Everything You Need To Know About Stretch Wrap Thickness

If you want your packaging line to be a success, you need to choose the right stretch film. Smart stretch wrap purchases help you create an efficient workflow that delivers secure and reliable product loads every time.

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When choosing between different stretch film options, one crucial factor to consider is thickness. The right stretch film thickness will balance cost-efficiency and weight with strength and durability. Find out everything you need to know about stretch wrap thickness options with this rundown of gauges, durability, and more.

The Importance of Stretch Wrap Thickness

Companies use stretch wrap to cover their product loads and secure them to the pallet. This helps create a secure load that doesn’t tip, spill, or break apart as it makes its way through the supply chain. That’s why stretch wrap thickness is so important; if the film is too thin, it will break and put your products at risk. However, you also want to steer clear of stretch film that is too thick, as this will weigh down your load, crush products, and lead to an unnecessary waste of money and materials.

Learning about the different levels of stretch wrap thickness allows you to choose a stretch film that balances dependability with cost-effectiveness. With the right stretch film, you can improve wrapping efficiency, protect your product loads, and streamline your workflow for a faster, more reliable supply chain.

Understanding Different Types of Stretch Film

How a roll of stretch film is made affects its thickness and strength. In addition to factoring in gauge—which we’ll discuss below—you should also pay attention to the type of film you’re purchasing. Options like cast, blown, true gauge, and pre-stretched stretch film all bring different advantages to your workflow.

Cast Stretch Wrap

Cast stretch wrap is a type of low-density polyethylene film with a manufacturing process that involves melting pellets of resin and extruding the film onto cooled rollers. Cast film is clear and glossy with a consistent cling and thickness. It’s easy to unwind, making it an efficient, easy-to-use solution for light or medium-duty product loads.

Blown Stretch Wrap

Blown stretch wrap also consists of low-density polyethylene film. To make blown stretch wrap, manufacturers use air to shape melted resin into a flat, collapsing tube. Blown stretch wrap is tougher than cast stretch wrap, making it ideal for medium- to heavy-duty product loads.

True Gauge Stretch Wrap

You can also choose true gauge stretch wrap, which offers an incredibly precise thickness that’s accurate to a micrometer. This is a premium form of stretch film that often offers the highest amount of stretch possible.

Pre-Stretch Stretch Wrap

Finally, pre-stretch stretch film is a form of true gauge stretch wrap that manufacturers stretch before placing it onto the core. Pre-stretching film helps your stretch wrap go farther while also making it easier to create a secure wrap. This is an ideal choice for efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and reliability.

Gauge Affects Durability

The thickness of a roll of stretch wrap is also known as its gauge. Knowing the different gauge levels and what types of product loads they work best for is a huge part of what to know about stretch wrap thickness. Gauge is measured in mils or microns. A mil is equal to one thousandth of an inch, and there are 25.4 microns in a mil. A higher gauge means thicker, more durable film. Below are some of the most common film gauges and their ideal usage in pallet wrapping.

37-Gauge Wrap

A roll of 37 gauge stretch wrap actually consists of 80-gauge film that the manufacturer has pre-stretched. However, it’s still a thin film gauge, so it works best with lighter loads that weigh less than 800 pounds and don’t have any sharp edges or corners.

47-Gauge Wrap

Also known as a hybrid or equivalent stretch film, 47-gauge wrap uses a unique resin to create a stiffer film. This makes it about the equivalent of a 60-gauge film, which means it works well for loads that weigh up to 1,800 pounds.

60-Gauge Wrap

This gauge is a true gauge stretch wrap, which means it should measure precisely 60 mils on a micrometer. A 60-gauge wrap is ideal for loads up to 1,800 pounds. It offers excellent stretch, making it a good option for automatic and semi-automatic stretch wrappers.

63-Gauge Wrap

Though it’s only slightly thicker than a 60-gauge wrap, 63-gauge stretch wrap offers greater strength. It holds up better against tears and punctures, making it a superior option for product loads with sharp corners or edges. A 63-gauge film can handle loads up to 2,200 pounds.

70- and 80-Gauge Wrap

Both 70- and 80-gauge wrap can handle loads ranging from 2,200 to 2,400 pounds. They are both popular options because of their efficient wrapping processes, premium stretch capabilities, and ability to help reduce weight. However, 80-gauge film is the standard for the industry due to its superior versatility.

Contact us to discuss your requirements of Pallet Stretch Film. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.

90-Gauge Wrap

Heavy-gauge stretch wraps—which are stronger and more resistant to tears, punctures, and other damage—start with the 90-gauge option. A 90-gauge film offers high tension and excellent stretch rate. It’s ideal for pallet loads ranging from 2,400 to 2,600 pounds.

100-Gauge Wrap

A 100-gauge stretch wrap is a popular choice for wrapping steel drums, beams, and other heavy or irregular objects. It works well with pallet loads that range from 2,800 to 3,000 pounds.

