Stretch Film
The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Right Stretch Film for your Business
Choosing the right stretch film is critical for load containment, cost savings, and operational efficiency. With so many options available—varying in gauge, pre-stretch levels, hand vs. machine application, and material composition—it’s essential to understand what works best for your business.
This guide will help you determine the best stretch film solution to reduce waste, lower costs, and improve packaging performance.
1️⃣ Understanding Gauge: How Thick Should Your Film Be?
Gauge refers to the thickness of the stretch film, measured in mils (thousandths of an inch). Historically, a higher gauge was considered stronger, but modern high-performance films allow for thinner films that perform better than traditional thicker films.
Common Stretch Film Gauges & Uses
| Gauge | Application | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 39-47 Gauge (Ultra-Thin) | Hand film & low-load applications | Lightweight packaging, small products |
| 50-63 Gauge (Standard Duty) | Hand & machine film | General warehouse shipments |
| 70-90 Gauge (Heavy Duty) | Machine film for larger loads | Palletizing boxes, moderate-weight loads |
| 100+ Gauge (Extra Heavy-Duty) | Heavy industrial applications | Sharp, irregular, or heavy loads |
💰 Cost-Saving Tip: Using a high-performance film allows you to downgauge (use a thinner film) without sacrificing strength, leading to less material usage and lower costs.
2️⃣ Pre-Stretch Levels: Maximizing Film Efficiency
Pre-stretch refers to how much the film is stretched before application. A properly pre-stretched film offers better containment, less waste, and easier application.
| Pre-Stretch % | Benefits | Best Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| 0-100% (Minimal Pre-Stretch) | Requires more effort to wrap, uses more material | Older machines, heavy loads |
| 150-200% (Moderate Pre-Stretch) | Balanced strength & efficiency | General warehouse use |
| 250-300% (High Pre-Stretch) | Less material usage, higher efficiency | High-volume operations |
3️⃣ Hand Stretch Film vs. Machine Stretch Film
Hand Stretch Film
- Best for low-volume operations
- Requires manual labor, increasing fatigue and increased injury risk
- Ideal for smaller warehouses & shipments
- More susceptible to inconsistent wrapping
Best For: Businesses wrapping fewer than 50 pallets per day.
Machine Stretch Film
- Faster & more consistent wrapping
- Reduces worker fatigue and worker's comp risks
- Improves load containment & stability
- Higher upfront cost but better long-term savings
Best For: Businesses wrapping 25+ pallets per day.
4️⃣ Cost-Saving Strategies When Choosing Stretch Film
- 💰 Downgauging – Use thinner, high-performance film that provides equal or better containment.
- 🚀 Upgrade to Machine Film – Reduces manual labor costs and increases consistency.
- 📏 Optimize Pre-Stretch – Higher pre-stretch ratios use less film per pallet.
- ♻ Reduce Waste – Eliminate excess wraps and tearing issues with stronger films.
Conclusion
Choosing the right stretch film can reduce costs, improve efficiency, and enhance load containment. Whether you need hand or machine film, high pre-stretch levels, or downgauging solutions, selecting the right product ensures better pallet security and long-term savings.
💬 Need help finding the perfect stretch film? Contact us today for a custom recommendation!
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