Stretch Wrap Guide

Today we are going to go over the various types and options for the stretch wrap we sell and include with our orbital and pallet wrappers. One thing to keep in mind is every type of stretch wrap listed below is meant to be stretched up to 300% of its original length – this helps keeps loads more secure while maximizing the available stretch wrap material.

Cast vs. Blown Stretch Wrap

The first thing to determine is if you need cast or blown stretch wrap – this refers to how the stretch film is manufactured. Cast film is the most common, it’s crystal clear (making it great for products with barcodes), has good tear resistance and has one-sided cling which prevents pallets from sticking together. Blown film is a heavy-duty option, it’s hazy/opaque, has much stronger tear resistance and has high cling on both sides of the wrap.

Use cast film for standard pallet loads, retail goods and on high-speed wrapping machines. Use blown film for sharp edged loads like metal, lumber or stone and for loads that will be in cold storage.

Size and Gauge

Standard orbital machine rolls are 10 inches, though custom built orbital wrappers can accommodate larger rolls. Standard length is around 3,500 feet, though larger capacities up to 5,000 feet long are also available – again the machine you pair these rolls with matters, if it’s not built to accommodate them, they will not wrap well.

Gauge

• 60-70 Gauge (performance film): Used for light to medium loads. These are more modern products with a thinner design but engineered to perform like a standard 80-gauge roll.
• 80 Gauge: The industry standard for palletized goods.
• 90 Guage: Slightly thicker and more rigid/tighter wrapping.
• 100-120 Gauge: Used for heavy duty loads which require higher containment force. Much more rigid than 80 and 90 gauge.
• 150+ Gauge: used for steel beams and heavy machinery.

UVI Films (built in UV Protection)

Customers whose pallets sit outside or are in industries with regulations which require the use of a UV protected stretch film will want a UVI stretch film. Available in clear and many colors such as (white, black, blue, red and green) – these are also great films to use if you want to organize your warehouse or products by color codes such as “Ready to Ship” vs “QC Hold”. White and black colored stretch wrap are also used as security wraps to hide valuable products/materials.

UVI film is available in standard and extended duration. Standard provides UV protection for 3-6 months, while extended UVI protection can protect for up to 12 months.

Ordering Stretch Wrap

Contact us for a custom stretch wrap quote. If you are unsure which type you need, please send a few details about your application and we will help you choose a suitable stretch film.