• Cast Stretch Wrap- Also called cast stretch wrap, is manufactured using a cast extrusion process. The Cast extrusion process is a continuous process by which a thermoplastic material is melted and extruded through a flat die onto a chill roll, quenched, and re-solidified. This process allows the Cast stretch film to have excellent clarity, require less force to stretch, increased tear resistance, unwind quietly from machines, and offer a superior cling. There is both machine-grade and hand-grade cast stretch film available.

• Advantages of Cast Stretch Film- Less expensive than blown stretch film, due to reduced manufacturing costs, cast stretch film is more popular. Increased clarity allows users to see wrapped products. Cast stretch wrap unwinds quietly compared to blown stretch wrap. Cast stretch film offers a two-sided cling that keeps the wrap securely packaged.

• Disadvantages of Cast Stretch Film- Does not offer the load/holding power blown stretch film provides. Cast stretch film has less memory and tear resistance than blown stretch film.

• Blown Stretch Wrap- Also referred to as blown stretch wrap, is manufactured using the blown extrusion process. This Plastic melt is extruded through an annular slit die, usually vertically, to form a thin-walled tube. Air is introduced from an opening in the center of the die to blow up the film tube like a balloon. On top of the film tube, an air ring blows onto the film to cool it. This process allows blown film to be more robust and more resilient than cast film. The higher mechanical properties of blown film typically allow a more significant load holding power.

• Advantages of Blown Stretch Wrap- Offers higher load and stretch capacity. Blown stretch film is a premium quality film. Blown stretch film has a higher degree of memory once stretched, allowing product loads to stay better secured. Higher tear resistance is an advantage when securing loads with sharp edges.

• Disadvantages of Blown Stretch Wrap- Higher cost due to the manufacturing process. The blown stretch wrap has poor clarity due to crystallization in the manufacturing process. Blown film is also noisy when unwound from rolls.

Benefits of Stretch Wrap

Stretch wrap, also known as stretch film, is a versatile and indispensable packaging material that offers a broad range of benefits across various industries and applications.
Its ability to stretch and wrap tightly around objects provides a secure and protective barrier making it a great choice for packaging, shipping and storage. The use of stretch wrap plays a pivotal role in safeguarding goods, reducing waste and streamlining transportation.
In this article, we will explore the benefits of using stretch wrap and offer tips to help you make the most of its versatility.
Stretch wrap has many uses and is a reliable, durable and secure option for the safe transportation and storage of goods. The benefits of stretch wrap include:

Reduce product damage

Stretch wrap is rigorously tested under the D549 Standard Test Method. The standard tests the elastic recovery of the wrap and it proves that under stress stretch wrap retains its shape before it fails. This means you can trust that stretch wrap is durable and will protect your goods if placed under a great deal of pressure.
By wrapping products, particularly on pallets, goods are held together tightly to prevent any movement. The pallet then moves as one unit rather than lots of individual items, thus preventing any damage. Even the risk of vibrations and impact are reduced during transportation when stretch wrap is used.

Prevention from dust, moisture and dirt

Stretch wraps are moisture proof which is especially important if you are using them to protect items in storage as they may get damp or dirty sitting in one place.
During transportation it forms a protective barrier against dust, dirt and moisture from transit. Unless the film is seriously compromised, the items will arrive dry and dust free!

Improve inventory control

If you organise your stock in a way that similar items are stacked and then wrapped together your stock management will be much easier. Stretch wrap will bind these items together in a protective film which can be accessed when needed. Also, if you use clear stretch wrap your RFID scanner will be able to access barcodes of items on the pallets, so taking stock is more convenient without unwrapping the pallet. An alternative is to use printed stretch wrap so you will have a clear visual cue when examining your stock.

More cost-effective than similar types of packaging

The efficiency of stretch film lies in its simplicity and versatility. Unlike rigid packaging options such as boxes or containers, stretch films wrap tightly around the item, minimising material waste. This not only reduces packaging costs but also reduces the cost of transportation, as the items require less bulky packaging and therefore less space to transport.

