The idea of stretch film or pallet wrap is that tension is used to hold a number of items together.

Clear film is manufactured from cast polythene, this gives it better clarity and reduces the noise when the film comes off the roll.

This ensures stability of the items held, along with the benefit of being protected from dust and to a lesser extent rain.

Black pallet wrap can be used to shield items from view.

To use stretchfilm in the correct manner tension must be applied to the stretchfilm as it is wrapped around the items. The palletwrap must be pulled taut as it is wrapped around the items.

Pallet wrapping stretch films

• Place the outside of the film to surface of pallet.
• Tye the stretch film to the pallet base.
• Ensure film covers the base of pallet and the bottom layer of the load.
• Wrap bottom of pallet at twice to secure load.
• Overlap the stretch film by 30 to 50%.
• Depending on the weight of your load, consider wrapping the pallet twice.
• To increase the strength, use the film horizontally to create a "strap".
• use a handheld stretch film dispenser for rapid easy application and to prevent injury through straining or repetitive use.

Selecting shrink film thickness

• You can buy shrink wrap film in the thicknesses: 12.5/13 microns, 15 microns, 17 microns, 19 microns, 21 microns and 35/38 microns.
• You should use the thinnest gauge of shrink wrap that will be strong enough to properly wrap your pack. This makes sense from an environmental perspective.
• Thinnest shrink films: 12.5/13 micron shrink films are the thinnest shrink films available. It will suit packs where the shrink film is supported.
• Shrink films for heavier and larger packs: 15, 17 and 19 microns shrink wrap will be proportionally stronger. 21/25 microns shrink wrap allows collations of packs. 35/38 micron shrink film material is demanded for large and heavy packs.

Selecting shrink film width

• Shrink film width is calculated by adding the width and height of the pack together, increasing this figure by 10% and adding 60mm for the necessary scrap.
• As shrink film widths are normally incremented at 5cm per time, you should round up the figure if the width you calculate falls between the increment section.

Calculating the number of shrink wrapped packs

• Add the height and length together, increase it by 10% and then divide this figure into the length of the roll.

PVC and polyolefin shrink wrap

• Film strength - polyolefin shrink wrap seals are stronger as is polyolefin in terms of puncture and tear resistance, and low temperature flexibility.
• PVC shrink film loses strength proportionally as ambient temperature drops.
• Cleanliness - PVC shrink wrap creates carbon deposits on sealing wires and blades which need regular cleaning. In addition, the sealing process will produce small quantities of hydrogen chloride, which will cause the equipment to rust over time. It should be noted that adequate ventilation must be provided when - any - shrink film is used