The Ultimate Guide to Plastic Stretch Wrap Products

Plastic stretch wrap is a versatile packaging solution that's widely used in various industries. It's made from a thin, flexible sheet of plastic film that can be wrapped around objects to secure and protect them during transportation and storage.

Plastic stretch wrap is available in different thicknesses, ranging from 2-10 mils, with 4-6 mils being the most common. Thicker wraps offer more protection, but may also be more expensive.

For heavy-duty applications, thicker wraps like 8-10 mils are often used. These wraps can withstand rough handling and extreme temperatures.

Hand stretch wrap film is available in gauges of 60, 70, 80, 90, and 120, and widths of 12" to 18".

There are several types of stretch wrap, including hand stretch wrap, machine stretch wrap, colored stretch wrap, and vented pallet wrap, each serving different needs and purposes.

Standard stretch wrap is made from linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) and provides water resistance, protecting goods from moisture and contaminants.

Food-grade stretch wraps are available that are safe for direct contact with food, but always check the labeling to ensure it is food-grade if using it for this purpose.

Stretch wrap is available in various colors, which can be helpful for quick identification of pallet contents or for added security.

While stretch wrap is quite durable and can withstand a degree of puncturing and tearing, it is not entirely puncture-proof, and the resistance can vary depending on the thickness of the wrap.

Stretch film securely fastens products to pallets, preventing shifting, movement, and potential injury during transport.

It's amazing how well stretch film can hold things in place, making it a game-changer for logistics and shipping. Stretch film creates a protective barrier around products, protecting them from dust, dirt, moisture, and other environmental elements.

This is especially important for delicate or sensitive items that need to be kept in pristine condition. A singular unit or load is created by wrapping multiple items together in stretch film, facilitating handling and reducing the risk of lost or misplaced items.

I've seen firsthand how this can improve loading and unloading efficiency, saving time and reducing stress on the warehouse floor. Stretch film is a more cost-effective packaging solution than lashing and shrink-wrapping alternatives, using little material and providing exceptional load containment.

Take a look at this: How to Wrap Wine Bottle with Wrapping Paper

Plastic stretch wrap is a versatile material used for packaging and protecting items during shipping and storage.

It's made from a type of plastic film called polyethylene, which is a durable and flexible material.

This type of plastic film is available in different thicknesses, with 50-100 microns being a common range for stretch wrap.

Stretch wrap is commonly used for packaging pallets, boxes, and other items, helping to prevent damage and keep them clean.

A common application for plastic stretch wrap is in the food industry, where it's used to wrap pallets of food products to prevent contamination.

Stretch wrap is also used in the manufacturing industry to protect machinery and equipment during shipping and storage.

The cost of plastic stretch wrap varies depending on the thickness and quality of the material, but it's generally a cost-effective solution for packaging and protecting items.

A roll of stretch wrap typically weighs between 5-10 pounds and can cover a surface area of up to 200 square feet.

Stretch wrap is easy to use and can be applied using a variety of tools, including hand wrappers and automatic stretch wrappers.

It's also recyclable, making it a more sustainable option for packaging and protecting items.

To use plastic stretch wrap effectively, start by cleaning and drying the items you want to wrap first. This ensures a smooth and secure wrap.

When wrapping, remove any extra pieces or parts that might get in the way, and leave some overlap so the wrap sticks to itself.

To secure your furniture, consider draping it in a Furniture Pad/moving blanket first, then wrapping it with Mover’s Wrap. This is especially helpful for leather or wooden surfaces.

A good quality stretch wrap dispenser can make wrapping a load quick and easy, allowing you to set the tension of the stretch wrap to just the right level.

Using your Mover's Wrap is all about getting creative with it. You can clean and dry your items first to ensure a smooth wrapping process.

Before wrapping, remove any extra pieces or parts that might get in the way. This will make it easier to wrap your item tightly, which is essential for keeping it in place during transport.

To secure your wrap, leave some overlap so it sticks to itself and stays in place. This is especially important if you're wrapping a delicate or sensitive item.

