Stretch Film Usage Calculations

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For companies wrapping hundreds or thousands of pallets annually, determining the amount of stretch film usage and average stretch rate is important to understanding costs. Below are two step-by-step stretch wrap calculations and a video to determine stretch film usage and stretch rates.

Determine Stretch Film Usage

We recommend figuring the amount of film usage per pallet and then multiplying the amount of stretch film used per pallet times the amount of pallets per week.

To determine the amount of film being used per pallet, it is important to know the number of revolutions it takes around a pallet to secure the load. This is true whether applying by hand or machine.

In the video below we are using a pallet that requires a total of 11 revolutions to secure the load. The pallet dimensions are 48″x48″x63″.

Step 1 – Determine the amount of film used each revolution.

48″ per side x 4 sides = 192 inches of film used per revolution

Step 2 – Convert Inches of film used per revolution to ft.

192″ ÷ 12″ = 16 ft. per revolution

Step 3 – Multiple the number of revolutions by the amount of film used each revolution

11 revolutions x 16 ft. per revolution = 176 ft. of stretch film used per pallet.

The last step is determining the amount of pallets going out per day or week and multiplying it by the amount of film used each pallet. The final number will give an accurate amount of stretch film footage needed per given time period.

Determine Stretch Film Stretch Rate

Grasping the amount of stretch rate consistently obtained by employees wrapping by hand or by machine application is essential in understanding stretch film cost. The step-by-step guide below will explain how to determine the stretch rate obtained.

Step 1 – Using an easily visible marker, make a 10 inch line on stretch film unraveled from the roll. Be sure to put the line at least 2-4 ft. away from the end of the stretch film.

Step 2 – Tie the film to a pallet and begin wrapping the pallet as normal. After a few revolutions, re-measure the line and write down the new length.

Step 3 – Use the formula below to determine the amount of stretch.

Line Size After Stretch – Line Size Before Stretch ÷ Line Size Before Stretch

Example: If the line size before stretching is 10 inches and after stretching is 22 inches the formula would be as below.

22 – 10 = 12 ÷ 10 = 1.2 or 120% stretch.

Step 4 – Use the formula below to determine the amount of ft per roll with the average stretch rate.

1 + Stretch Rate Obtained x Ft. per roll of film.

Example: Standard Machine rolls are 5000 ft. long and hand rolls are 1500 ft. see the two examples below.

1 + 1.20 = 2.20 x 5000′ = 11,000 ft.

1 + 1.20 = 2.20 x 1500′ = 3,300 ft.

Once the post-stretched roll length is determined and the film usage is known, purchasers can make accurate forecasts in film ordering and film savings. Below is the formula.

Formula to Determine Film Usage For a Specified Period

Number of pallets wrapped each week x Ft. of stretch film used each pallet

Example: 40 pallets wrapped per week x 176 ft. of film used per pallet = 7,040 ft. of stretch film used weekly

Stretch film footage used weekly ÷ Post-stretched Roll Length

Example: 7,040′ of stretch film used ÷ 3,300′ Hand Stretch Film Rolls at 120% stretch = 2.13 rolls used per week at a 120% stretch rate.

The amount of stretch obtained when applying the film is a massive factor in the overall cost of film and usage. Typically, most hand applications reach 100% – 150% maximum stretch. Stretch wrap machines with a pre-stretched head can consistently obtain 225% – 250% stretch. In the example above, the 3,300′ hand stretch film roll would have been 5,250′ long with 250% stretch.

If you have any questions about reducing stretch film costs or usage, feel free to call us at 1-800-441-5090 or shop online at www.uspackagingandwrapping.com.

 

 

What Type of Plastic is Shrink Wrap?

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Heat shrink wrap is any material that shrinks when heat is applied to it. One of the most common materials mistakenly called shrink wrap is stretch film. Stretch film is the material stretched around pallet loads of products to secure loads during transport. Stretch film is made from LLDPE which stands for Linear Low-Density Polyethylene. LLDPE is often a thinner plastic that offers superior stretch and puncture resistance. There are a variety of resin mixtures and additives available to change the performance of a LLDPE plastic for stretch film.

Heat shrink wrap is a completely different product made from different plastics. As explained above, heat shrink wrap is any material that shrinks when heat is applied. The most common shrink wrap plastics are: PVC, Polyolefin, and Polyethylene. See more detailed descriptions for each below.

