All categories
Featured selections
Trade Assurance
Buyer Central
Help Center
Get the app
Become a supplier
(17632 products available)
Plastic stretch film manufacture has several types. They include:
Hand Grade Stretch Film
Hand grade stretch films are largely used in manual wrapping operations. These films carry basic strength and cling features. Primarily, they offer a moderate gauge. This ensures they handle lighter loads efficiently. Multi-purpose hand stretch films are popular in warehouses and distribution facilities. This is because they come in various gauges to wrap different palettes. Another variation is colored hand stretch films. They provide security and tamper evidence to the packaged materials.
Machine Stretch Film
Machine stretch film is suitable for automated wrapping processes with consistency and efficiency. These films are available in larger rolls and manufactured in high tensile strength. This provides a lower cost per unit. Primarily, machine stretch film films are compatible with stretch wrapping equipment. They are ideal for high-volume production environments like factories and distribution centers. Advanced machine films have features like pre-stretching. It enhances load stability during transport.
Pre-Stretched Film
Pre-stretched stretch film is a special type that is stretched before it is applied to a load. This controlled stretching results in a thinner, more even application of film around a package. Usually, it reduces the amount of film needed for effective wrapping. Also, it minimizes the risk of pulling and offers a softer touch. This makes it perfect for delicate items. Pre-stretched film is ideal for furniture and glass goods protection during transportation.
Extended Core Stretch Film
Extended core stretch film comes with a convenient core that allows easy film application without specialized tools. Usually, this film is designed for manual wrapping. It offers the advantage of being easily pulled right from a longer core. Therefore, this makes it ideal for on-site loads and quick packaging jobs. Further, this film handles light to moderate load capacities while making it easy for workers to wrap goods securely.
Blown Stretch Film
Blown stretch film is manufactured through an extrusion process and uses a blown film technique. This provides higher puncture resistance and superior clarity among other properties. Further, this stretch film offers excellent cling and allows easier inspection and identification of the wrapped products. Normally, blown films are fit for heavy-duty and long-haul applications. They aid in keeping products secure during storage and transport.
Thin plastic film packaging has unique features. They include:
Puncture Resistance
Stretchable plastic film packaging has advanced puncture resistance. This is particularly in blown and co-extruded varieties. Normally, these films are created with multi-layer structures that reinforce the film and aid in countering sharp items. Usually, puncture resistance is fundamental for safeguarding products during transportation. This minimizes damages on products such as furniture and glass during transit and handling.
UV Protection
Some stretch films incorporate UV stabilizers into their makeup. This helps in shielding their packaged goods from harmful sunlight exposure. Usually, these films are fit for outdoor settings or extended storage periods. The UV rays tend to fade or deteriorate product materials. Commonly, they protect items like electronics, machinery, and outdoor furniture from coming into contact with UV rays.
Thickness and Gauges
Stretch films normally come in a variety of thicknesses. Usually, they are measured in microns or mils. These films select ideal films for various applications. For example, lighter gauges in the range of 60 to 70 carry offers flexibility. This makes it a preferred choice for lighter loads. On the other hand, heavier gauges like 90 provide additional strength for more demanding tasks. The thickness chosen directly affects the film's performance and efficiency.
Cling and Slip Properties
Stretch films manufacture provides distinct cling and slip attributes. Usually, cling enables the film to stick to itself with no addition of adhesive. This ensures a secure wrap. Often, slip surface treatments ease the film's manual application. Ideally, these films are engineered to balance cling and slip to enhance load stability and ease of handling. This makes them versatile for diverse packaging requirements.
Recycling and Environmental Considerations
Recently, recycling and sustainability have become paramount for stretch films. This is due to rising environmental concerns. Currently, many films are manufactured using post-consumer recycled materials (PCRs). More importantly, companies are working on reducing their carbon footprint. Usually, this is done by using stretch films that can be recycled after use. Therefore, developing sustainable options have the purpose of minimizing packaging waste. This is done while still offering robust protection to products.
