What Are the Main Applications of Stretch Wrap Film?

Stretch wrap film, also known as palette wrap is one of the most widely used packaging material used in industries ranging from manufacturing to retail. It is often valued for its functionality, durability, and effectiveness in keeping products safe and secure during storage and shipment.

In this article, we will discuss the primary uses of stretch wrap film and its applications in various industries.

What is Stretch Wrap Film?

Stretch wrap film, also called stretch film, is a highly stretchable plastic film typically made from linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE). The material is designed to stretch tightly around products, providing a protective layer that securely binds objects together to protect against damage as well as various environmental factors, during transport or storage.

There are different types of stretch wrap films, each designed for a particular use, including pre-stretch, machine, and manual stretch wrap films.

• Pre-stretch stretch wrap film: It is a type of plastic film that has been pre-stretched during manufacturing. This means it has been stretched to a specific degree, making it easier to apply to pallets and other items.
• Machine stretch wrap film: Applied using stretch wrap machines for large-scale packaging, typically used in high-volume operations.
• Manual stretch wrap film: Used manually to wrap products, often for small-scale operations or when machinery is unavailable.

Applications of Stretch Wrap Film

Stretch wrap film has a wide range of applications across various industries. Its versatility and effectiveness make it a go-to solution for many packaging needs. Here are the key applications of stretch wrap film:

1.   Unitizing and Securing Pallet Loads

Palletising and securing loads are one of the most popular and crucial applications of stretch wrap film. This process, known as pallet wrapping, is used by different industries to bundle multiple items together on a pallet for storage or shipment. This provides the huge number of goods on the pallets with the much-needed stability. By tightly wrapping the items, stretch wrap film holds the items in place to prevent goods from falling or getting damaged during transportation.

Stretch wrap film is also the preferred material as it stretches tightly under stress. It is also known for its easy set-up and versatile application, which easily binds different-shaped items together. The film further eradicates any need for glue or other adhesives. This process, often known as unitising, improves the efficiency of logistical operations while lowering the risk of product damage.

2.   Protection against Dust, Moisture, and Pollutants

Stretch wrap film finds substantial use in shielding products from environmental factors like moisture, dust, and pollutants.

The films are made with this protective feature in mind. The tight seal created by the stretch wrap film clings closely to the surface of the items or pallets, ensuring that the items remain clean and free from contamination during shipment across different climates or kept in warehouses for extended periods.

Some types of stretch wrap film are designed with UV inhibitors, which can protect products from the harmful effects of sunlight. This is especially important for items stored outdoors or during long transportation journeys where they may be exposed to sunlight.

3.   Secure Irregular Shaped Loads

It is difficult to secure irregularly shaped loads for shipment as they do not come in uniform sizes and shapes. The odd shapes make it difficult to stack or package products using traditional methods, such as cardboard boxes or bubble wrap. Stretch wrap film, renowned for its flexibility and conformability, stands out as the ideal packaging solution. Its ability to adapt to odd shapes ensures a tight seal and stable hold during shipment.

High-performance stretch wrap films (higher tensile strength and puncture resistance) are commonly used in industries like construction and furniture production, which utilises or produces long or awkwardly shaped items, such as, sofa, tables, pipes and lumber.

4.    Optimised Arrangement of the Warehouse

To optimise the productivity and organisation of the warehouse, stretch wrap film plays a crucial role by enabling improved security, efficient palletisation, and cost-effectiveness.   goods can be securely bundled together, making it easier to handle and transport multiple items at once.  This saves time during loading, unloading, and moving goods while also optimising storage space through better vertical stacking.

Additionally, stretch wrap film improves product organisation by facilitating the easy organisation of items into groups based on product type, destination, and order. The structured process simplifies inventory management and streamlines the retrieval procedure of items.

5.   Affordable Packaging Option

Stretch wrap film is a cost-effective packaging solution as it offers substantial cost savings compared to other packaging techniques like strapping or shrink wrap. Additionally, it is an effective choice for safeguarding and securing products because of its simple set-up and capacity to lessen the requirement for additional packaging materials. Stretch wrap film also lessens waste by reducing the need for extra, bulky, and more expensive packing materials like boxes or straps. Because of its thin but solid construction, it uses less material while still providing products with excellent protection.

6.   Safety and Security in Transportation

Stretch wrap film protects products by deterring tampering. This is particularly crucial for high-value items or items that must meet stringent quality standards, like electronics or prescription drugs. Because stretch wrap films are transparent in nature, it is possible to conduct quick visual inspections without having to open the packaging or compromising product integrity. This guarantees the products’ safety while in transit.

7.   Environmental Impact and Sustainability

Stretch wrap film has been a part of the packaging industry’s quest for eco-friendly practices to minimise its negative environmental effects. The films are often designed with sustainability in mind, employing stronger, thinner materials to reduce waste. To further support environmentally friendly packaging techniques, stretch wrap films, like those offered by Humipak, are recyclable. Additionally, stretch wrap films assist businesses in cutting down their carbon footprint, while promoting sustainable supply chain practices by providing recyclability and minimising the requirement for bulkier packaging materials, such as oversized boxes and wooden crates.

Preferred Packaging Material Across Industries

The versatility of stretch wrap film makes it a valuable asset in a wide variety of applications. Below are a few examples of industries that rely on stretch wrap film for their packaging needs.

Food and Beverage Industry

Ensuring the freshness and quality of products is essential in the food and beverage industry. Food and drinks need to be kept fresh and safe for consumption during the transportation process and storage.

The stretch wrap film effectively acts as a protective barrier as it securely wraps pallets of perishable food and vegetables, or other products such as canned food and bottled beverages. Additionally, the film protects products from damage as well as air, moisture, contaminants, and other environmental factors.

Multipurpose Application in Retail and Delivery

Stretch wrap film is widely used in retail  delivery operations to facilitate goods movement and safeguard products throughout the supply chain.

The  film is used to bundle products together to create promotional multi-packs or grouping smaller items for sale. Whether it’s multiple bottles, cans, or other consumer goods, the film makes it easy to hold items together without the need for additional packaging.

Moreover, the film’s ability to securely wrap a wide range of different-shaped items together ensures the products remain clean and secure and reach their destination undamaged.

Conclusion

With numerous uses in various industries such as retail, manufacturing, and pharmaceuticals, stretch wrap film is an essential tool in modern packaging.

Its versatility, durability and cost-effectiveness make it a vital packaging material from palletising and securing pallet loads to safeguarding products from dust, moisture, and dirt during storage and transport. Its ability to tightly conform to the shape of items enhances load stability and reduces the risk of damage during shipping. Stretch wrap film is used for bundling smaller items, creating tamper-evident seals, and simplifying inventory management. As a cost-effective solution, it uses minimal material during wrapping or palletisation while providing reliable protection. Many stretch wrap films are now made from recyclable materials, aligning with the packaging industry’s quest for eco-friendly practices.

With the use of stretch wrap films, organisations can optimise their packaging processes and enhance operational efficiency, resulting in a dependable and cost-effective way for securing and protecting their products.