PVC – PVC stands for Polyvinyl Chloride and for years was the preferred shrink wrapping plastic for retail sales. A PVC shrink wrap is crinkly prior to heat being applied. The consistency resembles cellophane prior to heat being applied. PVC has a very low required shrink temperature. After heat is applied it becomes hard and rigid.

It is a favorite shrink wrap for low output productions concerned about affordability. During sealing and heating PVC emits a strong odor due to the chloride. Proper ventilation is recommended for anyone using a PVC shrink wrap.

Polyolefin – The term polyolefin can refer to a polyethylene or polypropylene plastic. For use in shrink wrapping, polyolefin shrink film differs substantially in characteristics from polyethylene shrink film. Polyolefin shrink film is quickly overtaking PVC as the most commonly used shrink film for retail packaging.

Polyolefin shrink plastic offers several benefits over PVC shrink plastic. A polyolefin shrink film is more shelf stable than PVC shrink wrap. It also offers better seals and less residue after seals are made on high-speed machines. One of the major benefits of polyolefin shrink film is FDA approval for direct food contact. Due to the chloride in PVC shrink film, it is not approved for direct food contact.

Polyethylene – Polyethylene comes in multiple variations. It is the most common plastic in the world. For shrink wrapping, polyethylene shrink film is most commonly used for heavier wrapping applications. For retail sales, polyethylene is often used for packaging cases of water bottles and canned goods. Retail polyethylene shrink wrap offers an excellent stretch rate and puncture resistance. The most common thicknesses used for retail sales is a 2-3 mil thickness.

Another very common use for polyethylene shrink wrap is industrial applications. Polyethylene shrink wrap is used for winterizing boats and other products. Most industrial polyethylene shrink wrap comes in very large and thick rolls. Rolls often range from 8-20 ft. wide and thicknesses are available from 6-12 mils. Most industrial polyethylene shrink wrap comes with UV additives to prevent the film from breaking down during outdoor exposure.

If you have any further questions about shrink wrap plastics, give us a call at 1-800-441-5090 or shop for retail shrink wrap packaging online at www.uspackagingandwrapping.com.

Wearable Shrink Wrap Machine Parts

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It is common for modern machines in any industry to have wearable parts when used day in and day out. Proper machine maintenance helps to ensure machines last longer. A shrink wrap machine is no different. We have customers using our shrink wrap machines 24 hours per day. With this much usage there are common parts that wear faster than others.

In this post we are going to look at some common wearable parts on our L bar and I bar sealers. Keeping extra wearable parts on hand will help prevent a line shut down and production loss. We are going to look at wearable parts on sealers with sealing wires and sealers with micro knives.

The difference between a micro knife and a sealing wire can be seen in the images below. The major difference is the design of the wire and knife. A sealing wire is thinner and made for low to moderate production. A micro knife is made for all-day use and higher production levels.

Wearable Parts For Sealers w/Sealing Wires
Wearable Parts For Wire SealersFrom the Left: Wire Replacement, Fuse, Silicone Sealing Bar, 3/4 Inch Tape, 1/2 Inch Tape

Wire Replacement – The sealing wire is what heats up during sealing and makes the seal. A sealing wire is a lot like a wire filament in a light bulb. Eventually after enough usage it will need to be replaced. It is very common to replace sealing wires after a few thousand seals or less depending on the film being used. In the image below, the sealing wire is below the tape on the sealing bar.

Fuse – Like any electrical machine, shrink wrap sealers have fuses to protect them from electrical surges. Any sealer we sell uses easy-to-find electrical fuses found at most hardware stores.

Silicone Sealing Bar – The silicone sealing bar is at the bottom of a wire sealer. When the sealing wire is pressed on the the shrink wrap, the silicone bar is the bottom piece that the hot wire is pressed against. The silicone bar needs to be replaced when noticeable grooves develop in the silicone from the sealing wire. This often takes a very long time to develop if running the sealer on a low temperature. Hint: the silicone sealing bar can be turned over before purchasing a new one if one side develops grooves.

Replacement Tape – The most wearable item on a shrink wrap sealer. Teflon tape helps to protect the sealing wire from residue build up. Over time the film develops a black residue where being sealed. The Teflon tape is used to protect the wire from the residue. The tape should be replaced if it develops excessive residue build up or if it is burned through exposing the sealing wire.

Sealing Wire and TapeSilicone Sealing Bar

Wearable Parts For Sealers w/Micro Knives

Replaceable Parts For Band Ribbons

From the Left: Fuse, Transit Channel, 3/4 Inch Tape, 1/2 Inch Tape, Micro Knife

Fuse – As explained above, a fuse is found in most electrical devices. It protects the machines from electrical surges. All of our machines use easily accessible fuses that can be found at most hardware stores.

