What is Stretch Wrap?

What is stretch wrap? Stretch wrap, a highly stretchable plastic made from linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), is tightly stretched and wrapped around a load of boxes or cartons. The elastic stretch recovery allows stretch wrap to hold products securely on the pallet.

What is Stretch Wrap and Other Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

1. What is stretch wrap and how is it different from shrink wrap?

Shrink wrap is applied loosely around an item or product and shrinks tightly with the application of heat. On the other hand, stretch wrap has an elastic recovery, instead of an application of heat to ensure that cartons or products are tightly bound. 

2. When is stretch wrap used?

Stretch wrap is commonly used to unitize (or package into a single unit) pallet loads. Stretch wrap is also used for bundling smaller items.

3. What types of stretch wraps are there?

The different types of stretch wrap include hand stretch, stretch film, machine stretch film, cast stretch film, cast stretch film, blown stretch film, specialty stretch film, and converted stretch film.

4. What are the benefits and functions of stretch wrap?

• Stretch wrap helps improve the stability of the packages or products by forming a unit load.
• Stretch wrap helps ensure that the unit loads are handled and stored more efficiently.
• Stretch wrap helps protect against some degree of dust, dirt, and moisture.
• Stretch wrap helps ensure tamper resistance, which means that packages or products wrapped with stretch wraps are less likely to be intentionally sabotaged because of the added protection.
• Stretch wrap helps protect your shipments from pilferage which means that the stretch wrap reduces the likelihood that the contents of the package will be stolen because of the added protection of the stretch wrap.
• Stretch wrap also provides some degree of sun protection (this is the case with UV stretch wraps).
• Stretch wrap also extends the shelf life of certain foods.
• Stretch wrap helps secure pallet loads which reduce shipping and handling damages.
• Opaque stretch wrap helps conceal products and contents in the load and helps minimize instances of theft.
• Opaque stretch films are excellent for colour coding items and for working more efficiently.
• Stretch wraps help improve inventory control by enabling visual inspections of products.
• Stretch wrap film are recyclable and environmentally friendly.
• Stretch wrap is versatile and adaptable because the film can wrap products of diverse sizes and many surfaces (pointy or flat surfaces).
• Stretch wrap is cost effective because it is less expensive than many other types of pallet wrapping products.

5. How do I know what stretch wrap film size I should use?

Film wrap comes in a variety of different widths and thicknesses, which are required for different applications.  The size chart can help you find the ideal thickness and width for your application.

6. What is the difference between cast and blown stretch films?

Cast stretch film is manufactured through a process known as the cast extrusion process, whereby thermoplastic material is melted and extruded continuously through a flat die. The material is transferred onto a chill roll, cooled off, and then resolidified. The manufacturing process of cast film produces superior optics, high durability, quiet unwind, and excellent two-sided cling. As a result, less force is required to stretch cast film and it offers stronger tear resistance, keeping packages securely packaged.

Conversely, blown stretch film is manufactured using the blown extrusion manufacturing process. Plastic material is extruded vertically through an annular slit die, and this forms a tube with a thin wall. Air is blown through an opening at the die’s center, which inflates the tube like a balloon. An air ring blows air on the top of the film tube to cool it. This manufacturing process makes blown film stronger and more resilient than cast film. Blown film has higher mechanical properties which offer significant load holding force.

7. What is pre-stretch film?

Pre-stretch film allows stretch film to be stretched prior to its application and is made with a process whereby the film is stretched using two rollers. The second roller operates more rapidly than the first roller, creating tension to stretch the film which is situation between both rollers. In short, pre-stretch film is stretch film that has been mechanically stretched.

8. What are the benefits of using pre-stretch film?

Pre-stretch film offers a myriad of benefits for usage. When the film is stretched, its strength and durability significantly increase. Additionally, pre-stretch film has a film memory, whereby once it is stretched, it will attempt to return to its original state. This stretchability allows for films to stretch more around palletized loads and offer additional security. Pre-stretch film is also cost-effective, as it allows you to wrap more pallet loads using less stretch film. Finally, pre-stretch film allows you to wrap your pallets evenly and consistently.

At Danshar Polybag and Resin Inc., we are here to answer any questions you may have, such as, what is stretch wrap? Call us today if you require skid quantities of stretch wrap for your business. We are happy to assist you.

More Stretch Wrap FAQS

Cast or blown stretch wrap?

Hand stretch wrap or machine stretch wrap?

Stretch film vs shrink wrap

Tips for proper pallet stretch wrapping

Stretch Wrap Tutorials

How to Wrap a Pallet

How to Stretch Wrap Furniture

How to Use Plastic Wrap for Shipping Electronics

How to Prepare Clear Plastic Stretch Wrap for Tire Shipping

Toronto Stretch Wrap and Danshar Polybag and Resin Inc. explains what is stretch wrap and answers many other related questions. We stock a wide variety of pallet wrapping products. Our stretch wraps and film wraps help ensure that your products remain in excellent condition, at all times.

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