Stretch wrap is a thin plastic film that can be wrapped tightly around items to secure them on a pallet for shipping. It can be applied manually or with a machine, and there are two types of films: blown and cast. Palletizing items makes them easier to transport and store, and stretch wrapping is the most cost-effective method for securing loads on a pallet. Low-quality wrapping materials can compromise the integrity of the cargo.
Stretch wrap is a thin sheet or film of linear low-density polyethylene (LLPDE) or low-density polyethylene (LPDE) plastic that can be wrapped tightly around items to fix them securely together in place or on a pallet for shipping . This plastic film is applied using a manual stretcher, semi-automatic stretcher or fully automatic stretcher. For objects, boxes, or items stored or shipped on a pallet, the stretch wrapping process unifies the pallet, effectively connecting all the individual items into one large, “palletized” module. Tackifiers, added during the manufacture of plastic wrap, allow the wrap to adhere but not adhere to items on a pallet. These palletized units offer a safer and more efficient means of storing and shipping items of all sizes.
Stretch wrapping hand tools allow an individual to manually apply the wrap to the contents of a pallet. Fully automatic or semi-automatic machine wrappers are more expensive but provide a tighter package than manual applicators. There are two types of wrap films. Blown films melt plastic and blow it into a thin sheet that tends to appear hazier, let through less light, and provide better puncture resistance. Stretch blown wrap is slower and more expensive, but provides a better quality wrap. The cast stretch film process is faster, offers better tear resistance but lower unit load stability, lower resistance to tampering, and lower protection against moisture and dust.
The use of stretch or shrink wrap allows a number of loosely stacked items to be combined and secured into a single unit pallet for shipping or storage. Palletizing these items makes it easier and more efficient to transfer them from the factory or warehouse to semi-trailers, flatbed trailers, ocean liners, airfreight, and railcars. Palletized units are securely confined, meaning they can be transported faster using a forklift or other means, and can be stacked and secured more easily within shipping spaces or storage facilities. Stretch wrapping is currently the most cost effective method of making sure a load remains intact and securely positioned on a pallet.
For objects, boxes, or items stored or shipped on a pallet, the wrapping process unifies a pallet, effectively connecting all of the individual items into one large, sturdy palletized unit. Low-quality wrapping materials can allow a single tear or puncture to widen or close into longer tears or tears, thus compromising the integrity of the wrapped pallet load. Inferior quality stretch wrap may also allow for tailing or fraying, which also compromises the integrity of the cargo.
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