115-Gauge Wrap

A 115-gauge wrap also offers extreme strength and damage resistance. It offers excellent stretch and helps reduce tears and punctures. This film gauge is great for working with pallet loads of 3,000 pounds or more.

150-Gauge Wrap

The thickest gauge available is 150-gauge stretch film. This heavy-duty gauge requires an automatic or semi-automatic stretch wrapper to wrap pallet loads effectively. It works well to protect heavy and irregularly shaped loads with products consisting of steel and other metals.

The Art of Downgauging

Stronger film gauges can be a lifesaver when wrapping heavier loads, but that doesn’t mean you want to default to the highest gauge possible for every load. Downgauging—or choosing a thinner, high-performance stretch film over a thicker option—helps you save money without sacrificing quality. When you downgauge your film, you can wrap more product loads while saving money and decreasing material waste.

Streamline Your Wrapping Operations

Stretch film is a type of plastic film that is used to wrap and secure pallets of products. It’s characterized by its ability to stretch and cling to itself, providing a strong and protective barrier around the goods. It’s an essential tool in the packaging industry, used in warehouses, distribution centers and manufacturing facilities worldwide.

Key Benefits of Stretch Film

1. Product Protection: Forms a tight barrier around products, protecting them from dust, dirt, moisture and damage during transportation and storage.
2. Load Stability: By securing products to the pallet, it helps prevent shifting and falling, ensuring the load remains stable throughout handling.
3. Cost-Effective: Is a relatively inexpensive packaging material. This makes it a cost-effective solution for securing products on pallets.
4. Versatility: Can be used with a variety of products, from fragile electronics to heavy machinery.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Stretch Film

1. Film Gauge: The thickness of the film determines its strength and durability. Thicker films are generally better for heavier or more fragile loads.
2. Film Type: The type of film (hand or machine) depends on your specific needs and the volume of pallets you wrap.
3. Load Type: The dimensions of your pallets will influence the size of the stretch film rolls you need. A, B or C load type will also determine the right film and applicator. 
4. Environmental Considerations: If sustainability is a priority, consider using recycled or biodegradable stretch film options.

Stretch Film Applications

Stretch film is used in a wide range of industries and applications, including:

• Manufacturing: Securing pallets of finished products for transportation and storage.
• Warehouses: Protecting stored goods from damage and contamination.
• Distribution: Keeping products secure during shipping and delivery.
• E-commerce: Packaging online orders for safe and efficient delivery.
• Food and Beverage: Wrapping food products to maintain freshness and prevent contamination. 

Stretch film is an indispensable tool for packaging and shipping goods. By understanding the different types, benefits and factors to consider, you can choose the right stretch film for your specific needs and ensure the safety and security of your products.

Have You Ever Had a Stretch Film Evaluation?

Stretch film is a versatile material used to secure and protect products during shipping and storage. It’s a common sight in warehouses, distribution centers and manufacturing facilities worldwide. However, many businesses may not fully understand the nuances of stretch film and how it can impact their operations.

High-Performance Film vs Stock/Commodity Films

Not all stretch film is created equal. There are two primary categories: high-performance film and stock/commodity films.

• High-performance Film is engineered to provide superior performance in terms of cling, puncture resistance, and tensile strength. It’s often used in applications where products are heavy, fragile, or have sharp edges. High-performance films can help reduce product damage and improve packaging efficiency.
• Stock/Commodity Films are more basic and less expensive than high-performance films. They are suitable for many standard packaging applications, but may not offer the same level of protection or efficiency.

Cost Savings in Film, Labor, and Performance

While high-performance film may have a higher upfront cost, it usually stretches further, providing excellent load containment and better yield than standard films. Here are other benefits of high-performance film:

• Film Consumption: High-performance films often have better cling and puncture resistance, which means you can use less film per pallet.
• Labor Costs: Efficient packaging can reduce labor time and improve productivity. High-performance films can help streamline the packaging process.
• Product Damage: By providing superior protection, high-performance films can help prevent product damage and reduce associated costs.
• Performance: High-performance films can improve the overall performance of your packaging process, leading to increased customer satisfaction and reduced returns.

Stretch Film Evaluation

To determine the best stretch film for your specific needs, it’s essential to conduct a stretch film evaluation. This involves assessing factors such as:

• Product Weight and Dimensions: The size and weight of your products will influence the type of stretch film required.
• Shipping Conditions: Consider the environmental factors your products will be exposed to during shipping.
• Packaging Goals: Determine your specific packaging objectives, such as product protection, cost reduction, sustainability, load containment or amount of film used per load.

A stretch film evaluation can help you identify the most suitable film type and application methods, ultimately optimizing your packaging process and reducing costs.

Pioneer Packaging: Your Custom Packaging Solution Company

For over 35 years, Pioneer Packaging has been your packaging company’s go-to for designing product packaging that sells and performs. 

So whether you’re looking to get your paper product packaging at affordable prices or attract new consumers, we’ll find the best packaging solutions that fit your needs. We strive to keep costs down as much as possible to help our customers keep their brands moving along production lines.