When you are packing items to be shipped, your number one goal is to make sure the items arrive unharmed. Stretch wrapping can give you the confidence you need that your packages will arrive safely.

 Western Packaging is a company that is dedicated to helping you with all the protection you need. They can safely and confidently help you make the right decisions for your packing needs. The information needed to know how to use your stretch film in all types of weather will be easily obtained with them. Our reliable team is always happy to offer advice based on your specific shipping situation.

Key Takeaways

• Stretch film remains reliable in the summer, when you choose the right type and apply it properly.
• Heat and UV resistance are essential for summer-ready stretch film.
• Load stability, moisture protection, and product safety are improved with premium film options.
• Outdoor storage and transit require UV-stabilized films.
• Partner with Western Packaging to select the right stretch film tailored to your business’s seasonal needs.

What is Stretch Film

Stretch film is very similar to shrink wrap. This film is very stretchy and is wrapped around items during shipping. No matter the shape or size of the box, stretch film can help ensure the packages will arrive undamaged. It clings tightly to itself without the need for heat. This makes it a quick, efficient, and cost-effective solution for securing loads during transit.

The most common way that you will find stretch film used is in large pallet loads. It holds them tightly together to ensure no damage is done. It uses a large piece of machinery to apply the stretch film to the pallet. To ensure it is securely applied for optimum protection. This method not only saves time but also increases wrapping consistency. Using machinery also reduces the risk of injury from doing it by hand.

Does Heat Affect Stretch Film In The Summer

Heat or cold can have an impact on the film. It is very stretchy and heat can definitely affect it. Caution must be used if you are shipping something that is going to be sitting in the heat for a long period of time. Prolonged exposure to extreme heat may cause the film to warp, weaken, or lose its ability to hold and grip.

In high temperatures the wrap has the potential to stick to fabrics or cling too tightly to a wooden piece that could cause damage to those pieces.  You have to keep in mind that some fabrics and wood are organic and need to breathe.  This can be helped by wrapping the items in moving blankets or other material first and the stretch wrap can be applied over that to keep things from shifting. Taking these extra steps helps protect your items while still keeping everything secure during transport.

Different Types Of Stretch Film

Moisture can also be an issue when it rains if items will be outside, or even sweating from being stored in a hot area or storage building. The moisture can get trapped in the wrap and cause mold when in the heat, resulting in damage to the items. This is especially concerning for products like paper goods, textiles, or electronics. Using breathable stretch film or adding gel packets can help reduce the risk of moisture buildup.

There is a special UV protection wrap available which is ideal in the summer months, or if you know they will be in direct sunlight. This type of film helps prevent breakdown and maintains strength even with prolonged sun exposure. They offer more kinds too, like:

• Cast Stretch
• Hand Stretch
• Color Stretch
• Blown Stretch 
• And several more…

Make sure all items are securely wrapped and you can ask any questions to any of our Western Packaging Employees, you can assure your items will arrive safely. We’re always happy to help and make sure you feel confident in the process.

Choosing the Right Stretch Film for Summer Conditions

Here are key factors to consider when selecting stretch film for summer use: You’ll want to keep these in mind to make sure your products stay safe and secure in the heat:

• Film gauge: Thicker gauges (e.g., 80-gauge and above) offer better puncture resistance and heat durability.
• Pre-stretched vs. traditional: Pre-stretched film requires less force to apply and is more consistent, ideal for lighter loads. Traditional films provide heavier containment but may require more tension and care during application.
• UV inhibitors: Essential for outdoor-stored goods to prevent sunlight degradation.
• Cling level: In warmer climates, moderate cling prevents the film from sticking excessively or tearing during unwinding.

Consulting with a packaging expert, like those at Western Packaging, can ensure you’re using the optimal film for your unique shipping and storage needs.

Best Practices for Using Stretch Film in Summer

To fully trust stretch film in summer, you need to ensure it’s being used strategically. A little planning goes a long way when the temps start to rise. Here’s how:

1. Choose a Film with UV Protection

If your pallets sit outside during loading or storage, opt for a UV-resistant stretch film. These films are designed to maintain tensile strength and clarity under prolonged sun exposure.

2. Use High-Performance Stretch Film

Standard films may not hold up under high temperatures. Upgrade to high-performance or multi-layer stretch films engineered for extreme conditions.

3. Apply in Controlled Environments

If possible, wrap pallets in shaded or indoor areas to avoid premature stretching or tack issues during application.

4. Optimize Tension Settings

Adjust machine settings for summer heat. Too much tension can lead to film snapping; too little and you risk load instability.

Industries That Benefit Most from Summer-Resilient Stretch Film

Industries especially vulnerable to summer conditions include:

• Food and Beverage – Where condensation and spoilage are concerns, breathable films help reduce moisture buildup.
• Agriculture – UV-resistant films are crucial for protecting produce from field to market.
• Construction Materials – Heavy products exposed to jobsite heat need reinforced wrap that won’t degrade in the sun.
• Logistics & Distribution – Cross-country transport often involves a range of climates. Premium stretch film ensures consistent protection from coast to coast.

Do You Ship A Lot of Items

If you are someone who ships a lot of items or even stores a lot of items. Stretch wrap is a good option to limit the amount of stuff you use. Just think of those odd shaped items that don’t fit properly into some containers. You no longer have to worry about that.

