Pallet shrink wrap is used to secure and protect loads for shipment and storage. Pallet shrink wrap is commonly used to unitize boxes of goods, but it can be used with many load sizes, shapes, and products. Many misconceptions should be clarified about the material, beginning with the name. Below are a few misunderstandings about pallet shrink wrap and a short explanation to help better describe this mystery material.
The Material Shrinks
A pallet heat shrink wrap will shrink when heat is applied. This is a different material than what many people call pallet shrink wrap. Propane heat guns are used to apply heat to the shrinkable material. Most pallet heat shrink wrap is available in various bag sizes to fit pallet loads. Polyethylene is a common material used in pallet heat shrink wrap.
The term pallet shrink wrap is more often used for a stretch film. Stretch film is thinner than a pallet heat shrink wrap. Stretch film is available in hand rolls or machine rolls. When the material is dispensed from the roll, it stretches around the load to hold the products tightly together. This firmly pulled outer protection will unitize the load. It is essential to wrap the products and the pallet. With bumps and regular road conditions, the unitized load can move or shift off the pallet during transport. The stretching of the material also helps to reduce waste. Rolls are capable of stretching hundreds of percent.
Pallet Shrink Wrap is the Same as Food Wrap
Pallet stretch film does have some cling to one side and possibly two, but it is much different than food wrap. The cling in pallet wrap is often found on one side to help the film stick to itself. Pallet shrink wrap is made from LLDPE with additives. These additives, called plasticizers, make the material more flexible and stretchable.
Food cling wrap is made from a different material with much less stretch capabilities than food pallet wrap. Food cling is made from a PVC material and is much thinner than most pallet wrapping films. Wrapping and securing a load with food cling wrap would be a waste of resources and would not be an effective way to wrap pallets.
Pallet Shrink Wrap is Food-Safe
Stretch film for wrapping pallets is not for direct food contact unless explicitly stated on the film. Most hand or machine wrap is made in facilities not designated for food-safe production. Some blown and unique wraps are considered food-safe, but they must be detailed explicitly with documentation. Foods in boxes or containers are always wrapped with pallet wrap. The wrap mustn’t cause condensation for cold storage, which can lead to mold and spoilage.
Pallet Shrink Wrap Can be Wrapped Without Stretching
Prestretched stretch film comes on the roll stretched up to ninety percent and does not require much pulling or stretching during application. This is an excellent option for uniform loads. For heavier loads and anything with sharp edges or corners, the film should be capable of being stretched or pulled tightly around the pallet. The stretching secures products as one load. It also helps to keep the load on the pallet. Reaching the maximum stretch rate also reduces waste and increases the number of pallets each roll can wrap.
Machine and Hand Pallet Wrap are the Same
Premium hand pallet wrap can stretch up to 150% with consistent tension during application. Hand dispensers have brakes to help attain more stretch while manually applying the film. The brake can be adjusted to pull the tightly without breaking the load of goods being wrapped.
Stretch wrap machines can reach higher stretch rates of up to 300%. A pre-stretched head pulls the film with rollers to stretch it before it is wrapped around the pallet. This is why using machine wrap on a machine is vital. A hand wrap will not stretch to the total amount, and issues will occur.
Conclusion
There are many misunderstandings related to pallet shrink wrap. If you are searching for a thicker material to apply heat to, pallet heat shrink wrap is the correct item. Many pallet shrink wrap bags are four mils or thicker, and a propane heat gun is used to apply heat.
Pallet stretch wrap is also often referenced as pallet shrink wrap. The material does not shrink; it stretches. The stretching helps to secure pallet loads during transport and storage. If you have questions about pallet heat shrink wrap or pallet stretch film, call 1-800-441-5090 or shop online at uspackagingandwrapping.com.
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