All About Stretch Film For Packaging

Packaging serves multiple functions. Beyond containing and protecting products, it is crucial in marketing, brand recognition, and ensuring product integrity. A well-packaged product resonates with consumers, instilling trust and confidence in their purchase. In logistics and distribution, effective packaging—like that offered by stretch film—ensures that products arrive at their destination in good condition, minimizing losses due to damage or tampering.

Definition of Stretch Film

Stretch film, commonly made from linear low-density polyethene (LLDPE), is a highly elastic plastic material used to wrap products and secure them onto pallets. It clings to itself without adhesive, ensuring a tight and stable package that protects goods from dust, moisture, and damage during transportation.

The basic material of most stretch films is polyethene, a versatile polymer known for its excellent flexibility and durability. Polyethylene is derived from the polymerization of ethylene gas and is one of the most commonly used plastics globally. Its ability to be modified for specific purposes makes it an ideal base material for packaging films.

LLDPE is a specific type of polyethene that dominates the stretch film industry. Unlike its counterpart, Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE), LLDPE has a linear structure with fewer branches. This structural distinction provides LLDPE films with superior tensile strength and puncture resistance, making them ideal for packaging applications with high elasticity and durability. Most commercial stretch films today are made from LLDPE because of these properties.

Types of Stretch Film

Hand Stretch Film: Designed for manual application, hand stretch film is lightweight and often used in smaller operations or for occasional wrapping tasks. It comes in rolls that are easy to manage and applied with hands or handheld dispensers. It offers flexibility and is ideal for securing individual pallets and is cost-effective for low-volume packaging needs.

Machine Stretch Film: Machine stretch film are used for larger operations or facilities with high-volume packaging requirements. It’s designed for application with industrial wrapping machines. This type of film is formulated to withstand the force and speed of automatic or semi-automatic wrapping processes, ensuring a tight and consistent wrap every time.

Pre-stretched film: They undergo an additional stretching process during their manufacture. The result is a film that’s easier to apply requires less energy during wrapping, and offers enhanced load stability. It’s thinner than traditional films, making it more cost-effective, as less material is used to wrap the same amount of goods.

UV Stretch Film: For products that may be stored outdoors or exposed to sunlight during transportation, UV stretch film offers an added layer of protection. Embedded with UV inhibitors, this film protects the wrapped products from the harmful effects of ultraviolet rays, reducing the risk of damage or degradation due to sun exposure.

VCI Stretch Film: Volatile Corrosion Inhibitor (VCI) stretch films specifically protect metal products from corrosion during storage or transportation. Infused with corrosion-inhibiting compounds, these films release a vapour that forms a protective layer on the surface of the metal, preventing it from coming into contact with moisture, oxygen, and other corrosive agents.

Benefits for Packaging

Load Holding: The elasticity and strength of the film ensure that products are held tightly together, minimizing movement during transportation. This is especially crucial for palletized goods, where shifting can lead to damage or product losses. With stretch film, businesses can have confidence in the stability of their packaged goods, even in challenging transit conditions.

Protection Against Dust, Dirt, and Moisture: Its seamless wrapping ensures that dust, dirt, and moisture are kept at bay, preserving the quality and integrity of the goods. This is particularly beneficial for products sensitive to environmental factors, ensuring they reach their destination in optimal condition.

Reduction in Tampering and Pilferage: The transparent nature of most stretch films allows for easy inspection of goods without unwrapping them. Any attempts at tampering or pilferage become immediately visible, serving as a deterrent for potential malicious activities. Furthermore, certain coloured or opaque stretch films can conceal the contents, adding an extra layer of security, especially for high-value shipments.

Cost-Effective and Reduces Packaging Time: Compared to alternative packaging solutions, stretch film is often more cost-effective regarding material costs and labour. Given its ease of application, especially with pre-stretched films or machinery, businesses can wrap goods faster, enhancing productivity. This efficiency translates to cost savings in both time and resources.

Applications and Industries

With its versatile properties, stretch film serves a wide range of applications across various industries. Its adaptability and protective nature make it suitable for diverse sectors.

Food and Beverage: It helps maintain the freshness of perishable items by providing a protective layer against contaminants. Furthermore, it ensures the safe transportation of bottled or canned beverages, preventing breakages or spills. Pallets of food items or drinks are often wrapped in stretch film to ensure stability during transportation.

Pharmaceutical: The film provides a barrier against dust, moisture, and other external factors that could compromise the quality of pharmaceutical products. Whether it’s pallets of medicine boxes or large batches of medical equipment, it ensures they reach their destination unscathed.

