled stretch films, to reduce plastic waste and decrease their carbon footprint.

In conclusion, stretch film's ability to provide secure and protective packaging for a wide range of products has made it indispensable in modern supply chains. As industries continue to evolve and prioritize sustainability, the development of eco-friendly stretch film options will likely shape the future of this essential packaging solution.

Types of Stretch Film

Pallet stretch film, also known as stretch wrap, is a highly stretchable and flexible plastic film used to secure and protect palletized goods during shipping and storage. There are several types of pallet stretch film, each designed for specific applications and load requirements. The most common types include:

1. Hand Stretch Film: Hand stretch film is designed for manual application without the need for stretch wrapping machines. It is typically narrower in width and comes in rolls suitable for hand wrapping smaller pallets or irregularly shaped loads.

2. Machine Stretch Film: Machine stretch film is intended for use with stretch wrapping machines. It is available in wider widths and is more suitable for high-volume pallet wrapping operations, as it can be applied quickly and efficiently using the equipment.

3. Pre-Stretched Stretch Film: Pre-stretched stretch film is a special type of film that has already been stretched during the manufacturing process. It offers higher load stability and requires less effort to apply, making it ideal for reducing operator fatigue and improving wrapping efficiency.

4. Extended Core Stretch Film: Extended core stretch film features built-in handles or extended cores at the ends of the rolls. This design allows for easy hand wrapping without the need for additional dispensers or equipment.

5. Coloured Stretch Film: Coloured stretch film is available in various colours, making it useful for coding, identifying, and differentiating palletized loads during shipping and storage.

6. Cast LLDPE Film: Cast LLDPE film is manufactured using a cast extrusion process, resulting in a smooth and clear film. It has excellent optical properties, making it ideal for applications where product visibility is essential. Cast LLDPE film offers good tear resistance and is commonly used for pallet wrapping, bundling, and other general packaging applications.
7. Blown LLDPE Film: Blown LLDPE film is produced through a blown extrusion process, creating a more puncture-resistant and hazy film compared to cast LLDPE. Blown LLDPE film is known for its strength and durability, making it suitable for heavy-duty and industrial packaging applications.
8. High-Performance LLDPE Film: High-performance LLDPE film is engineered with specialized additives to enhance properties like puncture resistance, load-holding force, and stretchability. It is commonly used in demanding industrial applications where optimal film performance is critical.

9. UVI (Ultra Violet Inhibitor) Stretch Film: UVI stretch film contains additives that protect the wrapped goods from UV rays, making it suitable for outdoor storage and transportation.

10. VCI (Volatile Corrosion Inhibitor) Stretch Film: VCI stretch film includes volatile corrosion inhibitors that protect metal goods from corrosion during long-term storage and shipping.

11. Anti-Static LLDPE Film: Anti-static LLDPE film is treated with additives to reduce static electricity buildup, making it suitable for wrapping products that are sensitive to static discharges, such as electronic components.

Each type of pallet stretch film has specific features and benefits, allowing businesses to select the most appropriate option based on their packaging needs, load requirements, and operational processes.

Machine Pallet Wrap

Machine pallet wrap rolls for use with most stretch wrapping machines on the market. Our range covers pre-stretch machine wrap rolls, standard 150% stretch machine rolls, and 250% power pre-stretch machine stretch wrap. Our machine stretch pallet wrap is manufactured from LLDPE stretch film which is recyclable and wound on biodegradable and compostable cores. The recyclable nature of machine grade wrap makes it one of the most eco-conscious choices in machine pallet wrapping films.

Maximizing Efficiency and Load Stability: The Benefits of Machine Stretch Film

Machine stretch film offers several benefits that make it a popular choice for businesses with high-volume pallet wrapping operations. Some of the key advantages of using machine stretch film include:

1. Efficiency: Machine stretch film is designed for use with stretch wrapping machines, making the pallet wrapping process faster and more efficient compared to manual hand wrapping. It allows for quick application of the film with consistent tension, reducing the time and labor required for palletizing operations.

2. Load Stability: Machine stretch film provides excellent load stability and containment. It is capable of stretching to a high percentage of its original length, creating a tight and secure wrap around the palletized goods. This ensures that the load remains stable during transportation and storage, reducing the risk of product shifting or damage.

3. Cost-Effective: While the upfront cost of a stretch wrapping machine and the associated materials may be higher, machine stretch film offers long-term cost savings. It allows for optimal film usage with minimal waste, leading to reduced material costs over time.

4. Film Strength: Machine stretch film is available in various thicknesses and strengths, allowing businesses to choose the most appropriate film for their specific load requirements. Thicker films offer enhanced puncture and tear resistance, providing extra protection for heavy or sharp-edged loads.

5. Consistency: Using a stretch wrapping machine ensures consistent tension and film application throughout the entire pallet wrapping process. This results in a uniform and professional wrap on all pallets, improving the overall appearance of the packaged goods.

6. Ergonomics: Machine stretch film application is less physically demanding than manual hand wrapping, reducing the risk of operator fatigue and potential injuries associated with repetitive motions.

7. Film Prestretching: Many stretch wrapping machines come equipped with a film prestretching mechanism. This feature elongates the film before application, allowing for greater film yield and reducing the amount of film required per pallet wrap.

8. Customizable Settings: Stretch wrapping machines often offer customizable settings, allowing businesses to adjust film tension, wrap patterns, and other parameters to suit specific load characteristics and packaging needs.

In conclusion, machine stretch film offers numerous advantages, including improved efficiency, load stability, cost savings, and consistent wrapping quality. Businesses with high pallet wrapping volumes can benefit significantly from the use of machine stretch film and stretch wrapping machines, ultimately enhancing their overall packaging and shipping operations.

How do I know which wrapping film rolls my machine needs?

There are 3 main types of stretch wrapping machine that each need different specific film types, so understanding which film you need is critical to getting a machine wrap roll that works correctly. Here's a few pointers to help you find out which machine you have.

• Standard Stretch Machines: these machines usually have just ONE grippy roller and 2 to 5 smooth rollers that the film winds around in the stretching head. If your machine just has 1 grippy roller (coated with rubber or similar grippy surface), then you with need a standard stretch film that stretches around 150%. You can also use a thin prestretched machine film on these machines for a lower cost and reduced carbon footprint wrapping film.
• Adjustable Power Stretch Machines: these machines pre-stretch the film on 2 or 3 grippy rollers, if you have 2 or 3 grippy rollers in the stretching head they you will need a power stretch film. In addition to the 2 or 3 grippy rollers there will be a pre-stretching knob, dial, or setting on the control panel. This adjustable pre-stretch option allows you to set the prestretch level to suit the film. For this type of machine you need a power pre-stretch film that stretches to 250%.
• Fixed Power Stretch Machine: these machines are similar to the adjustable power stretch machines above but the difference being that the prestreching level is set and can't be adjusted. Fixed stretch machines often prestrech the film to 300% or even 400% which is higher than most adjustable prestretch machines. If you have a fixed stretch machine it will most likely have a label somewhere on the machine telling you what level of prestretching the machine is set at. It is important that you only use film with this particular stretch level as other films will most likely break or run inefficiently.

Megastretch Machine Pallet Wrapping Film

High quality machine film in a range of widths compatible with almost all machines on the market. Improved puncture resistance and stretch memory gives our branded machine film the ability to outperform most standard machine films.