Transit Channel – A transit channel is made from porcelain and is used for positioning the micro knife. The transit channel has a small channel the size of the micro knife width. The knife is inserted and rests in the channel. Transit channels often only need to be replaced after several thousands of seals. An indicator of the need for a new channel is if the knife easily pulls out of the channel after making a seal.

Replacement Tape – For a shrink wrap sealer with a micro knife, Teflon tape is used as the material the micro knife is pressed against when making a seal. In the picture below you can see how the tape is used on the opposite side of the micro knife. We often recommend purchasing a ten yard roll of tape upon the purchase of a sealer with a micro knife. It is by far the most commonly replaced item on sealers with a micro knife.

Micro Knife – A micro knife is a thick piece of wire used for high output sealing operations. The micro knife is more durable and longer lasting that a traditional sealing wire. Micro knives can last tens of thousands of seals when properly maintained. A damp cloth used to wipe the knife at the end of each shift when the machine is unplugged tremendously lengthens the life of a micro knife. When a micro knife needs to be replaced, it will break or have too much residue build up on the knife to properly make seals.

Band Ribbon and Transit ChannelTeflon Tape on Shrink Wrap Machine

Anytime your businesses production depends on a shrink wrap sealer, having wearable parts on hand is recommended. The ability to quickly change wearable items eliminates unnecessary halts to production. We offer all wearable and non-wearable parts to the machines we sell. Call us at 1-800-441-5090 or shop online if you would like to purchase a shrink wrap machine from a company that can quickly provide parts and support if needed.

Benefits of an Automatic Stretch Wrap Machine

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Making the decision to purchase an automatic stretch wrap machine can be a difficult one to make. They cost more than semi-auto machines, and both achieve the same end result. So what are the benefits of an automatic stretch wrap machine and how do you know if it will benefit your business?

The number one benefit of an automatic stretch wrap machine over semi-auto machines is efficiency. This article will help determine if an automatic stretch wrap machine is needed for your business and what benefits they may provide.

Production Indicators To Justify an Automatic Stretch Wrap Machine Purchase

  • Full time forklift operators
  • Forklift operators with idle time while pallets are being wrapped
  • Delayed outbound product shipments due to warehouse inefficiencies
  • Outdated stretch wrap machines
  • A dedicated warehouse worker having the job of running stretch wrap machines

Let’s look at the process of operating semi-auto machines vs. automatic stretch wrap machines.

Semi-auto Stretch Wrap Machine

  1. The pallet is placed on the turntable.
  2. The operator has to get off the forklift.
  3. The operator has to tie the film to the pallet load.
  4. If the machine has an auto photo eye the operator can push the start button and let the machine go to work/ if the machine does not have a photo eye the operator has to manually adjust the carriage up and down while the turntable is moving.
  5. Once the load is finished the operator has to cut the film and attach it to the pallet.
  6. The operator gets back on the forklift and removes the load from the turntable.

Automatic Stretch Wrap Machine

  1. The Pallet is placed on the turntable.
  2. The operator pushes a button on the wireless remote.
  3. The operator removes the load from the turntable when finished.

The ability to keep forklift drivers on the forklift is one of the major benefits of an automatic stretch wrap machine. An automatic stretch wrap machine allows operators to drop off the pallet load, push a button and go get the next load. By the time the driver reaches the machine with the next load it is finished wrapping.

Check out the video below for a demonstration of an automatic stretch wrap machine. We offer semi-auto and fully auto machines online at www.uspackagingandwrapping.com or you can call us at 1-800-441-5090 with questions or quote requests. Normal lead times range from 5-7 days of a completed order for our automatic stretch wrap machines.

Shrink Wrapping Chocolates

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Product damage is a serious concern for anyone wrapping heat sensitive products such as chocolates. We often receive calls from confectioners concerned about packaging chocolates with heat shrink wrap. Since shrink wrapping requires heat to properly package products, melting is a legitimate concern. The good news is we have several chocolatiers as customers across the country using our shrink wrap machines with no melting. There are a few things to consider when looking at shrink wrap for packaging chocolates.

  1. Desired Type of Shrink Film – Different shrink films require different heat settings and exposure to heat for proper shrinking. The most common types of shrink wrap used to package chocolate are PVC and Polyolefin. For direct contact with the chocolate, polyolefin shrink film is required.

