Pallet wrap—often called stretch wrap or stretch film—is the go-to material for securing goods on pallets during storage and transit. Here’s an expert dive into its definition, composition, recyclability, distinctions from related films, and the varieties available.
- What Is Pallet Wrap?
Pallet wrap is a highly elastic plastic film used to encircle palletized loads, binding items together and stabilizing them against shifting, dust, moisture, and tampering. Applied by hand or machine, its stretchability lets it conform tightly, reducing the need for tapes or straps. - Pallet Wrap vs. Shrink Film vs. Cling Film
Although they may look similar, these films serve distinct roles:
Stretch (Pallet) Wrap: Made to be stretched around a load, securing items by tension. No heat is required for application.
Shrink Film: Typically LDPE, PVC, or polyolefin, it shrinks when heat-activated (using a heat gun or tunnel) to conform around loads of varied shapes.
Cling Film: A thinner PVC or LDPE film designed to cling to food containers or surfaces. It’s not engineered for heavy loads or pallet stabilization.
- Material Composition
The backbone of pallet wrap is linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE). During extrusion, small amounts of hexene or octene comonomers are blended in, enhancing elasticity and memory (the film’s ability to retract) while maintaining strength. Some formulations add:
Tackifiers to boost cling
UV inhibitors for outdoor protection
Colorants or perforations (vented wrap) for specialized uses
- Recyclability
Pallet wrap is classified as LDPE (#4), making it recyclable where film-collection programs exist. Key steps for successful recycling:
Keep the film clean and dry—remove labels, tape, and contaminants.
Bundle the wrap into loose “donuts” or place in designated plastic-film bins (often found at retail drop-off points).
Verify with local recycling centers; some accept pallet wrap alongside grocery-bag collection, while others require specialized film-only streams.
Businesses handling bulk volumes can partner with commercial film-recycling services to close the loop and produce new wrap or other polyethylene products.
- Types of Pallet Wrap
Pallet wrap comes in multiple forms to suit different applications:
Cast vs. Blown:
Cast films are produced on rapid-throughput lines; they’re smoother, offer higher clarity, and cling consistently.
Blown films, made by inflating tubing, are tougher, more puncture-resistant, but costlier.
Hand vs. Machine:
Hand wrap rolls (e.g., 300–500 mm wide) are lighter and easy to apply manually.
Machine wrap rolls are longer and thicker, optimized for stretch-wrapper arms in busy warehouses.
Pre-stretched/Nano Films: Manufactured under tension, they reduce operator fatigue, save material, and boost coverage per roll.
Specialty Films:
Vented/Perforated wrap allows airflow—ideal for produce, plants, and baked goods.
UV-resistant wrap shields goods from sunlight during outdoor storage.
Colored or printed films signal product type, security status, or branding.
Reinforced films embed scrim or fibers for added tensile strength.
Grip films cling to themselves but not to printed cartons, protecting packaging integrity.