Choosing the Best Stretch Film for Secure Pallet Wrapping
Stretch Film Solutions: Find the Best Fit for Your Needs
Choosing the right stretch film can make all the difference in securing your pallets for safe transport or storage. Also known as stretch wrap, this versatile plastic is a warehouse staple, offering moisture protection, UV resistance, and tamper-proof security. Whether you’re wrapping pallets by hand with hand film or using a machine with machine film, understanding your options ensures efficiency and cost savings. Pair it with shipping supplies or pallets for a complete solution.
What is Stretch Film?
Stretch film is a flexible polyethylene plastic used in industrial settings to wrap and secure loads. For example, you might use it to tightly wrap boxes on a pallet, ensuring they stay put during shipping. Available in rolls around a cardboard core, it comes in shorter lengths for hand wrapping or longer rolls for machine wrapping, making it ideal for material handling.
Cast vs. Blown Stretch Film: Key Differences
Stretch films come in standard and specialty types, with standard films divided into cast film and blown film. Cast film is the go-to for 90% of users due to its versatility, but blown film has its own strengths. Here’s how they compare:
- Clarity: Cast film is clearer, making it easier to read labels or scan barcodes underneath.
- Noise: Cast film unwinds quietly, unlike blown film, which can be noisy in a busy warehouse.
- Puncture Resilience: Blown film resists punctures better, ideal for loads with sharp edges.
- Load Capacity: Blown film’s uniform strength supports heavier loads, perfect for double-wall boxes.
- Material: Blown film’s sticky adhesive can transfer in warm conditions, so it’s better for cooler environments.
- Stretch: Blown film stretches more but requires extra force, allowing you to wrap more pallets with less film.
- Cost: Blown film is pricier, but its stretchiness can offset costs by covering more pallets.
When to Choose Cast vs. Blown Film
Both films work well for most jobs, but blown film shines for pallets with sharp edges, like corrugated boxes, due to its puncture resistance. For fast wrapping, cast film is easier to adjust since it clings without sticking, unlike blown film’s grabby adhesive. Think of it like choosing between tape and glue—cast film is smoother for quick tasks.
Benchmark Best Sellers: Standard Films
- Hexfilm Defender 15” x 1500’ 80ga Cast Hand Film
- Grip Premium 16” x 1500’ 35ga Cast Hand Film
- Hexfilm Dynamo 18” x 1500 80ga Blown Hand Film
Choosing the Right Gauge for Your Stretch Film
Stretch film gauges range from 24ga to 120ga, with higher gauges being thicker and stronger. The industry-standard 80ga handles loads up to 2,400 lbs, but modern cast films as low as 40ga can match that strength thanks to enhanced plastics. This “down gauging” cuts costs without sacrificing durability, especially for cast films. Finding the right gauge often involves testing, so start with 80ga and adjust based on your needs.
Specialty Stretch Films for Unique Needs
Pre-stretch film is lightweight and pre-stretched for maximum efficiency, reducing film use and costs while ensuring stable loads. Colored stretch films, available in black, blue, or red, simplify load identification, offer UV protection, and enhance branding. Air-Flow pallet wrap, with die-cut holes, is perfect for ventilated storage, like produce, preventing spoilage in cold environments.
Benchmark Best Sellers: Specialty Films
- Hexfilm Fortress 18” x 1500’ 33ga Pre-Stretched Hand Film
- Hexfilm Defender 20” x 5000’ Black Cast Machine Film
- Air-Flow 19” x 3300’ Premium Vented Machine Wrap
Hand vs. Machine Wrapping: Which is Right for You?
For small operations, hand wrapping with a film dispenser is cost-effective but labor-intensive. High-volume warehouses benefit from machine wrapping, which offers consistent wraps and saves time and material. Benchmark’s stretch wrap machines include installation and are easy to operate after minimal training.
Benchmark Best Sellers: Wrapping Tools
How to Wrap a Pallet by Hand
- Pick a sturdy pallet to support your load.
- Stack items neatly, with heavy items at the bottom to prevent tipping.
- Eliminate gaps between items to avoid shifting during transit.
- Choose your hand film and start wrapping, ideally with a dispenser.
- Begin at the pallet’s base, anchoring the film to a corner for stability.
- Wrap upward to the top, then back down for extra security.
- Tuck excess film under the pallet or tie it for a tight hold.
- Test the load’s stability to ensure it’s secure for transport.
Related Packaging Solutions
Complement your stretch film with strapping and banding for heavy loads or pallet covers for added weather protection. These options enhance security and pair well with protective packaging for comprehensive shipping needs.
Need help selecting the perfect stretch film? Call our experts at 844-423-6246 or schedule a free film assessment to optimize your shipping supplies.