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Who This Is For
Procurement managers, warehouse operations leads, and packaging engineers handling 500+ pallets per month in manufacturing plants, distribution centers, cold storage, and 3PL facilities who need clear stretch film that keeps loads secure while controlling per-pallet cost.
This article covers clear stretch film for industrial pallet wrapping only -- not shrink film or retail packaging.
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Why Stretch Film Matters
Stretch film is the most widely used load containment material in global supply chains. Quality stretch film prevents:
- Shifting and collapse during truck, rail, and container handling
- Moisture and dust ingress damaging cardboard and product surfaces
- Top-layer damage from forklifts, racking, and stacking
- Theft and tampering through visible, tamper-evident wrapping
Industry data from the PPI Flexible Films Committee estimates poorly wrapped pallets cause 2-5% of total freight damage claims. The right film specification and prestretch ratio can reduce damage claims by 30-60% while cutting film consumption.
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Recommended Product: Clear LLDPE Stretch Film
Xiahong Packaging manufactures clear stretch film from linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) optimized for stretching performance, cling, and puncture resistance. We offer cast film (smooth, high clarity) and blown film (higher puncture resistance, lower cost) in manual and machine-compatible roll sizes.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Standard Range | Notes |
|-----------|---------------|-------|
| Material | Virgin LLDPE (6-8 layer co-extruded) | Cling layer one or both sides; PCR options available |
| Film Thickness | 17μ (0.67 mil) to 25μ (1.0 mil) | 20μ is the most common machine-wrapping standard |
| Roll Width | 30-50cm (manual); 50cm (machine) | Custom widths for specialized machinery |
| Core Size | 50mm (manual); 75mm (machine) | 76mm also available for European equipment |
| Prestretch Capability | 200-300% (cast); 200-250% (blown) | Higher prestretch = less film per pallet |
| Cling | Single-side (machine) or double-side (manual) | Measured after 24h equilibration |
| Puncture Resistance | 0.3-0.8 J (Izod pendulum) | Blown film 20-30% higher than cast |
| Retention | 50-80% after 72h static test | Depends on thickness, wrap count, prestretch |
| Certifications | ISO 9001; FDA 21 CFR 177.1700; REACH compliant | Food-contact LLDPE available |
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Cast Film vs. Blown Film
| Feature | Cast Stretch Film | Blown Stretch Film |
|---------|-------------------|--------------------|
| Clarity | Excellent (>90% light transmission) | Good (85-90%) |
| Puncture resistance | Good | Better (+20-30%) |
| Prestretch efficiency | 250-350% | 200-250% |
| Cost per kg | Higher | 8-15% lower |
| Best for | High-speed automated wrapping, uniform loads | Heavy/irregular loads, rough handling, cost-sensitive ops |
Recommendation: For most automated distribution centers, cast LLDPE at 20μ with 250% prestretch offers the best balance of film economy and load security. For heavy industrial loads with sharp edges, specify blown film at 23-25μ.
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Film Thickness and Prestretch: Cost Control
The two key variables are thickness and prestretch ratio. With prestretch, effective roll length increases proportionally -- a 25μ film stretched to 250% covers like 10μ film while retaining 85-90% of its tensile strength.
Typical consumption (machine wrapped, 120x100cm pallet):
| Film Thickness | Prestretch | Wraps | Film per Pallet | Best Use |
|---------------|-----------|-------|----------------|----------|
| 17μ | 200% | 5 wraps | ~850g | Light loads, short-haul |
| 20μ | 250% | 5 wraps | ~700g | Best value for most applications |
| 23μ | 250% | 6 wraps | ~900g | Heavy-duty, rough handling |
| 25μ | 200% | 6-7 wraps | ~1,100g | Maximum retention |
Cost per pallet: Expect approximately $0.15-0.40 per pallet for standard 120x100cm loads at current market rates, depending on thickness and prestretch. Large pallets (120x120cm+) add 10-20% consumption.
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Manual Hand Rolls vs. Machine Jumbo Rolls
| Factor | Manual Hand Rolls | Machine Jumbo Rolls |
|--------|-------------------|--------------------|
| Volume suitability | <100 pallets/day | 100+ pallets/day |
| Film consumption | 10-20% higher (no prestretch) | 20-30% lower (powered prestretch) |
| Consistency | Variable (operator-dependent) | Repeatable and documented |
| Best use case | Irregular loads, ad-hoc shipments | Production lines, standardized loads |
Many operations use both: machine wrapping for standardized outputs and hand rolls for ad-hoc loading dock shipments.
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Load Retention Benchmarks
| Application | Film Thickness | Min. Wraps | Expected Retention | Notes |
|------------|---------------|-----------|-------------------|-------|
| Light cartons (up to 15kg) | 17-20μ | 4-5 | 50-60% | Short-haul truck, <48h |
| Medium cartons (15-30kg) | 20-23μ | 5-6 | 60-70% | Standard distribution |
| Heavy cartons (30-50kg) | 23-25μ | 6-7 | 70-80% | Long-haul, rail, container |
| Cold storage (< -18°C) | 23-25μ, cold-rated | 6-7 | 60-70% | Specify cold-rated LLDPE |
| Outdoor storage (> 7 days) | 23-25μ + UV additive | 7+ | 50-60% | Consider opaque or colored film |
Critical note: Load retention depends as much on wrapping technique as on film. Minimum 50% wrap overlap, proper pre-tension, and bottom-base wrapping are essential.
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Pre-Order Specification Checklist
| # | Item | Why It Matters |
|---|------|----------------|
| 1 | LLDPE layer count (6-8 layer co-extrusion) | Multi-layer optimizes cling, puncture, and stretch |
| 2 | Puncture resistance (Izod test report) | Prevents load failure from sharp edges |
| 3 | Cling force (after 24h equilibration) | Ensures film stays self-adhered |
| 4 | Prestretch ratio (200%-300%) | Directly impacts film consumption |
| 5 | Thickness tolerance (±10%) | Affects cost predictability |
| 6 | PCR content options (up to 30%) | Supports sustainability reporting |
| 7 | Cold-rated compound (if applicable) | Standard LLDPE cracks at -20°C |
| 8 | UV additive options | Extends outdoor retention |
| 9 | Core size (50mm, 75mm, or 76mm) | Ensures equipment compatibility |
| 10 | Free sample testing | Validate on your actual loads first |
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Related Resources
- Shrink Wrap Film for Pallet Stabilization
- Stretch Wrap vs Shrink Wrap Comparison
- PP Woven Bags for Industrial Use
- Our Certifications
- Contact for Samples and Quotes
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Key Takeaway
For industrial buyers, clear LLDPE stretch film is the most cost-effective load containment solution available, at $0.15-0.40 per pallet. The biggest savings come from selecting the right thickness-prestretch combination and reducing waste through consistent wrapping technique.
Xiahong Packaging offers full OEM stretch film production in cast and blown variants, with multi-layer co-extrusion, recycled content, and custom roll sizes. Contact fly@chinapolybags.com or +86-592-5656669 for samples and pricing.