How Does Stretch Film Work?

Most companies that produce, resale, or warehouse products are familiar with stretch film. It is used all around the world to hold and secure products. How does stretch film work to secure and stabilize those products? What can be done for more efficient load stabilization and wrapping? In this post, we will answer these questions and offer tips and tricks to maximize efficiency and reduce costs when using stretch film.

To answer the question of how stretch film works, requires us to look at what the film is made from? Stretch film is made from lldpe (Linear-Low-Density Polyethylene). LLDPE is found in a large variety of products from trash bags to toys and containers. It is a desirable plastic for these products because of the flexibility it offers.

LLDPE stretch film is an ideal product for wrapping and securing loads because of the stretchability it offers. The flexibility LLDPE offers is the key to how stretch film works. This stretchability offers increased tear and puncture resistance as well as increased efficiency when applied properly.

Below are some pictures demonstrating how stretch film works

The ability of the film to stretch around corners of products, boxes, and pallets allows increase puncture and tear resistance. This increased puncture resistance ensures loads will remain stabilized and secure during transportation.

The puncture resistance, as well as the reduction of cost, is found in stretch film when the maximum stretch potential is reached.

When applying the film to pallet loads, be sure to stretch the film. This stretch increases load stability and reduces costs. Some films offer a stretch potential up to two hundred percent of the original length. By reaching that stretch potential less film is used resulting in a reduction in cost.

Types of Stretch Film

The two basic types of stretch film are cast and blown stretch film. They are both made from LLDPE, but the process in which they are made differs.

Blown Stretch Film

Blown stretch film uses air during the production process. The air is blown into the film and used to cool the film. Blown stretch film is more expensive to produce, but does offer better tear and puncture resistance.

Cast Stretch Film

Cast stretch film uses rollers during the production process to cool the film. Cast stretch film is more affordable than blown film and accommodates most applications.

Cost Reduction

Since LLDPE is a petroleum-based product, there have been large steps taken by stretch film manufactures to reduce costs. Many of the new films on the market are great options to reduce costs, yet still, secure loads. Manufacturers are producing thinner, stronger films that cost less and hold more. There are two specific drawbacks from the new thinner, stronger films.

Reduced Puncture Resistance

Because the new film is thinner, it often sacrifices puncture resistance. It is ideal and works great with boxes and crates without sharp corners. When wrapping pallets and individual products with sharp corners it can easily rip and tear during transport.

Reduced Stretchability

The new cost-saving stretch film is stronger and stiffer than traditionally gauged stretch film. This stiffness reduces the amount the film can stretch. This reduced stretchability does help to reduce physical exertion when applying the film, but decreases tear resistance.

There are a large variety of stretch film products currently on the market. Each film offers benefits and drawbacks.  The two elements to look at when asking how stretch film works is stretchability, and puncture resistance. The heavier and sharper the products being wrapped the more stretch and puncture resistance will be needed. The goal is to reach the right amount of puncture resistance and load stability at the most reasonable price. Call us if you have any questions or would like to discuss the products we offer.