Furniture and Home Decor: Whether it’s a chair, table, or delicate home decor item, wrapping them protects them from dust, moisture, and in-transit damage. Moreover, it helps in consolidating multiple items, making handling easier.

Electronics and Appliances: Electronic items and appliances are sensitive to environmental factors and require robust protective packaging. Stretch film guards these products against static electricity, dust, and potential impacts. It’s commonly used for wrapping individual electronics, such as TVs or computers, and larger household appliances.

Industrial Goods and Machinery: Heavy machinery and industrial goods require packaging that can withstand the rigours of transportation. Stretch film, especially those designed for high-tensile strength, is ideal for securing bulky or heavy items. It ensures that machinery parts don’t move or get damaged, preserving their functional and aesthetic integrity.

Stretch Film Machinery and Equipment

While sometimes done manually, stretch film can be applied with machinery and equipment to ensure consistent, efficient, and secure wrapping. These machines range from simple manual tools to fully automated systems.

Manual Dispensers and Tools: Ideal for low-volume applications or sporadic wrapping tasks, manual dispensers are handheld devices that make the application of stretch film more ergonomic and efficient. They often comprise a rolling system that allows users to wrap items without bending or stretching excessively. Some advanced manual dispensers have tension control features, ensuring the film is applied consistently. Additionally, edge protectors enhance the manual wrapping process.

Semi-Automatic Stretch Wrap Machines: Semi-automatic machines cater to businesses with medium to high-volume wrapping needs. These machines require an operator to place the pallet onto the turntable and initiate the wrapping process. The machine then spins the pallet, and the film is applied uniformly. Some of these machines come with adjustable settings for wrap tension, wrap count, and height detection, allowing for a more customized wrapping process.

Fully Automatic Stretch Wrap Machines: Designed for industries with high-volume packaging requirements, these machines can be integrated into production lines, allowing continuous packaging without significant human intervention. Pallets or products move on a conveyor, get wrapped, and then continue to the next phase, storage or shipping. Advanced sensors in these machines detect pallet size and adjust wrapping parameters accordingly. Their high-speed operation and consistent wrapping quality make them indispensable in large manufacturing or distribution facilities.

Best Practices for Applying Stretch Film

Ensuring the effectiveness of stretch film in safeguarding goods requires not just the right type of film but also the proper application techniques and practices. By adhering to these best practices, businesses can maximize the protective qualities of stretch film, ensure efficient usage, and maintain a safe working environment. Proper application techniques combined with the right safety precautions ensure goods are securely packaged and ready for transportation or storage.

Proper Wrapping Techniques:

• Overlapping Layers: When wrapping, make sure to overlap each film layer by about 30%. This ensures a firm hold and minimizes the chances of the film unravelling during transit.
• Top and Bottom Wraps: The top and bottom of a pallet are vulnerable points. Ensure they are wrapped multiple times for added strength and protection.
• Twist for Strength: While wrapping vertically, occasionally twist the film into a rope-like shape to bind the contents together. This adds extra holding power and is especially useful for irregularly shaped items.
• Edge Protection: Use edge protectors to deal with sharp or rugged edges. These prevent the film from tearing and provide added safety to the edges of the packaged items.

Optimizing Film Usage:

• Pre-stretch the Film: If using manual dispensers, try to pre-stretch the film before application. This optimizes the film’s elasticity, providing a tighter wrap and using less material.
• Choose the Right Film Thickness: Select the appropriate film thickness depending on the weight and nature of the goods. Overdoing it can be a waste, while under-wrapping may compromise the safety of the goods.
• Regular Maintenance: Regular maintenance is crucial for businesses using stretch film machines. Ensure the equipment is in top working condition, ensuring consistent film application and minimising wastage.

Safety Precautions:

• Wear Appropriate PPE: When handling and applying stretch film, use gloves to protect your hands from potential friction burns or cuts from the film’s edges.
• Avoid Manual Lifting: If dealing with heavy items, use machinery or get assistance. Manual lifting can lead to injuries.
• Clear Work Area: Ensure the space is free from obstacles. This minimizes tripping risks or accidents, especially when manoeuvring around large pallets.
• Stay Informed: Regularly train personnel on safety protocols and wrapping techniques. This ensures everyone is up-to-date and can handle the equipment safely and efficiently.

Conclusion

Stretch film’s resilience, adaptability, and protective capabilities suit diverse packaging needs across various sectors. Its applications are numerous, from safeguarding food items to ensuring electronic products remain damage-free. The correct application techniques and machinery enhance its effectiveness, ensuring products are well-protected during transit and storage. Humi Pak offers premium stretch films manufactured in Malaysia. Feel free to contact our packaging engineers for more insights and information.