Plastic liner shipments have versatile uses. They include:
Pallet Wrapping
Plastic stretch film is largely used to wrap pallets of goods for secure transport. Usually, it helps to stabilize items during shipping and prevents shifting or stacking apart. Commonly, the elasticity of stretch film ensures that products stay protected from dust, moisture, and other elements. Therefore, this makes it essential in logistics and warehousing.
Bundling Products
The stretch film is used to bundle multiple like products for easy handling and transportation. Therefore, it eliminates the need for tape or strapping. Normally, the film provides a tight and adjustable fit that holds items together without damaging their surfaces. This property comes in handy in manufacturing and retail settings where grouped products are needed for efficiency.
Surface Protection
Another use of plastic stretch film is providing surface protection to sensitive items. Normally, it protects electronics, furniture, and appliances from scratches and contaminants during storage or transport. In addition, stretch film is puncture resistant. This ensures that delicate surfaces remain intact and in good condition until the point of use. Moreover, it is an affordable protective solution in temporary applications.
Agricultural Applications
Plastic stretch film is popular in agriculture for wrapping silage bales. Normally, it preserves the quality of the feed by creating an airtight seal that prevents mold and spoilage. Usually, the film protects hay and corn silage from moisture and weather elements. This makes it integral to farm operations that require long-term feed storage and depend on maintaining the nutritional value of wrapped forage.
Packaging for Shipping
Another common application of plastic stretch film is in the packaging of individual products for shipping. Ideally, it keeps boxes, packages, and products like books, cosmetics, and other items together. This makes it ideal for e-commerce and retail businesses. Usually, this secure packaging ensures items arrive in the right condition and helps to reduce theft.
When buying plastic stretch film suppliers should consider various factors. Here are some of them:
Fit for purpose
The packaging that the buyer will be wrapping will determine the type of plastic stretch film they will buy. For products that require more stringent protection, the supplier should get puncture-resistant film. For paint handling, plastic stretch film that has insulating properties should be considered.
Machine
If the buyer intends to do the wrapping by hand, the supplier should get plastic stretch film that has a low initial tack. If the film will be used with a machine, the type of core and pre-stretch should be considered.
Environmental considerations
Currently, many people are using stretch films that can be recycled. Additionally, there are options that are made from recycled materials. When buying stretch film, buyers are required to consider the level of sustainability of the films.
Size and thickness
Buyers should consider the gauge or the thickness of the film. The thicker the film, the stronger it will be. However, a thicker film means that there will be more generated waste. The size of the roll should also be considered. Bigger sizes are suitable for bigger projects, while hand-sized films are more suitable for small projects.
Specifications
Buyers should look for relevant details like slip and cling. Such specifications affect how the plastic stretch film will behave in various environments. For extending core films, buyers should consider how extended the core is. Also, they should decide on the color of the films, which contributes to tamper evidence and security.
Plastic stretch films are widely used across many industries. Some of the common uses include bundling, palletizing and unitizing products, surfaces, and loads in the manufacturing, shipping, and warehousing sectors. They are also used by the agricultural sector to wrap silos for animal feeds and crops, thus enhancing moisture protection. Additionally, they are used to stabilize and secure some products such as furniture during shipping to enhance protection from damage.
Testing plastic stretch film helps assess how effective it will contain the load. Conducting practical tests help determine how strong the film is when used with real-life loads. They also show if the film can provide adequate protection during shipment. Testing helps determine if the film will stay secure and stable without slipping.
When storing plastic stretch film, buyers should keep it in a cool, dry, and dark place. It should also be avoided to direct warm air, sunlight, or moisture onto the film. This is due to the fact that such elements degrade the film and stretch its properties. If the film was wrapped using industrial machinery, the film should be stored in a way that it does not touch the ground. This is because dirt and other elements will stick on the film.
Some plastic stretch film can be recycled. Such film is normally labeled with a recycling number that shows it is made out of recyclable plastic, like LDPE. Additionally, many companies are currently manufacturing stretch films from recycled material to make them more sustainable.