The required shrink temperature for a standard 75 gauge PVC shrink wrap is often between 250-270 degrees Fahrenheit. The product will often spend less than five seconds exposed to heat within the tunnel. A standard 75 gauge polyolefin shrink wrap often requires a heat setting of 300-350 degrees Fahrenheit with less than five seconds of exposure within the tunnel.

  1. Desired Thickness of Shrink Film – The most common thickness for both PVC and Polyolefin shrink film is 75 gauge. The 75 gauge shrink film is excellent for wrapping the vast majority of chocolate products.

The need for a thicker shrink film is often required because of larger heavier products or transportation stress after packaging. We do have a customer wrapping 20 and 50 pound bricks of solid chocolates that need to use a thicker shrink film. We also have customers that shrink wrap chocolates and handle the product multiple times after packaging. This can also require the use of a thicker shrink film. The use of a thicker shrink film requires longer exposure to heat.

  1. Type of Heating Element – Shrink wrapping requires the sealing of the open shrink film ends which does not cause melting. The process also requires heating of the shrink film to shrink it down to the product. This is the part of the process the can potentially cause product damage.

This rarely happens with the use of a shrink tunnel. Even thicker film requires a very limited time exposed to heat. The form of heating element often causing damage is heat guns. Heat guns are often used for lower output production levels. Depending on the user, packaging with a heat gun can expose products to heat up to one minute which can cause damage to products.

We shot a video packaging products with the 1519 shrink combo system to demonstrate to customers the length of time chocolates would be exposed to heat within a shrink tunnel. At the end of the video below, the operator removes the shrink film to show the chocolates within the package.

Shop all of our shrink wrap machines online at www.uspackagingandwrapping.com. If you have any further questions or concerns about shrink wrapping chocolates or any other heat sensitive products call us at 1-800-441-5090 and we would be happy to assist you.

5 Things To Know About Stretch Film Converting

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Many people purchasing stretch film are not aware of the stretch film conversion process, which is perfectly fine. There are many products we purchase and have no idea how they are made. We wanted to share information about the stretch film conversion process to help potential stretch film buyers in their purchase.

The actual manufacturing process of stretch film is called extrusion. A couple of years ago we wrote a blog post about the stretch film extrusion process. The extrusion process requires the melting and forming of the stretch film resin. The end product is most commonly a master roll. The large master roll is then converted to a variety of stretch film sizes.

The process of conversion is what we are going to focus on. Being aware of this process assists stretch film buyers in a variety of ways which are explained below.

Stretch Film Conversion Requires the unwinding of a Master Roll

The large master roll created during the extrusion process must be unwound to convert the stretch film. The master roll can vary in size and width.

How does this help a buyer? The conversion process takes time. If a specific size is not in stock, there is often a 2-5 day lead time for film conversion.

Stretch Film Master roll

Stretch Film Converting Machines Feature Electronic Length Counters

An electronic length counter enables converters to adjust roll lengths according to film thickness. Thicker stretch film often has shorter rolls than thinner film. This helps to keep the overall roll weight comparable.

How does this help a buyer? The electronic roll counters are extremely accurate to ensure customers get the desired length of film.

Digital Length Counter

Stretch Film Conversion Limits are Often Constrained By Available Core Sizes

Stretch film converting machines often allow the converter to reduce the master roll to any size desired. One of the key limitations in conversion sizes is the size of the core. The core is the cardboard on the inside of the roll of stretch film. Cores are often made by a variety of cardboard corrugaters and sent to stretch film converters.

How does this help a buyer? A stretch film converter is often limited to the size of rolls based on the core sizes available. Requesting an oddball width such as a 2.75 inch wide stretch film roll would require the production of a core size in that width. This is often not possible and too costly to do so. This is why we are often limited to standard sized widths.

Stretch Film Cores

Stretch Film Converting Can Also Produce Pre-Stretch Stretch Film

Another popular product produced with stretch film conversion is Pre-stretch stretch film. During the conversion process of a pre-stretch stretch film, stretch film is pulled from the master roll and stretched up to 90% of available stretchability and placed on a smaller roll.

How does this help a buyer? Pre-stretch stretch film is a great option for companies to look into. Because the film is stretched prior to being placed on a roll, workers have to exert less energy when applying the film. Another great advantage is it is much cheaper than a standard stretch film. Being aware of the pre-stretch converting possibilities can potentially save companies thousands of dollars in stretch film costs.