Versatile

Stretch films can be used for everything from irregularly shaped objects to uniform pallet loads. You can secure fragile items during transportation or safeguard perishables in the food industry. Stretch films are also available in various gauges and types, including machine and hand wrap. They are also available in a selection of colours to suit your preference and you can even personalise the wrap with your company’s logo.

Fully recyclable

Stretch wrap is 100% recyclable. It has the benefit of not being primary packaging, therefore it is rarely contaminated by unusual liquids or solids. However, it is down to the company using the wrap whether they would like to recycle or dispose of used stretch film.

Tamper-proof

Items that are tightly wrapped are far less likely to be tampered with. Boxes can be easily opened and sealed up again to disguise any interference. Stretch wraps are far harder to get into without causing noticeable damage. There is also the option to choose a black stretch wrap if you do not want anyone to know what the stretch wrap is protecting.

How to store stretch wrap

To store stretch wrap effectively, it is essential to maintain its quality and usability for future needs. With proper storage, stretch film will remain in excellent condition, ready whenever it is required.

The area you are using to store the stretch film should be:
1. Dry
2. Cool
3. Clean
4. Preferably indoors

The way you store stretch films should also be considered. Three tips on how to effectively store stretch film to avoid degradation include:
1. Ensure the stretch wrap remains in its original packaging or a sealed plastic container to protect it from contaminants.
2. Store the rolls vertically to prevent warping or bending. Consider using a rack or shelf to keep them easily accessible.
3. Always label the storage container or designated area of storage, particularly if you have different types of stretch film.

Use one of the most versatile wrapping solutions

We are leading supplier of polythene packaging products. We have 22 years of experience within this industry and build long-term relationships with our clients. We are confident that we can help you with your packaging needs so contact us today for a chat, request a free sample or order a product.

Why Choose us for Your Pallet Wrapping Operation?

SHAWON ENTERPRISE has been on the market for decades, but is evolving all the time to perform ever better. So how do you navigate today’s choices to find the film that’s just right for your operation?

Safety

We offers products that meet safety regulations, such as EUMOS 40509 Load Rigidity Legislation.

Advantage Stretch Wrap

We Offers lightweight wrapping solution with high-tensile strength.

Robopac USA

We offers pre-stretched film that is lighter and thinner than traditional wrap, but still protects products.

FROMM Packaging

We offers a range of stretch wrapping products, including clear, black, UV resistant, and thick or thin gauge.

Cost

We offers cost-effective solutions, such as pre-stretched film that uses less product per pallet.

Sustainability

We offers recyclable or biodegradable options.

Versatility

We offers a range of stretch wrap products, such as clear, black, UV resistant, and thick or thin gauge.

Customization

We offers custom branding options, such as matching the stretch wrap to your company's logo.

Frequently Asked Questions About Stretch Wrap Packaging:

What is stretch wrap?

Stretch wrap is a flexible plastic film that's used to wrap products to protect them during shipping and storage. It's often used to secure products on pallets, connecting them to each other and the pallet.

What's the difference between stretch wrap and shrink wrap?

Stretch wrap is stretched around a load, while shrink wrap is loosely covered around a product and then heated to shrink tightly.

What are the different types of stretch wrap?

The two most common types of stretch wrap are cast stretch wrap and blown stretch wrap.

What size and thickness of stretch wrap should I use?

The size and thickness of stretch wrap you need depends on the type of load you're working with. Symmetrical loads can use thinner stretch wrap, while uneven loads require thicker stretch wrap.

How can I prevent film breaks?

If there's a pattern to the film breaks, it's likely the machine is causing the problem. Tearing from the edge could be due to rough handling of the rolls.

How can I reduce injuries to employees?

Using a machine to wrap loads can help reduce injuries to employees, such as dizziness from wrapping pallets by hand.

What Is Pre-stretch Film?

Pre-stretched film is made with a process that allows film to be stretched before it is applied. The stretch film is pre-stretched by two rollers. The second roller's rotational speed is quicker than the first, thus stretching the film between them.

How Is Film Pre-stretched?

When film is stretched mechanically between the film carriage rollers due to the gearing ratio and diameter of the rollers. it is pre-stretched.

