Pallet packaging is a critical part of the shipping process. It secures your goods to the pallet and prevents damage or loss during delivery. Efficient pallet packaging depends on using the right tools and the right techniques. Pallet stretch film is one of the most important materials required for efficient pallet packaging. Most stretch film materials are made from linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE).
What are The Types of Pallet Stretch Wrap Film?
- Cast Wrap Film: Cast LLDPE film is the most common stretch wrapping material. Its production process is fast and low-cost. This means that cast wrap is often the most economical option. Cast wrap stretches easily and is suitable for use on light to medium load pallets. However, if the cast wrap stretches too much, it will tear.
- Blown Film: Blown LLDPE wrap has higher tensile strength and higher load capacity than cast wrap, making it suitable for medium to heavy-duty pallet use. Blown stretch wrap has one-sided adhesiveness and is not easy to stick to each other. Blown film has good stretch memory and will automatically retract after application, making the packaging tighter. At the same time, it is also very resistant to tears and punctures. However, the production process of blown film is complicated and the cost is high, which makes it very expensive. At the same time, it makes more noise when in use.
- Hand Wrap Film: Manual stretch wrapping film is used for manual pallet packaging. It is available in cast or blown film. Compared with machine stretch wrap film, its rolls are smaller and lighter. Hand wrap film is usually 500 meters long and weighs 3-5 kg. Width is usually 50cm. You can choose different thicknesses and stretch ratios. Hand wrap film typically stretch between 75% and 150%. Users must maintain constant tension on the roll to maximize stretch and packaging usage. Thicker films are more resistant to punctures, but require more force to wrap.
- Machine Wrap Film: Machine stretch wrap film rolls can be 20-50cm wide and weigh about 5-15kg. Available in various thicknesses. Using machine wrap film can achieve higher stretch rates. The pallet wrapper maintains constant tension on the rolls. Stretch ratios of 200% to 250% are standard. Higher stretch rates can significantly reduce your packaging costs on the wrapping material consumption.
Due to the recent dramatic growth in e-commerce, the demand for shipping pallets is surging. Is your business one of many that needs to handle more pallet shipments than in the past? Are you looking for ways to improve your logistics? Perhaps you can opt for cast or blown wrap films. You can also choose between hand wrap film or machine wrap film depending on how the pallets are packed.
Stretch Wrap Film Specification Guide
Here’s a rough guide to choosing the right stretch wrap for your needs:
- 10 micron, with loads up to 1600 lbs.
- 15 micron, with loads up to 2000 lbs.
- 20 micron, with loads up to 2500 lbs.
- 25 micron, with loads up to 3000 lbs.
- 30 micron, with loads up to 4,000 lbs.