Prestretched Stretch Film

Stretch Film Conversion is Responsible for the Rise of Coreless Stretch Film

Coreless stretch film is growing in popularity for a variety of reasons. Stretch film converters pre-stretch film from a master roll without the use of a core in the machine. Eliminating the cost of the core helps to reduce overall stretch film costs. Eliminating a stretch film core also reduces product lost due to damaged cores.

How does this help a buyer? Coreless stretch film is a great option to consider if wrapping lighter pallets. Aside from the two reasons above, shipping weights on coreless stretch film rolls are substantially less as well.

Coreless Stretch Film

The stretch film conversion process plays a very important roll in bringing a variety of finished products to end users. If you need any further assistance with stretch film quotes, questions, or applications feel free to contact us at 1-800-441-5090 or shop online at www.uspackagingandwrapping.com.

Different Types of Shrink Wrap

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The term shrink wrap is a generic term often used in commercial packaging, retail packaging, food packaging, and industrial packaging. Because a lot of our business is composed of shrink wrap products we get calls all the time for “shrink wrap” quote requests. Often times people do not realize there are many different types of shrink wrap as well as many materials shrink wrap is made from.

We thought it would be helpful to write an extensive blog post about the different types of shrink wrap. Because the types of shrink wrap vary in range dramatically, we do not offer all of the types mentioned. Every type we offer in the list below will have a connected link.

Before we get in to the types of shrink wrap, we want to make a quick mention to what shrink wrap is not. The most mistaken product referred to as shrink wrap is stretch film. The plastic wrap product often used to wrap pallet loads. Though called a shrink wrap, no heat is applied and the stretch film does not actually shrink. It is a stretch film, stretch wrap, or often called a pallet wrap.

All of the types of shrink wrap listed below require heat to be applied for the material to begin shrinking. We have tried to offer possible suppliers to consider for the types of shrink wrap we do not offer.

Types of Shrink Wrap

Centerfold Shrink Wrap

Centerfold Shrink Wrap– One of the most common types of shrink wrap for retail packaging. Centerfold shrink wrap is folded in half length-ways and placed on a roll. This allows users to slide the product being wrapped between the film, seal the open ends, and then apply heat. Centerfold shrink wrap is most commonly made from PVC and Polyolefin. Some suppliers do offer a Polyethylene centerfold shrink film.

Shrink Sleeve

Shrink Sleeves- Another very common type of shrink wrap for retail packaging. Shrink sleeves are often printed on and placed over bottles to brand products. Shrink sleeves often have a lower maximum shrink rate to keep from distorting printing. Preparing plates and design mock ups can often be extensive as well as meeting required product minimums. A couple companies to consider contacting for shrink sleeves are: Source One Packaging and shrinksleevelabels.com.
shrink wrap tubing

Shrink Tubing– The main difference between shrink tubing and shrink sleeves is shrink tubing is often on a continuous roll. Shrink sleeves are pre-cut to fit the product being packaged. Shrink tubing is often made from PVC of Polyethylene. Tubing made from PVC is often used for retail packaging longer objects, while polyethylene tubing is often used for packaging cases of liquids and canned products.

Another common use for shrink tubing is electrical shrink tubing. It is often made from a seamless, very thick polyolefin. Electrical shrink tubing is not commonly used in packaging so we will not go into much detail. Some great sources for electrical shrink tubing are Grainger and more locally Autozone.

shrink band

Shrink Banding- Shrink banding is another form of tubing or sleeve except much smaller. Most people are familiar with shrink banding as a safety seal wrapped around over-the-counter medicines and toiletries. Shrink banding is often made from a PVC shrink wrap and requires a low shrink temperature. Shrink banding often comes with easy-to-open perforations. Most shrink banding is custom made to fit the specific bottle being packaged, but some companies do stock a lot of different banding sizes. A few companies to check out if interested in shrink banding are: packagingoptionsdirect.com and SKS Bottle and Packaging.

Shrink Bags

Shrink Bags- Shrink bags are very easy to describe. They have three enclosed sides and one open side. Users insert a product inside the bag, seal the open end and apply heat. Shrink bags are most commonly available in PVC, but we offer PVC and food grade polyolefin shrink bags.