Why Use Pre-stretch Stretch Film?

• Strength: By stretching the film, the tensile strength of the film increases so that it becomes drastically stronger.

• Film Memory: After the film is stretched it wants to return it to its original form. The more you use this pre-stretching process, the worst the film memory becomes. When the stretch film is applied to a load with no force to load, quickly it will be able to detect that the film has tightened due to its memory as it tries to return to it original size. Stretch film memory is what distinguishes stretch film from other means of packaging unitizing. Settling that can happen during shipment can loosen other methods of unitizing products. Stretch film memory takes up the slack and continues to secure the load during shipment.

• Film Economies: Your cost of stretch film is reduced when it is pre-stretched compared to stretch wrapping a load with film that has not been pre-stretched.

• Stretch Consistencies: Using just hand or machine to add tension to stretch film does not provide uniform stretch and is not able to have reliable performance. This type of stretching can lead to intermittent load failures.

What Is Post Stretch Film?

Post stretch is the stretch in the film created by the film tension between the film carriage and the load being wrapped, which is also known as force to load. In post stretch film, if the film tension is increased, the post stretch will be intensified.

How To Post Stretch?

The amount of film force applied is directly proportional to post stretch. Increase film force and the post stretch will also increase.

Benefits of Post Stretch Film?

• Pros: Maximizes load retention of the film.

• Cons: This "tension" stretch is generally on the corners of a load, which can cause damage too high.

How To Create Film Force?

• Film Force is formed by creating tension between the load and the film carriage that can be produced both mechanically and electrically.

• Electrically reducing the speed of the film leaving the carriage compared to what the load requires increases the stretch film force which causes the film to stretch between the load and the carriage.

• Mechanically postpones the dancer arm which measures the speed demand of the load will reduce the film feed leaving the carriage which increases the force.

Should I be using 7 Layer film?

• Only if it works.

• Being 7-layer doesn't mean that the film will perform better in your application.

• Some 7-layer films can use the same material in all 7 layers. It depends on the materials used, the quality of the manufacturing technique and equipment design.

• Once again the concern for the film user should be does the film work day-in-day-out in my application at the lowest possible cost.

Should I be using one-sided cling films?

• One-sided cling films cover a broad range of slip and cling properties.

• High slip films are usually films that allow the wrapped load to slide against each other, even with a lot of force applied.

• Most one-sided cling stretch films do not have high slip, but will prevent pallets from sticking together. This will satisfy a majority of end users.

• If you require your wrapped pallet or product to slide against other wrapped products than a "High Slip" film would be best for your application.

• If you are only concerned with pallet not sticking together, than a common one-side cling film would work well.

• Most applications do not need two-sided cling films a standard one-side cling film will work well.

• Some stretch wrappers rotate backwards and can put the slip side against the stretch rollers, causing the film not to stretch. And resulting in poor yields.

Do I need a UVI film?

• UVI additives can be expensive.

• If you plan to store the film outside for any length of time, you need a UVI film.

• Most UVI films will last for an average of 3-6 months. It requires high concentrations of UVI to guarantee a film to last 12 months, which can increase the cost significantly.

• A UVI Film that will last 9 months from September to May, could only last 3 months during June, July and August.

• A UVI film that will last 6-9 months in Canada, may only last 3 months in Florida.

• Some UVI's can protect the product, but they have limited use and will only last for a short period of time. The best protection for the product is an opaque film or bag.

How can I decide if my film breaks are caused by the equipment or the film?

• One clue may be the pattern of film breaks, if there seems to be a pattern associated with the breaking it is more than likely is the machine causing the breaking.

• Tearing from the edge could be rough handling of the rolls either during transit or during use.

• Film breaks caused by imperfections tend to be random and not related to any position or timing of the wrapping cycle.

• Breaking occurring in the same place repeatedly on different rolls would indicate a machine problem.

• Even slight changes in machine settings can dramatically affect the performance of the stretch film. For example, small adjustments to the force setting can change the force on the film by 100%, causing damage to the load and film breaks.