Stretch film (also called extensible film or stretch wrap) is one of the most widely used packaging materials in logistics, warehousing, and transportation. It is used to palletize loads , protect merchandise during shipping, and group products quickly and economically, without the need for adhesive tape or ties.
In this guide we explain what stretch film is, what types exist, how to use it correctly and what mistakes to avoid to get the most out of each roll.
What is stretch film and what is it used for?
Stretch film is a sheet of plastic (low-density polyethylene) that stretches when applied, adhering to itself without leaving residue. When wrapped around the load, it creates a firm wrap that:
- Secure the goods on the pallet, preventing movement during transport.
- Protects against dust, moisture and scratches without the need to package each unit separately.
- It groups products of different sizes into a single load unit.
- It hinders unauthorized tampering , functioning as a visual seal.
Unlike shrink film (which needs heat to contract), stretch film is applied cold, which simplifies the process and reduces equipment costs.
Types of stretch film
Not all films are the same. Choosing the right type depends on the pallet volume, the load weight, and the storage conditions.
| Guy | Application | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|
| Manual film (large roll) | It is applied by hand with a mandrel or roll holder. | SMEs, warehouses with low pallet volume |
| Minifilm (small reel) | Compact reel with integrated handle | Group packages, reinforce boxes, occasional use |
| Automatic film | For automatic or semi-automatic balers | Industry, large volumes, production lines |
| Pre-stretched film | Already stretched from the factory, it requires less effort. | Reduce operator fatigue, ergonomic use |
| Black/opaque film | Hide the contents of the pallet | Confidential shipments, UV light protection |
At TELECAJAS we have transparent and black stretch film in manual and minifilm formats, with different weights and sizes to adapt to every need.
How to use stretch film step by step
Proper palletizing makes the difference between a stable load and one that collapses during the first leg of transport. Follow these steps:
1. Prepare the pallet
Place the merchandise on the pallet in an orderly fashion: the heaviest boxes at the bottom and the lightest at the top. Try to align the edges with those of the pallet to maximize stability.
2. Anchor the film to the base
Attach the end of the film to a corner of the pallet or pass it under the first box. The first 2-3 turns should be at the base, covering the joint between the load and the pallet. This is the anchoring and is the most important part.
3. Spiral up
Wrap the film around the pallet in a spiral, overlapping each turn by 50% with the previous one. Maintain constant tension: the film should be firm but not deform the merchandise.
4. Reinforce the top
Once you reach the top, make 2-3 additional turns at the top to prevent it from opening. If the pallet is tall, you can make one more turn on the way down.
5. Cut and seal
Cut the film and stick it to itself by pressing with your hand. You don't need tape or seals: the stretch film adheres on its own.
Professional advice
For heavy or unstable loads, apply cross-twisting in an X pattern across the top of the pallet. This adds extra support, preventing vertical movement of the boxes above.
How much stretch film do I need per pallet?
Consumption depends on the pallet size, the load height, and the number of turns:
| Type of load | Recommended laps | Film approx. per pallet |
|---|---|---|
| Standard pallet 120×80, light load | 3-4 laps (up + down) | ~80-100 m |
| Standard pallet, medium load | 4-5 laps | ~100-150 m |
| Industrial pallet, heavy or irregular load | 5-7 turns + X reinforcement | ~150-250 m |
A standard roll of 2 kg, 23 micron manual film usually has about 150-200 meters of film (after stretching), which allows for palletizing between 1 and 3 pallets depending on the size of the load.
Common mistakes when using stretch film
Even a simple material like film can be misused. These are the most common mistakes:
- Not securing the base properly: if the first few turns don't secure the load to the pallet, the entire bundle loses stability. Make at least two complete turns at ground level.
- Overlap each turn only slightly: if you leave gaps, dust and moisture will get in. Always overlap at least 50%.
- Stretching too much: Overly tight film can deform cardboard boxes or crush fragile products. Aim for firmness without compression.
- Use few turns: a single layer is not enough. Stretch film is designed to work in multiple overlapping layers.
- Do not cover the top: leaving the top area without film allows the boxes to move vertically.
Stretch film vs. other packaging materials
When to use film and when to use other materials?
| Material | Best use | Main advantage |
|---|---|---|
| stretch film | Palletize, group, protect during transport | Economical, fast, no tools required |
| Seal / adhesive tape | Close individual boxes | Secure seal, easy to apply |
| Bubble wrap | Impact protection for fragile products | Superior cushioning |
| Polypropylene strapping | Secure very heavy loads on a pallet | Maximum tensile strength |
In practice, many warehouses combine stretch film for general palletizing with bubble wrap for delicate items and tape to seal each box.
Frequently asked questions about stretch film
What is the difference between stretch film and shrink film?
Stretch film is applied cold, either by hand or machine, around the load. Shrink film requires heat (from a heat gun or tunnel) to contract and conform to the product. Stretch film is more economical and versatile for palletizing; shrink film is more commonly used for wrapping individual products.
What thickness of stretch film should I use?
For light loads (up to 500 kg), 17-20 microns is sufficient. For medium loads (500-1000 kg), we recommend 23 microns. For heavy loads or loads with sharp edges, use 30 microns or more. You'll find different thicknesses in our stretch film section .
Can stretch film be recycled?
Yes. Stretch film is made of low-density polyethylene (LDPE, recycling code 4). It should be disposed of clean and dry in the yellow recycling bin or, in large quantities, managed through an authorized waste management company.
How many meters of film do I need to wrap a pallet?
It depends on the weight and size of the load. As a guide: light loads require 80-100 m, medium loads 100-150 m, and heavy loads 150-250 m per pallet. See the consumption table above in this guide.
Can I use manual stretch film on an automatic wrapping machine?
It is not recommended. Hand-wrapped film has less pre-stretch (30-50%) and is not designed for the tension of automatic wrapping machines (which pre-stretch up to 200-300%). Using the wrong film can cause tearing and poor palletizing. Always use machine-specific film if you have a wrapping machine.
Does black stretch film protect from the sun?
Black or opaque stretch film blocks visible light, helping to protect photosensitive products and making it difficult to identify the pallet's contents (anti-theft function). However, it does not block 100% of UV radiation. For loads requiring maximum sun protection, combine opaque film with indoor storage.
Do you need stretch film for your business?
At TELECAJAS we sell transparent and black stretch film in rolls of different sizes, with no minimum order and with shipping in 24-48 hours.
Call us on 665532358 or write to us at info@telecajas.com .