Industrial Shrink Wrap

Industrial Shrink Wrap- Industrial and Marine shrink wrap is often very thick heat shrink wrap made to wrap large objects. One of the most common uses for industrial shrink wrap is the winterization of boats. Industrial shrink wrap can cover and protect boats and other objects during harsh winter months. Industrial shrink wrap is often made from Polyethylene or Polypropylene. Thicknesses often start at 6 Mils and go up to 20 Mils. Several online companies offer Industrial grade shrink wrap. Here are a couple of companies to check out if interested in industrial shrink wrap: Dr Shrink and Big Shrink.

Single Wound Shrink Wrap

Single Wound Shrink Wrap– Single wound shrink wrap is an industry term that means a lay flat shrink wrap. It is simply wound onto the roll flat instead of centerfolded. Single wound PVC and Polyolefin shrink wrap are very difficult to find these days. Most packaging machines are made for centerfolded PVC or Polyolefin shrink wrap. One of the most common single wound shrink wraps is a Polyethylene single wound shrink wrap. Single wound polyethylene rolls are very commonly used with high speed shrink bundlers for packaging water and a variety of other liquids.

Shrink Tape- Shrink tape is often used in place of electrical shrink tubing. Users often wrap electrical wires with shrink tape and apply heat to them to shrink and fit to wires. Shrink tape is often used to connect multiple wires together.

Another form of shrink tape is used for Industrial shrink wrap mentioned above. The shrink tape is often used to connect two sheets of industrial shrink wrap or repair holes. If interested in the electrical shrink tape visit Xtremetape.com. For the industrial shrink tape, Dr. Shrink sells it online.

Pallet Shrink Bags

Pallet Shrink Wrap Bags– Prior to the popularity of stretch film, pallet shrink bags used to be the preferred method of stabilizing and protecting pallet loads of products. Pallet bags are normally made from 3-6 Mil clear polyethylene shrink wrap. Pallet bags are often shrunk with a propane heat gun. They are used to stabilize and protect products during transport.

We are sure somewhere along the way we missed a couple of types of shrink wrap. This should cover the majority of types for anyone looking on the web. Hopefully this post will serve as a guide to assist in finding the right type of shrink wrap for your specific application. If you are interested in one of the many types of shrink wrap we offer, please visit www.uspackagingandwrapping.com.

Prolong the life of Stretch Plastic Wrap in the Sun

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Storing pallets of products outdoors is a common practice in many industries. Companies often do not have the indoor storage space to keep all products inside. In order to transport the products to and from outdoor storage they often need to be stabilized with a stretch plastic wrap.

The problem with stabilizing pallet loads with a stretch film and storing the product outside is the UV radiation from the sun. Ultra violet radiation from the sun can break down the plastic wrap as well as the product in outdoor storage. In fact, most stock stretch wrap plastic will begin to break down within 30 days of outdoor storage.

Outdoor Plastic Wrap Storage

Stretch Film with a UVI Additive

A stretch film with a UVI (Ultra Violet Inhibitor) additive is a great solution to this problem. The UVI additive works the same as a sunscreen does to skin. It protects the plastic from breaking down by the ultra violet light.

Stretch film is made from polyethylene plastic which rapidly degrades when exposed to UV radiation. The degradation causes the plastic wrap to lose stretch and cling ability over time making the film ineffective.

The UVI additive is clear and unable to be seen by the naked eye. It is added during the melting of the polyethylene resin pellets. Over time there have been a variety of chemicals used as UVI additives. Some of the chemicals commonly used are: phenyl salicylate, polyarylates, nickel salts, titanium oxide, zinc oxide, and more. Some of the chemicals listed have been and are still used in sunscreens for human application.

The additives can protect film up to 9 months to 1 year from break down. Most extended UVI additive films are custom runs and require a 1 pallet minimum for production.

UV additive

Opaque Stretch Film to Protect Products

Aside from plastic film break down when storing products outside, another common problem is product break down. Some products do not break down in sunlight when stored for a year of less, but others rapidly break down.

For storing products outdoors that are sensitive to sunlight, we recommend the use of an opaue stretch film with a UVI additive. As discussed above, the UVI additive will product the film from break down and the opacity of the film will protect the product.

Depending on the amount of stretch obtained and the thickness of an opaque stretch film, it can typically block out light within 3-4 wraps. Completely blocking out sunlight will help to greatly extend the life of a product stored outdoors.

Opaque Stretch Film

We offer stock white and black machine and hand opaque stretch film rated for 1 month of UV exposure for sale online. For extended UV periods we offer custom runs on pallet minimums with typical lead times 1-3 weeks. Call us at 1-800-441-5090 with questions and quote requests.