Pelicula stretch film

Types of Stretch Film

Stretch film is a common and essential plastic packaging for pallets. It is used to stabilize and encapsulate multiple products, especially those packaged in boxes or bags, to protect them from damage during storage and transport. It comes in various sizes, types, and gauges, e.g., the narrow stretch film, about 5-18 inches wide, ideal for bundling or wrapping smaller pallet loads. Machine stretch films, about 20-80 inches wide, are engineered for application using automated equipment to enhance productivity by wrapping larger pallet loads quickly and efficiently. The several types of stretch film include;

• Hand wrap films

  Hand-stretch films are thin films widely used for wrapping products manually. They range between 15-30 inches in width and about 60-90 gauge in thickness. They are great for tightly wrapping and supporting irregular-shaped loads and boxes while providing surface protection against dust, moisture, and tampering. Some even have a cling feature that allows them to stick to themselves without a machine adhesive. They are flexible and can accommodate various products like furniture, electronics, and industrial machinery.

• Narrow width stretch film

  Narrow stretch films come in widths of 5-18 inches and are primarily used for hand wrapping and securing smaller loads. Their gauge varies from 60 to 90. This film is especially effective for bundling products together, like individually wrapped boxes or creating a compact group for easier handling and shipment. They are super versatile and can package different products like consumer goods, retail items, and building materials.

• Machine stretch film

  Machine stretch films are designed for use with automated stretching and application systems. They come in larger rolls, approximately 20-80 inches wide and 60-90 gauges thick. Due to their thinness, they make up for their efficiency in volume handling. They are ideal for large-scale operations, like wrapping pallets of goods for shipment or storage in warehouses. They can wrap industrial products, bulk packaging, manufactured goods, and more.

• Pre-stretched film

  Pre-stretched film has already been stretch beforehand, meaning its containment stretch was done before application. Most of them are usually 80-100 gauge and come in a narrow width of about 5-18 inches. Since the film was stretched before use, its application was easier, requiring less force to apply. It provided an even tighter and more secure wrapping to the load. It is efficient for use in furniture, appliances, or sensitive machinery that requires a very stable, secure packaging with minimal film breakage.

Benefits of Stretch Film

Stretch film is a versatile packaging solution that offers several benefits for buyers looking to protect and stabilize their products during storage and transportation. Some of these benefits include;

• Durability

  This packaging is highly elastic and provides superior durability and strength. It can be stretched up to 300% without breaking, allowing it to tightly wrap irregularly shaped loads for secure handling and transport. Its resilience enables it to shield goods from harsh conditions.

• Secure load stabilisation

  The stretch film creates a tight and secure packaged around products that prevents them from shifting or tumbling during transit. This stabilisation ensures multiple items stacked on pallets remain intact and protected from shifting. Its cling properties hold layers together, minimizing the risk of damage for fragile or heavy goods.

• Cost-efficiency

  Stretch films are incredibly efficient for large package and bundling large products, as they can be applied by machine or hand. Since the film can be stretched thinly, it reduces the amount of material needed per package, which significantly lowers packaging costs. It is also lightweight, decreasing shipping expenses. Providing optimal load security and minimum product waste during shipments reduces overall operational expenses for warehouses, manufacturers, and distributors.

• Versatility

  This film accommodates a diverse range of packaging needs across numerous industries. It can wrap anything from food to electronics and industrial machinery or furniture. It can be seamlessly applied by hand or machine, making it suitable for both small and large-scale operations. This adaptability helps minimize the need for multiple packaging solutions.

• Sustainability

  Increasingly, stretch films are manufactured from recycled materials and are recyclable themselves, reducing the environmental impact of the packaging. Many modern options use thin-gauge films that require less plastic overall, which minimizes resource consumption and waste. This sustainability helps businesses meet their environmental objectives.

How to Choose Stretch Film

When selecting stretch film for packaging, there are a couple of things to consider. Some of them include;

• Film type

  There are two types of stretch film: hand and machine. Hand stretch films are used for manual wrapping, while machine stretch films are fitted for automated wrapping. Pre-stretched films offer consistent application and are easier to use than the rest. Selecting the right type for the intended application ensures efficient packaging.

• Gauge or thickness

  The gauge of the stretch film directly impacts its strength and elasticity. Thicker films, such as those with gauged from 80 to 120, provide superior protection for heavy or irregular loads and against harsh environments. In contrast, lighter films, usually about 60 gauges, are suitable for lighter products, enhancing cost efficiency. The packaging requirements determine the gauge appropriate for products to be packaged.

• Film width

  The width of the stretch film determines the extent of coverage during wrapping. Wider films, say 20-30 inches, to 80 inches, are better for large pallets, ensuring complete coverage without frequent overlaps. Narrow films provide more control during hand wrapping and are ideal for smaller loads. Selecting the ideal width for the load size will ensure uniform packaging.

• Cling properties

  Stretch films have varying cling properties. Some films are manufactured with a self-adhesive surface that allows them to stick onto themselves without necessarily using adhesive. This cling ensures that the film maintains its tension throughout the load and offers stability and secure packaging. Low-cling films permit easier removal, which is necessary in case products require repackaging for resale.

• Load to be wrapped

  The nature of the products being packaged greatly determines the type of stretch film to buy. For fragile products, films with enhanced puncture resistance or more tensile stretch, which provides a tighter wrap, are better. For those products that require a sturdy packaging, UV protective films, such as those with anti-static and anti-moisture characteristics, are necessary.

Q&A

Some questions and answers regarding stretch films include;

Q1: What gauge stretch film is ideal?

A1: The ideal gauge for a stretch film primarily depends on the type of load being handled. Usually, loads that are heavy or require extra protection are best wrapped using a thicker film, typically from 90 to 120 gauges. Any loads requiring lighter packaging will just need a thinner film, about 60 gauges, as this will provide sufficient protection while being economical.

Q2: What films work well against UV rays? p>A2: The films which have been manufactured in such a way that they incorporate UV stabilizers are explained to have enhanced characteristics of protection against the stretching rays. These films are ideal for wrapping products that will be stored for long periods in direct sunlight, such as outdoor furniture, building materials, and agricultural goods. Films like machine stretch film and polyethylene stretch film are commonly manufactured with UV protection to promote the long-term safeguarding of the loads against bleaching and degradation caused by the sun.