Unraveling Stretch Film vs Shrink Wrap
Do You Need Stretch Film or Shrink Wrap?
Many people use the terms stretch film and shrink wrap interchangeably, but they are different materials with distinct uses. Choosing the right one is crucial for protecting your products during shipping and storage.
The primary difference is simple. Stretch film is a stretchable plastic film wrapped around a load using tension to keep it stable. Shrink wrap is a loose-fitting film that shrinks tightly around an item when heat is applied.
Quickly Comparing Stretch Wrap vs Shrink Wrap
| Feature | Stretch Film | Shrink Wrap |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Use | Securing pallet loads for shipping | Bundling retail items, weatherproofing |
| Application | Stretched by hand or machine | Heat gun or heat tunnel required |
| Material | Highly stretchable polyethylene | Non-stretching polyolefin or PVC |
| Purpose | Load stability and unitizing | Tamper evidence and protection |
What is Stretch Film?
Stretch film, also known as stretch wrap, is an elastic plastic film designed to be stretched and wrapped around pallets, boxes or other large items. Its elastic memory creates a tight, secure load that prevents shifting during transport. It is the ideal solution for unitizing multiple packages into a single, stable load.
Key Characteristics & Uses
- Excellent Load Stability: Its main job is to hold boxes and products together securely on a pallet.
- Protection from Elements: It provides good protection against dust, dirt and moisture.
- Versatile Application: Can be applied manually with hand dispensers or with high-speed machine wrappers.
- Common Applications: Warehouse pallet wrapping, securing furniture and bundling boxes for shipping.
What is Shrink Wrap?
Shrink wrap, or shrink film, is a polymer material that shrinks when heated. It is loosely placed over a single item or a small bundle of items, and then heat from a heat gun or shrink tunnel is used to make it conform tightly to the product's shape.
Key Characteristics & Uses
- Tamper-Evident Seal: Once shrunk, it creates a secure, protective seal that clearly shows if a product has been opened.
- High-Clarity Finish: Most shrink films are crystal clear, making them perfect for retail products where appearance matters.
- Weather and Dust Shielding: The tight seal is excellent for protecting individual items from environmental factors.
- Common Applications: Packaging software, books and food items. Bundling small consumer goods. Weatherproofing outdoor equipment.
Packaging Solutions for Your Business
Whether you need to secure heavy-duty machinery parts for transport or professionally package consumer goods, we have the right materials. Our selection of strong, reliable packaging helps you transport and store your products safely.
- View our selection of stretch film products for palletizing and load containment.
- Browse our shrink wrap products for retail packaging and weather protection.