Hand Applied Cast Stretch Film

Hand applied cast stretch wrap is a high-quality stretch film designed for manual wrapping of pallet loads. As a result of the way it’s manufactured, cast film is clearer, quieter to unwind and typically easier to apply than a blown film. It also has a high puncture resistance.

At Macfarlane Packaging, our cast hand applied stretch film is available in medium, heavy and super heavy grades.

Using hand stretch wrap is a straightforward process that involves wrapping the film around your items to secure and protect them for transportation or storage. We recommend that you use a hand film dispenser for easier application however, this is not essential.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to apply stretch film by hand:

First anchor the film at the base of the load, you can tie it in a knot on the corner of the pallet to prevent it from unwinding.

Pull the film taut as you start wrapping it around the load. To create tension, hold the film at a slight angle.

Overlap each layer of film by about 50% as you wrap to ensure a secure hold.

Apply even pressure to ensure the film clings tightly to your items however, you do not want the wrap to be too tight as this can compress lighter boxes within the load.

Wrap upward in a spiral pattern, making sure to cover all sides and corners. When you’ve covered the entire load, press the end of the film against the load to secure it. Cut the roll away using a safety packing knife or cutter.

Choosing the right type of stretch film to secure your pallets depends on the load weight, size and shape. For example, irregular or fragile loads may require a thicker film. For light loads of a regular shape, light duty film should be suitable, as the weight and complexity changes, go for a heavier duty film. For very heavy loads with irregular shapes, extra heavy-duty film is required.

For high value loads which need added security, we recommend using a black stretch film. This film also protects against UV exposure so is ideal of stock which will be stored outside.

If you’re looking for a film which is easier to apply, choose a pre-stretch film, as it reduces the effort needed to stretch the film on application.

If you are working in cold conditions, blown film performs well but a heavier-duty option may offer better protection.

Cast stretch film is typically cheaper than blown film, has higher clarity and comes off the roll quieter and more easily, which helps application and keeps the noise level down in the packing area. It also provides high puncture resistance and excellent load stability, making it a reliable choice for load containment.

Whilst cling film and stretch film look similar, they have distinctly different characteristics.

Stretch film, as its name suggests, has high stretchability and puncture resistance, which makes it more resilient for load containment. Cling film is used in the preservation of food and is a much thinner material. It is not designed for heavy-duty stretch or load stabilisation, like stretch film.

Stretch wrap gradings, like medium, heavy and super heavy duty, are determined by the strength and performance of the material. This performance is usually, but not always, determined by the thickness or gauge of the film. The higher the puncture resistance and stretch of the film, the better the load containment and, the higher the grading.

The right film selection is determined by the weight of the shipment and the profile of the load – with more irregular profiles requiring higher levels of load containment.