What is Pallet Wrap ?
Pallet wrap, also commonly known as stretch wrap or bundling wrap, is a stretchable linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) wound on a cardboard core which can be recycled. It is commonly used to secure goods onto pallets which enables the goods to travel intact and safely to its destination.
There are 2 manufacturing methods to create Pallet Wrap (stretch wrap):
Cast Stretch Wrap
Cast film is manufactured using a cast extrusion method. It is the method in which a thin plastic film is melted and extruded through a die and wound onto a chilled roll where the film is solidified. The advantages of using Cast film is that it has increased clarity enabling users to see the products that they have wrapped after the wrapping process. Cast film unwinds off the roll quietly, where as blown film unwinds noisily. It also is more tacky which enables it to stick to itself better than blown film.
Blown Stretch Wrap
Blown film is manufactured using a blown extrusion method. Plastic is extruded through a slit die where it forms a thin tube like structure, this is done by the introduction of air which is blown up the tube. Further air is used to then cool the film to result in one layer of film. This process enables the film to be tougher and more resilient than cast film. The advantages of using Blown Stretch film is it offers a higher stretch capability than cast film and is a tougher product, however it lacks clarity in clear films.
Stretch films come suitable for hand application using a stretch wrap dispenser or they come in larger length rolls suitable for automatic stretch wrap machines.
At Ace Packaging we carry both sizes in either clear or black films.
The hand stretch wrap is 500mm wide and is generally around 3-4kg in weight. Our most popular pallet wrap product is a 23um cast film. This thickness suits most palletising requirements as we find the 23um to be highly puncture resistant and the cast film allows a great level of clarity.
Our hand black film is again 23um and made using the cast extrusion method. Both films are tested by our research and development team to ensure the best possible product is on offer to our valued customers. Hand stretch wrap is commonly dispensed by using a hand held metal framed stretch wrap dispenser.
Our machine stretch wrap is 23um and has the ability to run with higher machine set tension which results in fewer tears.
How to use hand Stretch Wrap
- Place top sheet over the goods.
- Secure the end of the Stretch Wrap to the base of the pallet
- Start spiralling with tension around the pallet moving upward with approximately 25% overlap.
- Extend well past the top of the goods on the pallet or covering the top sheet of plastic.
- Then continue down the pallet 2-3 spirals for vertical hold strength.
Bundling Film
Bundling film is often confused with shrink wrap, basically bundling film is a mini roll of stretch wrap. Where stretch wrap is 500mm wide, bundling film is 100mm wide which fits in a small hand held dispenser. It’s designed to join any number of items together so they are presented as 1 unit. Examples could be bundling tiles, lengths of wood, plastic piping or even combining a number of corrugated cartons together. Bundling Film can also be used to stabilise goods onto a pallet for stock movement. Ace Packaging stocks 100mm x 300 mtr 20um Clear Film and 100mm x 250 mtr 20um Black Film.
Check out our full range of pallet and stretch wrap solutions here.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is pallet wrap made of?
Stretch wrap is a stretchable linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) wound on a cardboard core which can be recycled. It is commonly used to secure goods onto pallets which enables the goods to travel intact and safely to its destination.
How do you stretch wrap?
Hand stretch wrap is commonly dispensed by using a hand held metal framed stretch wrap dispenser. By tying off the end of the stretch wrap to the bottom of the pallet you spiral up the pallet overlapping each half of film. Making sure you create tension is important as this holds your goods securely on the pallet. Once you have reached the top spiral back down the pallet 2-3 turns, tear off the film and you’re done.
How do you use shrink wrap for moving?
By using a product known as bundling film, which is basically a smaller width roll of stretch wrap you can bundle your household items together so they can be easily transported and kept in place together. This product does not have adhesive so it will not mark or damage your goods.
Check out our full range of specialty pallet wrap or give us a call today on (02) 9905 5858 to discuss your packaging requirements.