Stretch Wrap Reference Guide

We recently posted a shrink wrap reference guide on our other packaging blog. The guide is a compilation of information and links about heat shrink wrapping products, machines, and applications. We publish a lot of content about heat shrink wrap and stretch wrap on our website and both of our blogs. Often times it can be difficult for someone interested to find all of the information in one place, a reference guide is a great way to make information quick and easy to find. Since we have had such a good reception to our shrink wrap reference guide, we decided to make a stretch wrap reference guide.

Like our other guide we figured the best way to list all of the information is to answer questions often asked in the buying process with links and materials to help buyers make decisions about products. We recognize there may be some questions that are not addressed for each individual buyer. We welcome the opportunity to discuss any questions you may have. Call us at 1-800-441-5090 if you would like to speak with a sales associate.

What is stretch wrap?

Shrink wrap and stretch wrap are often confused by buyers new to packaging. The easiest way to differentiate the two is to remember shrink wrap uses heat to shrink and conform to the product or products being wrapped. Stretch wrap uses cling to stick to itself when wrapped. See the references below for further explanation.

Our stretch wrap 101 page explains in more detail what stretch wrap is. It also describes advantages and disadvantages of each form of stretch film.

Wikipedia offers a basic definition of stretch wrap. The snippet briefly explains uses and materials for stretch film.

We wrote a blog post earlier this year explaining how stretch film is made. The post explains the benefits of each type of production process and how the stretch film is made during each extrusion process.

One of our blog posts last year explains common uses of stretch film. This is an excellent article to become familiar with stretch wrap uses and applications. There are a variety of examples listed to give buyers and idea of which types of stretch wrap to consider.

Allstar supply also offers a stretch wrap 101 page explaining the benefits and advantages of different forms of stretch wrap. The page offers videos and pictures to assist users with stretch wrap information.

After becoming familiar with stretch wrap, the next thing people want to know is what are the benefits. We have some great information about the benefits stretch wrap offers companies to protect from product loss and damage.

How Can Stretch Film Benefit My Business?

One of the primary reasons companies use stretch wrap is to reduce product loss during transportation. The proper film can save companies thousands in reduced product loss throughout the year. Opaque stretch wrap is also a great way to conceal product shipments. Concealing a product shipment can help prevent theft and product tampering. See the references below for more in-depth explanations.

Last year we wrote a blog post about how stretch film can save your company thousands of dollars per year. The post explains the benefits of unitizing pallet loads to reduce product loss and damage.

Our article about vented stretch film explains the benefits of vented stretch film for business owners. Vented stretch film is a great option for wrapping produce, firewood, and frozen products. The die-cut holes in vented stretch film allows wrapped products to breathe and reduce condensation and mold.

Daco lists 6 benefits of stretch film on their blog. The reference gives a brief explanation of each listed benefit. A great reference for anyone wanting a short descriptive article about stretch film benefits.

Crawford Provincial also offers a great reference about the benefits of using stretch film. The article lists multiple benefits of stretch film use and explanations of each.

What Type Stretch Film Do I Need?

Any company wrapping multiple pallets per day should consider purchasing a stretch wrap machine. Machines reduce stretch film waste and increase efficiency. Hand stretch film may be ideal for companies only wrapping a few pallet loads per week. There are a variety of both hand and machine films available. Use the references below to help determine the type of stretch film that may work for wrapping your products.

The gauge conversion chart is a great starting point for anyone wanting to know about stretch film thickness. The chart compares gauges to mils, microns, and inches.

Our stretch wrap 101 page offers a chart explaining stretch film thickness and widths. The chart offers examples of common uses of each film thickness and width.

Paragon Films offers a great guide for determining the type of stretch film needed for different applications. The guide highlights a variety of questions to address when determining the proper film for wrapping various products.

Each reference listed is an excellent starting point for obtaining the proper film. We recommend requesting samples after establishing an idea of which stretch film may be ideal. Samples will help ensure you are ordering the proper film for your products.

Ho Do I Increase Efficiency and Reduce Stretch Film Cost?

After finding the proper stretch film many companies begin wanting to reduce overall film cost. There are two primary options for reducing stretch film cost. The first option is to increase efficiency when wrapping loads. The best way to reach maximum film efficiency is switching from hand wrapping to machine wrapping. If that is not a preferred option, proper hand pallet wrapping will increase film efficiency as well. The other option is to reduce film cost is down gauging with an equivalent stretch film.

Equivalent stretch films are made from different resin formulas to make film thinner and stronger. An equivalent stretch film may only have a 63 ga. thickness but offer up to an 80 ga. holding strength. Use the references below for ideas on how to reduce stretch film costs.

We posted a tutorial on Behance explaining how to properly stretch wrap a pallet. One tool that is not used in the tutorial to help increase efficiency is a stretch film dispenser with a braking system. An adjustable break enables users to reach maximum stretch potential of the pallet wrap. Most users do not reach the full stretch potential of the film, therefore wasting film and increasing cost.

Phoenix Wrappers offers a great article about reasons to switch to a stretch wrap machine from hand wrapping. The article highlights the efficiencies of stretch wrap machines compared to hand wrapping.

We have wrote several articles about reducing film costs. Our recent article about how to reduce stretch film cost explains two primary ways to reduce stretch film costs. Both suggestions can be used during your next stretch film purchase.

Our article about equivalent stretch film explains the advantages of down gauging to an equivalent stretch film.

If you have any questions about stretch film products, machines, or applications, feel free to call us at 1-800-441-5090 or visit our online store at www.uspackagingandwrapping.com.