Before You Buy: Important Tips for Selecting Stretch Film

Before buying your next roll of stretch film (aka stretch wrap), it’s important to consider several factors to ensure you choose the right product for your specific needs. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

YH Package are exported all over the world and different industries with quality first. Our belief is to provide our customers with more and better high value-added products. Let's create a better future together.

1. Purpose and Application: Understand the intended use of the stretch wrap. Whether it’s for pallet wrapping, bundling smaller items, or securing loads during transportation, the application will dictate the type and specifications of the stretch film required.
2. Type of Load: Consider the characteristics of the load being wrapped, such as its weight, shape, and fragility. Heavy, irregularly shaped, or fragile loads may require a stronger and more durable stretch film.
3. Film Thickness: The thickness of stretch film is measured in gauge or microns. Thicker films offer greater puncture resistance and load stability but may be more expensive. Choose the appropriate thickness based on the weight and nature of your loads.
4. Stretchability: Look for stretch films with good elongation properties. Films with higher stretchability can cover more area with less material, providing better load containment and cost-effectiveness.
5. Compatibility: Ensure that the stretch film is compatible with your packaging equipment, whether it’s manual dispensers, semi-automatic machines, or fully automatic wrapping systems.
6. Clarity and Transparency: If visibility of the wrapped goods is important, opt for clear or transparent stretch film. This allows for easy identification of products and barcode scanning.
7. Adhesive Properties: Some stretch films come with built-in adhesive, known as cling films, which help the film adhere tightly to the load without the need for additional tape or heat sealing.
8. Environmental Considerations: If sustainability is a concern, look for stretch wrap made from recyclable materials or those that can be easily disposed of without harming the environment.
9. Cost and Value: While price is important, it’s also crucial to consider the overall value the stretch wrap provides. Cheaper options may save money upfront but could result in higher costs due to increased product damage or the need for additional layers. Also, be aware that sometimes a lighter gauge will weigh less yet cost more per roll. 
10. Customer Reviews and Recommendations: Before making a purchase, it’s a good idea to speak with your distributor to ensure you’re choosing a reliable and high-quality stretch film product.

By considering these factors, you can make an informed decision. 

Whatever your stretch film or packaging needs, we’re here for you with that personal touch that’s kept our customers happy for over 90 years. Call Arnold Packaging today at 855-276- or submit a quick form and we’ll get right back to you.

Here are the main criteria to consider and questions to ask when selecting plastic film for industrial packaging:

The type of load:

What type of product are you wrapping? Is it a dry or wet product? What’s its size and weight? Select film thickness, width, and length according to the size and weight of your products. Also, take into account how smooth they are and possible sharp corners that could tear the film.

The type of plastic:

This depends on the nature of the product to be packed. Commonly used plastics include polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Each has different properties in terms of strength, transparency, and flexibility.

Desired function:

What will your film be used for? Packaging, protection, heat retention, sealing, etc.?

Some films have specific properties that make them resistant to chemicals, UV, or heat. Others are more transparent. Some also have electrical conductivity properties.

Duration of use:

How long do you expect your film to last, whether in transit or in long-term storage?

Respect for the environment:

More and more plastic films are recyclable or biodegradable. Naturally, we advise you to opt for this type of product for obvious environmental reasons.

In industrial applications, several types of plastic film are used, depending on their specific properties and applications. Here are some of the types of plastic film commonly used:

Stretch film

Stretch film is a versatile material, often made from extruded polyethylene in one or more layers, depending on its intended use. It is known for its flexibility as it can stretch from 125% to 500% of its original length.

There are two main types of stretch film, depending on the extrusion technique used.

1. Cast
   • This film is suitable for standard, even heavy loads with low-profile angles.
   • It offers good adhesion, high lengthwise strength, high transparency, and silent unwinding, and is generally compatible with automatic wrapping machines.
2. Blown
   • This film is suitable for heavy, angular, and uneven loads.
   • It offers very good adhesion, high strength in length and width, limited transparency, the ability to withstand low temperatures, and enhanced durability.

Advantages:

• Strong, puncture- and tear-resistant
• It adheres without sticking to the load.

Disadvantages:

• To effectively secure a load, the stretch film must be carefully stretched, which can make the packaging process more complex.
• However, some stretch film can be pre-stretched before use to simplify the packaging process.

Applications:

• Stretch film is used to wrap and secure pallets of products in the logistics industry.
• It is also commonly used for packaging fresh produce and foodstuffs.

Plastic film is a versatile product whose properties are largely influenced by the plastic of which it is made. Here are the main plastics used in the manufacture of plastic film:

Polyethylene (PE)

If you want to learn more, please visit our website industrial packaging film manufacturer.

It is one of the most commonly used plastics in industry. It can be produced in single-layer or coextruded versions to meet a variety of needs. It shrinks at temperatures of around 150°C.

There are two types of PE: low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE). PE film is generally 40 to 50 micrometers thick, but thinner versions are available, notably LDPE, which also has non-stick and anti-slip properties.

Advantages:

• PE film is renowned for its moisture resistance.
• It is flexible.
• It is transparent.
• It is the most economical.

Applications:

• Food packaging
• Bulk packaging
• Beverage can packs
• Packaging for furniture, household appliances, etc.

The color of the plastic film is an essential aspect of the packaging. Each color has its own specific use. The color you choose will depend on the company’s needs, the type of products packed, and the environments in which these products are stored or transported.

Transparent film

This is particularly useful for identifying packaged products. In a warehousing or production environment, transparency means you can quickly see which products are contained on pallets without having to remove the film. This improves efficiency and inventory management.

Black film

This provides effective protection against light. It is therefore used to protect light-sensitive products (photosensitive materials, chemicals). In addition, black plastic film offers a degree of privacy, as it conceals the pallet’s contents.

White film

This is similar to black film in terms of light protection. It has the added advantage of effectively protecting products from UV rays. This feature is important for products that could be damaged by prolonged exposure to the sun.

Translucent blue film

This film is commonly used in food packaging. The color blue is often associated with freshness and food safety, making it a popular choice for products intended for human consumption.

Other plastic film colors can be used to help identify products in a storage environment, allowing them to be distinguished at a glance and saving time during order picking. Red, for example, is one of these colors.

Cost can vary considerably depending on film type, thickness, and material. Here are some price estimates for the three main types of film:

Stretch film

Stretch film prices can range from 3 euros to over 100 euros per roll.

For film that is applied manually, prices range from 3 euros to over 50 euros, depending on the size of the roll. Less expensive film is generally suitable for light loads, while more expensive film is suitable for heavier loads or specific uses.
If you wish to apply your film with a wrapping machine, prices range from 30 euros to over 90 euros per roll.

Shrink film

Shrink film is available at prices ranging from 20 euros to over 400 euros per roll.
The price difference depends mainly on the width of the roll (prices increase with width) and the thickness of the film.

Examples:

• Very fine POF (10-15 microns) are more expensive, from 160 euros to 300 euros.
• PE film (40-50 microns) ranges in price from 60 euros to over 120 euros.
• PVC film (20-30 microns) ranges from 50 euros to over 100 euros.

Bubble wrap

Bubble wrap ranges in price from 3 euros to 100 euros for a roll approximately 1 meter long.

For more pe shrink film manufacturerinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.

• Standard bubble wrap costs between 3 euros and 20 euros.
• Antistatic bubble wrap costs between 5 euros and 30 euros.
• Anti-corrosion bubble wrap is available from between 10 euros to 50 euros.
• Isothermal bubble wrap ranges in price from 20 euros to 80 euros.