Stretch film holds a pallet together by being pulled tight around it. As the stretched film tries to relax, it squeezes the load inward and keeps boxes from shifting in the truck.
That squeeze is called containment force. It is the number that keeps your freight standing up when it arrives.
Most stretch film is LLDPE with a cling layer so each wrap sticks to the last. It can be made on blown or cast lines. Depending on the spec and volume, we run yours in Orlando or source it through our partner network, and we manage the order either way.
Blown Stretch Film vs Cast Stretch Film
Both work. They are good at different things.
| Type | What it does best | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Blown stretch film | Higher puncture resistance and load-holding force at a given gauge | Sharp corners and heavy or uneven loads |
| Cast stretch film | Clearer and quieter off the roll, with tight gauge control at high speed | Uniform boxed loads and labels that must read through the wrap |
If loads keep arriving with punctured wrap at the corners, blown film is usually the first thing we look at.
Stretch Film and Pallet Wrap Options
Pallet wrap is not one product. These options change how the film goes on and how the load holds up after it leaves your dock.
| Option | What it does | When to choose it |
|---|---|---|
| Hand stretch film | Smaller rolls applied with a hand dispenser | Lower volume shipping and mixed loads |
| Machine stretch film | Larger rolls built for automated wrappers that pre-stretch the film | High volume pallet wrapping |
| Metallocene LLDPE blends | Tougher film that holds force at a thinner gauge | Cutting film use without losing load hold |
| Colored or opaque film | Hides the contents and color codes shipments | Security and sorting |
| UV-stabilized film | Slows sun damage on wrapped loads stored outside | Loads that sit in a yard |
| Puncture-resistant film | Resin and gauge chosen for impact and tear resistance | Loads with sharp corners or edges |
How to Choose Stretch Film Gauge
Thicker is not always stronger. A well-built thinner film that stretches further can hold a load as well as a heavier film that barely stretches.
Automated wrappers often pre-stretch film 150 to 300 percent. That is why one roll of good machine film covers far more pallets than its weight suggests.
Start with the load weight, the sharpest corner on the pallet and how far the load travels. Match gauge and resin to that instead of to whatever the last supplier sent.
Stretch Film vs Shrink Film
Stretch film tightens because it is pulled. Shrink film tightens because it is heated.
Stretch wrap is faster and needs no heat tunnel. Shrink film gives a tighter, cleaner finish for retail bundles and fully enclosed loads.
What to Send for a Fast Stretch Film Quote
Six details get you a real number.
- Hand or machine wrapping, plus your wrapper model and pre-stretch setting.
- Load weight, height and the sharpest edges on the pallet.
- Roll width, length and core size you use now.
- The gauge or film you run today and where it fails.
- Color, opacity or UV needs.
- Monthly or yearly volume and where it ships.
Send it through our quote form or call (407) 704-0800. A standard request is typically quoted within one to two business days. Want to see the film before a full run? Ask about samples.