Machine Pallet Wrap & Stretch Wrap

Machine stretch film, also known as machine pallet wrap, is a specialised packaging material used in combination with pallet wrapping machines for securing and stabilising loads on pallets. It is a highly stretchable plastic film designed to tightly wrap around palletised goods, providing protection, stability, and containment during storage and transportation.

Key characteristics of machine stretch film:

• High Stretchability: Machine stretch film possesses exceptional stretchability, allowing it to be elongated and applied tightly around the load. This property ensures that the film conforms closely to the shape of the items on the pallet.

• Load Stability: By securely wrapping the load, machine stretch film prevents shifting, movement, and potential damage during transit. It holds the items together as a single unit, reducing the risk of spills, breakage, and tampering.

• Thickness Options: Machine stretch film is available in various thicknesses, ranging from light to heavy-duty, to accommodate different load sizes and weight requirements.

• Roll Lengths: It comes in a range of roll lengths, providing flexibility for various pallet dimensions and heights.

• Clear or Coloured: Machine stretch film is available in both clear and coloured options, allowing for easy identification and differentiation of pallets.

• Enhanced Efficiency: When used with pallet wrapping machines, machine stretch film speeds up the packaging process, ensuring uniform wrapping and minimising the need for manual labour.

• Recycled Content: Eco-conscious options with recycled content are available, promoting sustainability in packaging practices.

In summary, machine stretch film is a versatile packaging solution that ensures load integrity, stability, and protection through efficient and automated wrapping with pallet wrapping machines.

Shrink wrap and pallet wrap, often referred to as stretch film, are both commonly used for packaging and protecting goods, but they serve different purposes and have distinct characteristics:

Shrink Wrap:

• Application Method: Shrink wrap is applied by enclosing the product or item in the wrap and then using heat to shrink the wrap tightly around the item.
• Material: Shrink wrap is typically made from polyethylene plastic.
• Shrinking Process: When heat is applied to shrink wrap, it contracts and conforms tightly to the shape of the item, creating a sealed and protective barrier.
• Protection: Shrink wrap provides a secure seal that protects items from dirt, moisture, and tampering. It is often used for packaging individual products or items.
• Appearance: Shrink wrap creates a smooth and tight finish around the packaged item, giving it a professional look.
• Common Applications: Shrink wrap is commonly used for packaging CDs, DVDs, books, electronics, and other individual products.

Pallet Wrap (Stretch Film):

• Application Method: Pallet wrap, or stretch film, is applied by wrapping it around palletised goods or items to secure and stabilise them on a pallet.
• Material: Pallet wrap is made from polyethylene plastic as well, but it is formulated with stretch properties to provide elasticity.
• Stretching Process: Pallet wrap is stretched during application, and it clings tightly to itself and the items on the pallet as it reverts to its original size.
• Protection: Pallet wrap holds the items on a pallet together, preventing shifting, movement, and potential damage during transit.
• Appearance: Pallet wrap creates a layered and overlapping look around the entire pallet, optimising load stability.
• Common Applications: Pallet wrap is primarily used for securing large quantities of items on pallets, ensuring they remain intact during transportation and storage.

In summary, while both shrink wrap and pallet wrap are made from plastic materials, they have distinct methods of application, purposes, and appearances. Shrink wrap is used to tightly enclose and seal individual products, while pallet wrap is used to secure and stabilise multiple items on a pallet.

Stretch Film:

• Stretching During Application: Stretch film is stretched manually or using a dispenser as it’s applied to the load, providing tension, and securing the items on the pallet.
• Load Stability: Stretch film provides effective load stability and protection, preventing shifting and potential damage during transit.
• Variability in Tension: The amount of tension applied to the stretch film during wrapping can vary based on the person applying it, potentially leading to inconsistent results.
• Ease of Use: Stretch film is user-friendly and requires minimal training for application.
• Flexibility: Stretch film can be used for various load sizes and types.
• Cost-Effective: Stretch film tends to be more cost-effective compared to pre-stretch film.

Pre-Stretch Film:

• Stretching Before Application: Pre-stretch film is stretched during the manufacturing process before it’s wound onto the roll, so it has already undergone stretching.
• Load Stability: Pre-stretch film also provides excellent load stability, and because it’s pre-stretched, it can maintain consistent tension throughout the application.
• Consistency: Pre-stretch film offers consistent tension and wrapping results, reducing the risk of overstretching or uneven application.
• Efficiency: Pre-stretch film can lead to faster wrapping times as less effort is needed to apply it to the load.
• Less Material Usage: Due to the pre-stretching process, pre-stretch film can require less material to achieve the same level of load security, potentially reducing overall film usage.
• Higher Initial Cost: Pre-stretch film tends to have a slightly higher upfront cost compared to regular stretch film.

In summary, both stretch film and pre-stretch film have their advantages. Pre-stretch film offers consistent tension, potential material savings, and increased efficiency, making it a preferred choice for many businesses with higher packaging volumes. However, if your operation requires flexibility, simplicity, and lower initial costs, regular stretch film might be the better option. It’s important to evaluate your specific needs and preferences when choosing between the two.