Safe transportation and protection of products throughout logistics and storage operations is critical for businesses of every size. This is where stretch film comes in — one of the indispensable materials of modern industrial packaging. Used for everything from wrapping pallet loads to shielding products from external elements, stretch film reduces costs and boosts operational efficiency when properly selected and applied.
In this guide, we take a detailed look at what stretch film is, what types are available, how it is used, and what to consider when choosing the right product.
Stretch film is a highly elastic packaging film made from linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE). Its key property is the ability to stretch to several times its original length, allowing it to cling tightly to the load it wraps.
Stretch films are typically transparent, enabling barcodes, labels, and other product information to remain visible. They also act as an effective barrier against dust, moisture, and minor physical impacts.
Stretch films fall into several main categories based on intended use and application method:
Designed for manual wrapping by operators. Usually produced at 17–25 microns and widely preferred for small to medium-scale palletising operations.
Engineered for use in automatic or semi-automatic wrapping machines. Available in larger roll diameters, these films deliver excellent performance on high-speed, consistent production lines.
Cut to specific widths from wide production rolls, these films are used for customised packaging needs and adapt easily to special packaging lines.
Stretch film is used across a remarkably wide range of sectors:
• Logistics and warehousing: Preventing pallet loads from shifting or collapsing during transit.
• Manufacturing facilities: Grouping and protecting products coming off production lines.
• Retail and e-commerce: Protecting products from physical damage in warehouses or during shipping.
• Agriculture: Providing moisture and mould protection in bale and product packaging.
• Furniture and white goods: Surface protection for large and delicate products.
• Start at the base of the pallet, wrapping several turns to anchor the film.
• Stretch the film to 150–200% and apply it in upward spirals.
• Secure corners and protruding areas with extra turns.
• Apply a double layer at the top to cover the entire load.
• Tear or cut the film and tuck the free end under the pallet.
Machine-type films must be optimised according to the tension and speed settings of the wrapping machine. A pre-stretch ratio of 200–300% enhances film performance and reduces material consumption.
• Load weight and stability: Choose thicker, high-puncture-resistance films for heavy loads.
• Application method: Whether wrapping is manual or machine-based determines the film type.
• Storage conditions: Special additive films may be needed for outdoor storage or cold-chain products.
• Environmental requirements: Recyclable films reduce the carbon footprint.
• Cost optimisation: The right thickness and pre-stretch ratio means less film is consumed.
Stretch Film: Requires no heat source. The film wraps the product when stretched; primarily used for pallet wrapping.
Shrink Film: Shrinks when heat is applied, conforming tightly to the product. Preferred for retail packaging and multi-pack bundling.
• Insufficient wrapping turns: Not securing the pallet base adequately can cause slippage.
• Over-stretching: Exceeding the film's stretch capacity leads to tears.
• Wrong film selection: Machine film must not be used manually, and vice versa.
• Improper storage: Films should be kept in cool, dry locations away from direct sunlight.
Having operated in the industrial packaging sector since 1998, TAC Ambalaj continues to be your trusted partner in stretch film solutions with over 25 years of experience. Serving a wide customer base in logistics, manufacturing, and retail, TAC offers hand, machine, and slit stretch films to the highest quality standards.
TAC Ambalaj products combine strong puncture resistance, outstanding wrapping performance, and optimised film gauges to reduce your costs while keeping your products fully protected throughout the supply chain.
For detailed information and a quote: www.tacambalaj.com