Everyday we give out stretch film quotes to people wanting multiple quantities shipped to a variety of places. In the process of giving quotes, we try to determine a couple of factors that can impact the stretch film products the client is currently getting.
Question 1. What type film are you using? Normally, width, thickness, and length are fine, but manufacturer can help as well.
Question 2. Does the stretch film adequately perform? Ideally we like for the client to already be happy with the film they have so we can offer them the same film or something equivalent to what they have been using. If the client says they want something thicker, we normally ask a few other questions to determine why they want to up-gauge. If the client is inquiring about down-gauging, we try to make proper suggestions and inform them about the differences they will see in the film by down gauging.
Finding another stretch film option is for another blog post. For this post we are going to assume the client is happy with the film they are using. They say they are using a 20″x5000′ 80 gauge machine stretch film and would like a skid quote. It is standard for us to ask where the product will be going to and then we give the quote.
If we give the quote for a skid of 20″x5000′ 80 gauge machine stretch film and our price per roll is dramatically off, then there may be a very common issue taking place. Stretch Film Impostors! We don’t claim to have the cheapest prices in all the land, but we do claim to have competitive pricing. If our quote comes in the ballpark of the price the client is paying, but we are still a little higher that is understandable. The problem comes when our prices are $5, $10, $15, & $20 per roll higher.
Red flag, chances are the client is not getting a true gauged film they asked us to quote them on. They are probably getting an equivalent film and being told it is an 80 gauge film. There is absolutely nothing wrong with equivalent stretch film. It is predicted there will be a complete shift in the industry, and everybody will eventually be using equivalent stretch films. We love them, because often times we can save our clients money by using equivalent stretch films.
As much as we are all for equivalent stretch film, we do not feel it is right to give someone an equivalent film while claiming it is a true 80 gauge stretch film. How do you know if you are getting a true 80 gauge stretch film?
U.S. Packaging & Wrapping has you covered. It all has to do with the weight of an unused film roll you currently have. You will need a scale and a calculator to figure if you are getting a true gauged film.
Stretch Film Weight Equation= Film Width x Film Thickness x Film Length x 12 / 30,000= Film Weight
Example For 20″ x 5000′ x 80 gauge machine stretch film roll
20 x .8 x 5000 x 12 / 30,000= 32 Pounds
Remember this is for film weight. You will have to add anywhere from a half a pound to pound and a half with the core depending on the size of the roll.
This equation can work for any film thickness or width to give you an accurate idea of what you are getting. We have done a few common stretch film sizes for quick reference.
Stretch Film Weights
Roll Size Film Weight Approx. Roll Weight Including Core
20″ x 5000′ x 80 gauge 32 lbs. 33-33.5 lbs
30″ x 5000′ x 80 gauge 48 lbs 49-50 lbs.
40″ x 5000′ x 80 gauge 64 lbs 65-66 lbs.
18″ x 1500′ x 80 gauge 8.64 lbs. 9.5 lbs.
15″ x 1500′ x 80 gauge 7.2 lbs. 8-8.4 lbs.
12″ x 1500′ x 80 gauge 5.76 lbs. 6.5 lbs.
If you weigh you stretch film roll and use the equation above to figure what the weight is supposed to be, the film weight should weigh within a pound of that weight. Don’t forget to allow some weight for the core.
An equivalent stretch film will weigh considerably less than true gauged film. Even on the smaller 12″ rolls it is over a pound difference, and several pounds difference on the larger rolls.
If you do weigh your stretch film roll and find that you have been getting an equivalent, there is nothing wrong with that. Especially if it is working for you. You may think about the company you are doing business with though. If they are willing to not tell you about that, what else are they keeping from you?
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