Pallet Wrap

What is pallet wrap?

The most common form of pallet wrap is linear low-density polyethylene, commonly known as L.L.D.P.E, but other types of polyethylene and PVC can also be used. Many pallet wrap films have a stretch capacity of up to 500% but are generally only stretched to 100% - 300% when used. Many gauges and widths of film are available.

Benefits

There are many benefits in using stretch wrap to secure items or pallet loads:

Protection from dust, dirt and moisture.

• Reliable performance with superior load-holding capability.
• Minimises shipping damage and its associated costs.
• Offers increased efficiency in the handling and storage of pallet loads.
• Reduces or eliminates the need for secondary packaging.
• Removal is easy, fast and clean as stretch wrap only adheres to itself, not the product.
• Low cost as it offers the most yield for your dollar compared to other forms of packaging and bundling materials.
• Flexible and versatile. Stretch wrap is available with many different attributes and strengths to meet the needs of a wide range of wrapping applications.
• Scan-through optics. Clear stretch films allow barcodes to be quickly scanned and read.
• Offers a high degree of tamper-resistance and reduces instances of pilferage, especially when an opaque film is used to conceal load contents.

Types of Pallet Wrap

There is a wide range of pallet wrap films available, each with different qualities that address specific wrapping application needs, such as load size and type, performance requirements, and budget.

Two basic manufacturing methods are used to create pallet wrap – blown and cast:

Blown Pallet Wrap

Manufactured using the blown film extrusion process. This involves forcing molten resin through a ring-shaped die to form a continuous tube of plastic, and inflating it with air to form a bubble. The bubble is carried through variable speed rollers to the point where it reaches the required size and is then cooled by air to convert it into a solid film tube of the desired thickness or gauge. The tubing is then guided by pinch rolls to flatten it out, and then it is wound, slit and trimmed to produce rolls of film.

Advantages

• Tough and resilient
• Excellent puncture resistance
• Abrasion resistance
• High force-to-load

Disadvantages

• Hazy, lower clarity
• Noisy unwind

Cast Pallet Wrap

Manufactured using the cast extrusion process. This involves extruding molten resin through a slot die, which forces a thin layer of film on to a chilled, turning roll or drum. This cools the film on one side, before it is sent through to a second roller for cooling on the other side. Finally it passes through a series of rollers that will determine the nature and properties of the cast film, including thickness. The film is then cut as required and rolled into rolls of stretch film.​

Advantages

• Easy to stretch
• Excellent tear resistance
• Consistent film thickness
• Consistent cling
• Excellent clarity and high gloss
• Quiet unwind

Disadvantages

• Limited puncture resistance
• Reduced strength potential

Pre-stretch Pallet Wrap

Film that has been pre-stretched prior to being wound onto rolls.

• The amount of film needed to wrap a load is reduced, thereby cutting costs and waste.
• Less revolutions are required to wrap a load, saving time and improving packaging efficiencies
• Offers superior holding force over conventional films, as the film is already stretched to a much higher degree than what  would be achieved through an operator stretching it by hand around a load.