What Is Stretch Film? l Western Packaging

Stretch film also known as stretch wrap is a highly stretchable plastic film that is wrapped around items. It is frequently used to unitize pallet loads but can also be used to bundle smaller items. The different types of stretch film include bundling stretch film. hand stretch film, extended core stretch film. machine stretch film, and static dissipative stretch film.

How it is Produced

There are two methods of producing stretch film. It can be blown or cast. When the stretch film is blown it means the resin is melted and extruded through an annular die. it is then air-cooled. This is a slower process but it provides for a high-quality film. The cost of production tends to be higher with this method also.

When stretch film is cast it means the film is extruded through a slot die then it is passed over cooling rollers. This makes the cooling process quicker but the quality of the film is not as high and it is produced cheaper.

What is Stretch Film Used For

Stretch film can be used for many purposes and plays an important role in the world around us. Many people do not realize the part the stretch film plays in delivering and transporting most products that we use, eat, display, and store. There are hundreds of products and uses for stretch film.

Here is a list of products that are wrapped in stretch film for transportation, storage, and sometimes sales.

Palletized Boxes- This is the most common and widely seen use of stretch film. Boxes of different sizes and weights are stacked on a pallet and wrapped with stretch film to keep them together.
Buckets- Buckets of items such as paint, liquids, and dry goods are commonly wrapped with a heavier gauge stretch film to keep the contents in and from spilling.
Wire Reels- The film can be used to unitize reels together and it can also be used to prevent the wires from unwinding.
Canned Beverages- Another common use is to wrap around beverages. They are often stacked high and they are heavy, using the film keeps them together and from falling over with being stored and delivery purposes.
Furniture- Manufacturers and movers often use stretch film to secure the product, to keep it together, and to keep it from getting damaged while moving.
Feed and Seed- Pallet loads of feed and seed or often very heavy. Depending on the weight of the pallet shrink film can be used to keep it stable.

Uses in Palettes

Making sure boxes stay on the pallets and are properly aligned is an important thing in warehouses. In pallet unitizing stretch film has several functions that can include: