Stretch Film & Stretch Wrap

Stretch film, also referred to as stretch wrap, is an essential packaging solution commonly utilized across various industries including logistics, warehousing, and shipping. According to Google search results, it is highlighted that this highly elastic film significantly aids in securing products on pallets and protects items from environmental factors during storage and transportation. Generally composed of linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) resin, stretch film is known for its impressive stretchability and load containment capabilities.

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Application of Stretch Film

Stretch film is typically wrapped around a pallet or a collection of items, creating a secure, compact enclosure. Its self-adhering characteristic allows the film to bond with itself upon stretching, which provides remarkable stability and load containment. The elasticity of the film means it can extend and then revert to its original shape, maintaining continuous tension on the items inside.

Categories of Stretch Film

Hand Stretch Film: This variant is designed for manual applications and comes in various dimensions and thicknesses, accommodating different packaging needs. It is typically applied using a handheld dispenser and is most suited for smaller or irregularly shaped loads.

Stretch Film for Machines: Engineered for use with wrapping machines, this stretch film automates the wrapping process, leading to enhanced efficiency and consistent application. It is available in bulk quantities and specifically designed for high-volume operations.

Advantages of Stretch Film

One of the key benefits of stretch film is its ability to secure products on pallets, minimizing the likelihood of shifting or movement during transport. This stability helps to prevent injury and product damage.

Additionally, stretch film acts as a protective barrier, shielding items from dust, dirt, moisture, and other external factors. This helps maintain the quality of the wrapped products.

By bundling multiple items together, stretch film simplifies handling, reduces the risk of loss, and enhances loading and unloading efficiency.

In comparison to lashing and shrink-wrapping alternatives, stretch film proves to be a more cost-effective packaging solution, utilizing less material while providing superior load containment capabilities.

Transparency and Adaptability

The transparent nature of stretch film allows for easy product identification and barcode scanning without the need to unwrap the package.

Stretch film is also customizable, available in a range of gauges and specifications tailored to the weight, dimensions, and transportation conditions of the load.

In summary, stretch film serves as an invaluable packaging material, ensuring secure bundling, protection, and stability for an array of products during transport and storage.

Which film provides the best support? Which one offers superior impermeability? Today, we will discuss the different types of films based on packaging systems and their properties designed to secure and protect palletized loads.

Every pallet packaging system necessitates its dedicated film, with numerous specialties within each film type. Your packaging objectives significantly influence the choice of film. This article explores the main characteristics and advantages of three primary film types: Stretch Film, Shrink Film, and Stretch Hood Film.

Types of Films for Protecting Pallets

The three types of pallet wrapping films provide similar protection characteristics but differ notably in their application systems:

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• Stretch Film: Used by Stretch Wrapping machines (semi-automatic or automatic), this film stretches and wraps the load. Within this category, various subtypes exist that offer diverse properties and thicknesses.

• Shrink Film: Employed in the heat shrink system, this film shrinks upon heat application and comes in a tubular film reel designed to cover the load. Its properties and gauges vary according to wrapping requirements.

• Stretch Hood Film: A tubular stretch film that wraps loads by conforming to their shapes through stretching. Its unique properties come from its superior quality and varying gauges based on load types.

Comparative Analysis of Stretch Hood vs. Stretch Wrapping System

To understand the main differences between these three pallet protection systems, we recommend referring to our System Reviews.

While shrink film and stretch film share similarities, both designed to unify and protect loads, they possess distinct characteristics. Both types are generally made from polyethylene resins and are manufactured similarly but do not share other common features.

Composition and Technical Specifications

Stretch Film (LLDPE):

Most stretch films consist of high levels of Linear Low Density Polyethylene (LLDPE), giving them exceptional stretchability. Depending on the application method (manual or automatic), stretch levels can vary from 25% to 300%. Films applied via automatic systems can achieve very high stretch levels, often between 150% and 300%.

Shrink Film (LDPE):

Shrink films contain a significant amount of Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE), the same resin used for food bags. This type of film shrinks when heat is applied, but its conforming capacity is limited, as each pallet must fit specific sizes and configurations. Shrink film also has less resistance to puncturing and tearing compared to stretch film, often requiring it to be thicker.

Stretch Hood Film (Multilayer / LLDPE):

Stretch Hood film is a multilayer film primarily made from Linear Low Density Polyethylene (LLDPE). It shares some characteristics with shrink film as it is tubular but is flexible due to its stretchable LLDPE components. Its multilayer design typically includes:

• Outer layers for enhanced puncture resistance with additives for purposes like anti-UV and anti-condensation.
• 1 or 2 layers of LLDPE to ensure elasticity.
• An inner layer for mechanical strength and stretchability.

Furthermore, Stretch Hood film comes in various thicknesses, tailored according to the required transparency and fastening objectives.

Advantages of Stretch Film for Pallet Packaging

As widely acknowledged, Stretch film is prevalent in various industries, primarily due to its versatility stemming from different stretch film variants developed with unique properties. These include standard stretch film, pre-stretched film, and both macro and micro-perforated films designed to ventilate palletized loads.

The tension produced by automatic stretch wrappers, along with devices like reinforcement roping, make Stretch film one of the most effective consumables for load support and stability during transportation.

The limitation of this film is that it does not offer full coverage of the load, which means it may not provide complete protection against environmental elements.

Advantages of Shrink Film for Palletized Packaging

Shrink Film delivers superior protection from external elements compared to Stretch Film because it fully encases the load. The use of thicker film decreases the overall size while ensuring excellent compaction and strength compared to Stretch Wrapping or Stretch Hood systems. Additional properties such as anti-UV treatments can be integrated into the film for enhanced protection.

Advantages of Stretch Hood Film for Pallet Protection

This film, being the most recent addition to the packaging realm, boasts advanced technical features due to its multilayer composition. Similar to shrink film, it fully encases the load but offers significant savings and quality outputs as it does not require heat for application.

Key characteristics influencing the efficacy and suitability of Stretch Hood film include tear strength, puncture resistance, and holding strength. Contrary to shrink film, Stretch Hood film is generally thinner, as its holding force derives from its stretchable properties.

Stretch Hood systems lead to reduced energy costs compared to heat Shrink Hood and conserve film as they utilize smaller, thinner film hoods.

Conclusion

In summary, understanding the various film types can help in selecting the appropriate one for your packaging needs. As the film industry continuously evolves, introducing advanced products with enhanced properties and increased environmental responsibility, solutions such as Stretch Hooding are significantly transforming the packaging landscape.

If you have any queries about the type of film or its application for your products, don’t hesitate to ask our technical experts; we are here to assist you.

For more information on Orbital Stretch Wrapping Machine Suppliers, feel free to contact us.