Which Stretch Film Do You Need?

Getting the right stretch film for your operation comes down to two things: how you're applying it (by hand or with a machine), and how demanding your loads are. We stock hand rolls for manual wrapping, machine rolls for automatic wrapping machines — including power pre-stretch film that stretches up to 250% for major cost savings — plus black security wrap for higher-value or sensitive pallets.

All our stretch film is manufactured from LLDPE, wound onto compostable cores where available, and stocked in a range of gauges (thicknesses) to match everything from light, stable loads to heavy, sharp-cornered pallets.

Not sure if you have a standard or power stretch machine? Check the stretching head: 1 grippy roller usually means standard stretch (up to 150%); 2–3 grippy rollers plus a pre-stretch dial usually means power stretch (up to 250%). If you're unsure, our machine wrap team can help you identify it — 02476 611234.

Wrapping unusually shaped or heavy pallets with sharp corners? Look at our 20mu+ performance films — extra thickness resists puncturing from irregular loads that would tear standard film.

Prefer more permanent load stability than stretch film alone?

Combine stretch film with pallet strapping for the most secure result, or consider heat shrink film where you need a fully sealed, waterproof pallet.

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

We stock machine pallet wrap for all three common types of stretch wrapping machine: standard stretch, adjustable power stretch, and fixed power stretch. Getting the right film for your machine matters — using the wrong stretch percentage film on a power stretch machine will run inefficiently or snap. All our machine film is LLDPE, recyclable, and wound on biodegradable, compostable cores.

Not sure which machine you have? Check the stretching head:

If you're not sure which category your machine falls into, our team can help you identify it before you order — getting this wrong is the most common reason customers end up with film that doesn't perform properly.

Megastretch Machine Pallet Wrap — our own high-performance film, compatible with almost all machines on the market, with improved puncture resistance and stretch memory compared to standard machine films.

33 Layer Nano Machine Film

Our 33 layer nano film uses composite multi-layer technology to pack far more strength into a thinner film than conventional stretch wrap, which is typically made from just 5–7 layers. The result is a film that's thinner and lighter, but with better puncture and tear resistance — meaning you use less plastic per pallet without compromising load security.

Key benefits:

• Higher stretch percentage than standard film, so each roll covers more pallets — [confirm your exact stretch % here, e.g. up to 300–350%]
• Thinner gauge than conventional film for the same or better performance — [confirm your exact micron thickness]
• Reduced plastic consumption and waste per pallet compared to standard 20–23mu film
• High clarity for easy barcode scanning during warehouse handling
• No loss of puncture resistance or load containment, despite the reduced thickness

This is best suited to high-volume operations wanting to cut film costs and plastic waste without changing their wrapping process or machinery — most standard stretch wrapping machines can run nano film without modification. Get in touch with our Sales Team to discuss further.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I need hand or machine stretch film?
If you're wrapping pallets by hand or in low volumes, hand stretch film is the simpler choice. If you're wrapping regularly at higher volumes, a wrapping machine and machine film will save time and reduce strain — talk to us about which machine suits your throughput.

What does "mu" mean on stretch film?
Mu (micron) refers to the film's thickness. Thicker film (e.g. 23mu) generally offers more puncture resistance for heavy or awkward loads; thinner film is more cost-effective for lighter, stable loads.

Can pallet stretch film be recycled?
Yes — standard stretch film is made from LLDPE, a widely recyclable plastic. Check with your local recycling provider, or ask us about our recycled-content options which use 30%+ recycled material.

Why use black stretch film instead of clear?
Black (opaque) wrap hides the contents of a pallet, which helps deter theft or tampering when goods are moving through a courier network or held in transit.

How much stretch film do I need per pallet?
Step 1 — Wrap length: Measure your pallet's length and width, add them together, then double the total. This gives the length of film needed for one trip around the pallet. Example: 1.2m + 1m = 2.2m, doubled = 4.4m
Step 2 — Number of wraps: Measure your pallet's height, then divide by the width of your stretch film. This tells you how many times you need to go around the pallet to cover it fully. Example: 1500mm (pallet height) ÷ 400mm (film width) = 3.75
Step 3 — Add overlap: Good practice is to overlap each pass by at least 20%, so multiply your Step 2 figure by 1.2. Example: 3.75 × 1.2 = 4.5
Step 4 — Total length for one layer: Multiply your wrap length (Step 1) by your overlap-adjusted number of wraps (Step 3). Example: 4.4m × 4.5 = 19.8m 
Step 5 — Multiple layers: Need extra stability? Multiply your Step 4 total by the number of layers you want. Example: 19.8m × 4 layers = 79.2m