You can also use your Mover's Wrap to protect bulky furniture during moving and storage. It's available in 5-, 10-, 15-, and 20-inch wide rolls, making it perfect for bundling and binding smaller items or wrapping large pieces of furniture.

For added protection, consider draping your item in a Furniture Pad/moving blanket first, then securing the pad using Mover's Wrap. This will keep potential trapped moisture from damaging your belongings.

Here are the key steps to keep in mind when using your Mover's Wrap:

The heavy-duty 75-gauge cast film in Mover's Wrap is ideal for protecting your furniture, and the handle makes it easy to apply the right amount of tension.

A good quality stretch wrap dispenser is a must, especially if you need to apply a lot of stretch wrap.

Stretch wrap dispensers consist of a core, on which the rolls of stretch wrap sit, and a stabilizing handle to make wrapping a load quick and easy.

A decent dispenser will allow you to set the tension of the stretch wrap to just the right level for smooth application.

New Haven supplies sets of hand savers, also termed 'end bungs,' which can be placed either side of the core of a roll, of any width, to help with application.

Stretch wrap has multiple properties that make it a versatile and essential material for various uses. It's commonly used for preparing large shipments of boxes and is often referred to as pallet wrap.

Pallet wrap provides extra protection by binding boxes together and securing them to their pallet. This is especially useful for commercial moves. Experienced warehouse operatives have their own methods for securing loads with stretch wrap, which can involve twisting the applicator upside down.

Sheets of stretch wrap can be wound around boxes to secure them, but they can also be built up into layers and placed inside storage boxes to cushion fragile items. This makes stretch wrap a great option for domestic moves.

Stretch film is transparent, allowing for simple product identification and barcode scanning without unraveling.

This feature is especially useful for companies that rely on efficient inventory management and fast checkout processes.

Stretch film is available in various gauges (thicknesses) and can be chosen based on the load's weight, dimensions, and transportation conditions.

This adaptability makes it a valuable resource for businesses that need to package a wide range of products.

Stretch wrap is incredibly versatile, and its multiple properties make it a go-to solution for various applications.

It's commonly used for preparing large shipments of boxes, often referred to as pallet wrap in this context, providing extra protection and binding boxes together.

Experienced warehouse operatives have their own methods for securing loads with stretch wrap, which can involve twisting the applicator upside down and even creating extra strength by pulling sheets into concentrated plastic 'ropes.'

Stretch wrap is also recommended for wrapping furniture in domestic moves, providing extra cushioning and protection from moisture and dust.

Sheets of stretch wrap can be built up into layers and placed inside storage boxes to cushion fragile items, making it a great solution for protecting delicate belongings.

The 55 gauge recycled stretch wrap is a stiffer and thinner product, offering the highest levels of load holding force while using minimal film to secure pallets.

This film is ideal for operators who need to secure loads quickly and efficiently, as its stiff structure only requires a good tug around the corner for adequate load security.

The 55 gauge film is also lightweight, making it easier to handle and reducing worker fatigue.

On the other hand, the 90 gauge recycled stretch wrap is a softer and thicker product with extreme elongation capability.

This film is better suited for lower volume end users who need a good general-purpose wrap, as it offers a great load holding force when stretched a significant amount.

Sustainability is a top concern for many businesses and individuals alike. The good news is that there are alternatives to traditional plastic stretch wrap that can help reduce waste and minimize environmental impact.

Using biodegradable plastic stretch wrap can help reduce the amount of plastic waste that ends up in landfills and oceans. This type of wrap is made from plant-based materials and can break down naturally over time.

However, it's worth noting that biodegradable plastic stretch wrap is not a perfect solution, as it can still take years to decompose. In contrast, some companies are turning to reusable stretch wrap alternatives made from materials like cotton or polyester.

These reusable wraps can be washed and reused multiple times, significantly reducing the need for single-use plastic stretch wrap. According to a study, companies that switch to reusable stretch wrap can see a reduction in plastic waste of up to 90%.

By making the switch to sustainable alternatives, businesses can not only reduce their environmental impact but also save money on waste disposal costs. In fact, one company reported saving over $10,000 per year by switching to reusable stretch wrap.