How to Choose Stretch Film for Pallet Load Securing
Stretch film holds goods together on the pallet and protects them in transit. This guide explains film gauge in microns, the pre-stretch ratio, the difference between hand and machine film and the right holding force for stable load securing.
View stretch filmsWhat makes a good stretch film?
Stretch film is a stretchable plastic film made from polyethylene (usually LLDPE) that is wrapped around a palletised load. The recovery force of the stretched film creates a holding force that compresses the load and secures it against shifting. The key factors are film gauge, pre-stretch ratio and the number of wraps.
A good wrap holds the goods without crushing them. Too little film leads to unstable pallets and transit damage, while too much film wastes material. The goal is the lowest gauge that still delivers the required load securing, following the principle of form-fit and force-fit restraint.
- Material: LLDPE is the standard; multi-layer blown film offers higher puncture resistance.
- Holding force: comes from pre-stretch and the recovery force of the film.
- Cling: one tacky and one slip side prevents adjacent pallets from sticking together.
Choosing gauge and pre-stretch ratio
Film gauge is stated in microns (µm). Hand film is typically 15 to 30 µm, machine film 17 to 23 µm in its pre-stretched state. More important than gauge alone is the balance of gauge, pre-stretch ratio and puncture resistance.
The pre-stretch ratio describes how far the film is stretched before it is applied. On machine film a motorised pre-stretch carriage does this. A high pre-stretch ratio reduces film consumption and increases holding force, but it demands a puncture-resistant grade and correctly set equipment.
Hand film or machine film?
The choice depends on pallet throughput. Hand film suits a few pallets per day and flexible locations, while machine film is made for constant, high volumes with consistent wrap quality.
- Hand film: short rolls, a dispenser with brake for even tension, ideal for varying loads.
- Machine film: large rolls with a defined core, for wrapping machines with a pre-stretch carriage.
- A wrapping machine usually pays off from 15 to 20 pallets per day through material savings and ergonomics.
- Special films: coloured (opacity), UV-stable for outdoor storage, high-clarity for scanners.
Frequently asked questions
How many wraps of stretch film does a pallet need?
For a stable standard pallet, 2 to 3 wraps at the base, spiral passes upward and 2 to 3 wraps at the top usually work well. Heavy or unstable loads need more wraps and a thicker gauge.
What does pre-stretch ratio mean?
The pre-stretch ratio states by what percentage the film is stretched before application. 200 % means 1 metre of film becomes 3 metres. A higher ratio saves material and raises the holding force.
Which film gauge is right?
Light, stable carton loads are secured by 15 to 17 µm hand film. Mixed pallets typically use 20 to 23 µm, while heavy or sharp goods need 23 to 30 µm or a puncture-resistant power film.
Can machine film be applied by hand?
No, machine film is designed for the motorised pre-stretch of a wrapping machine and can barely be stretched enough by hand. For manual wrapping use hand film with a suitable dispenser.
Looking for the right stretch film?
We supply hand and machine films in various gauges and pre-stretch grades - for stable, cost-efficient pallet securing.
Secure loads
Films for form-fit and force-fit pallet restraint.
Material-efficient
A high pre-stretch ratio cuts consumption per pallet.
For every need
Hand and machine film in all common gauges.
Expert advice
We help with gauge, pre-stretch ratio and roll choice.