You can tremendously limit the amount of waste you have to. You wont need to carry as much packing supplies anymore. Stretch wrap fits so tightly around your items that they don’t shift and move. Everything should stay where you have put it, and be protected fully. That means fewer damaged goods and less stress during transit. It’s a simple switch that can make a big difference in your packing process.

Why Western Packaging is Your Summer Stretch Film Expert

At Western Packaging, we specialize in providing customized stretch film solutions tailored to your industry and the season. No matter the weather or your specific needs, we’ll help you find the perfect fit to keep your products protected. Our selection includes:

• UV-resistant stretch film
• Ventilated stretch film
• High-performance load retention film
• Machine and hand-grade options
• Anti-static stretch film

We also offer expert advice on proper application, helping you avoid costly product loss or shipment rework during the hottest months of the year. Choosing the right film for your specific needs can make all the difference in protecting your goods.

Trust the Right Film, Not Just Any Film

Stretch film can absolutely be trusted to protect your products in the summer if it’s the right kind and used with care. Not all stretch films perform the same under high heat, so choosing the right type is key. Don’t let the summer heat compromise your supply chain. With the right materials and support from Western Packaging, your loads can stay secure, stable, and protected all season long.

Get Stretch Film From Western Packaging

At Western Packaging, we are educated on our products. That’s why we offer a range of stretch film products that stand up to heat, humidity, and long-haul conditions. We understand that every shipment is different and requires a tailored approach. We would be glad to speak with you about your needs and how to best accommodate them. Doing our best to have a solution to any issue you may have is what we do. 

Contact Western Packaging today for help selecting the best summer-ready stretch film for your business. Explore our stretch film options.  our best to have a solution to any issue you may have is what we do. Call us and let us help you out. 

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

Stretch film is a type of flexible film made from polyethylene, a polyolefin plastic material. It is commonly used to create stretch and shrink films. Linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) is the most common type, but high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and low-density polyethylene (LDPE) are also available. 

There are two extrusion methods for producing stretch film. It can be blown or cast. Extrusion is the process of manufacturing stretch film and other flexible plastic products. This section will break down the two most commonly used extrusion processes for manufacturing stretch film. Knowing the process, benefits, and cost of each will allow you to better understand which might be best for your company, products, and needs. 

Blown Stretch Film

When the stretch film is blown it means the resin is melted and extruded through an annular die. This forms a thin-walled tube that is then blown up like a balloon. The wrap/balloon is then air-cooled. This is a slower process, but it provides a high-quality film. 

Because blown stretch wrap is more robust and resilient, it also allows for greater load-holding power. This type of wrap offers higher load and stretch capacity, higher memory, and better tear resistance for loads with sharp edges. However, the production cost tends to be higher with this method. The clarity of the wrap is poor due to crystallization and is more noisy when unwound from its roll. 

Cast Stretch Film

Cast stretch wrap is a type of wrap made from thermoplastic material, melted and extruded through a cast extrusion process. When stretch film is cast it means the film is extruded through a slot die, and 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. 

This type of wrap provides excellent clarity, reduced stretching force, increased tear resistance, quiet unwinding, and a superior two-sided cling. However, it lacks the load/holding power of blown stretch film and has less memory and tear resistance. 

Benefits Of Using Stretch Film

With its numerous benefits, stretch film is a popular choice for companies worldwide to palletize and contain products for shipping and transportation. Unlike other materials like strapping, stretch film offers many advantages, including improved product containment and securing. This confidence in its effectiveness and value makes it a preferred choice for many businesses. 

With its versatile applications, stretch film plays a crucial role in the world around us. Its use in delivering, transporting, and storing most products we use, eat, display, and store is often overlooked. There are countless products and uses for stretch film, making it a versatile and indispensable tool in various industries. 

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:

• Improved stability of products
• More efficient handling and storage of loads
• Some dust and moisture protection
• Some degree of tamper resistance
• Extend shelf life

How To Choose The Right Stretch Film For You

Choosing the best stretch film for your needs is not just important; it’s crucial. The right stretch film can ensure product stability, safety, and integrity during storage and transit. By understanding the basics of stretch film and your application needs, you can make an informed decision that will protect your palleted products, minimize damage, and reduce financial and product losses. 

Understanding the basics of stretch film and your application needs will better equip you to select the ideal wrap for your business. Factors to consider include load type, product type, application methods, and cost.

Application

The application method you will use for your stretch film significantly impacts your ideal wrap type. Hand Rolls are ideal for low-volume packaging operations or where machinery is not feasible. On the other hand, Machine Rolls are ideal for high-volume environments, as they can apply the film faster and more consistently.

Product Weight and Type

Your ideal choice of stretch film will depend on the type of product you are wrapping and its weight. Light loads, like tissues or paper, can be handled with lighter gauge film. Medium loads, like canned goods, typically require medium gauge film for better performance. And heavy loads, like bricks or chemicals, will require heavy-duty film to accommodate increased weight and potential shifting.

Cost

Balancing cost with quality is crucial for selecting the appropriate material for your products and bottom line. Economic films are thinner, less durable, and suitable for light loads. Premium films, on the other hand, offer better durability, puncture resistance, and stretch for challenging load types.

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Shrink film has many different purposes and can be used in ways most consumers do not think about. For more information contact us.