Stretch Wrap
Introducing our new line of high-strength stretch wrap, designed to keep your goods secure during storage and transportation. Our stretch wrap is made from durable materials and can withstand even the heaviest of loads. Trust us to protect your products and ensure they reach their destination safely.
Better Wrapping, Better Results
Say goodbye to messy and disorganised goods with our top-of-the-line stretch wrap products!
Our range of polyethylene shrink film, mobile pallet stretch wrapper, and industrial stretch wrap machines are here to revolutionise the way you handle goods in your warehouse or logistics operation.
Our products are designed for maximum efficiency and organisation, saving you time and effort while keeping your workspace neat and tidy.
Upgrade your operation today with our top-quality stretch wrap products, available for use in workplaces throughout the UK and Europe.
What Is Stretch Wrap?
Stretch wrap, also known as stretch film, is a highly stretchable plastic film that is wrapped around items to secure them together and protect them during storage or transportation. It is made of linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) which has elastic properties that allow the wrap to be stretched around items and then return to its original shape, securely holding the items in place. Stretch wrap is commonly used in warehouses and logistics operations to hold items together on a pallet for transport, as well as to protect them from dust, dirt, and moisture. It can also be used for bundling and unitising small items.
What Are Some Common Uses for Stretch Wrap?
Stretch wrap is commonly used for a variety of purposes in warehouses, logistics, and other industries. Some of the most common uses for stretch wrap include:
- Pallet wrapping: Stretch wrap is often used to hold items together on a pallet for transport. It helps to keep the items from shifting or falling off during transit, and also provides a layer of protection from dust, dirt, and moisture.
- Bundling: Stretch wrap can be used to bundle smaller items together for easier handling and transport. This is often used for items such as bricks, pipes, and other construction materials.
- Unitising: Stretch wrap can be used to unitise multiple items together. It is used to keep several items as a single unit and it is a common practice in manufacturing and assembly.
- Moving: Stretch wrap is also used to cover furniture and boxes during the moving process, protecting them from scratches, dings and dirt.
- Protective packaging: Stretch wrap can be used to protect products from damage during storage or transportation, by wrapping them in a protective barrier.
- Marketing and branding: Stretch wrap can also be used for branding or promotion as it can be printed on for marketing messages and logo display.
What Are the Different Types of Stretch Wrap?
There are several different types of stretch wrap that can be used for various applications. Some of the most common types include:
- Hand stretch wrap: This type of stretch wrap is applied by hand and is commonly used for pallet wrapping, bundling, and unitising. It is available in various widths and lengths, and can be purchased with or without handles for easy application.
- Machine stretch wrap: This type of stretch wrap is applied using a machine and is commonly used for high-volume pallet wrapping. Machine stretch wrap is available in various widths and lengths and can be used with different types of stretch wrapping machines.
- Pre-stretch film: This type of stretch wrap is stretched before it is applied to a pallet. This type of stretch wrap is thinner and more economical, but also less durable.
- Extended Core Stretch Film: This type of stretch wrap has a plastic handle or core at the end, which allows you to use the film with less effort.
- Clear stretch wrap: This type of stretch wrap is typically transparent and allows the wrapped items to be seen easily.
- Coloured stretch wrap: This type of stretch wrap comes in different colours like blue, red, yellow, black, etc. This is used for identifying specific items or for branding purposes.
- UV stretch wrap: This type of stretch wrap is formulated to protect the wrapped items from UV rays, this type of wrap is used for outdoor storage and transportation.
- Biodegradable stretch wrap: This type of stretch wrap is made from materials that are biodegradable, which makes it more environmentally friendly than traditional stretch wrap.
The choice of the type of stretch wrap depends on the need of the product that needs to be wrapped, the environment they will be stored or transported and the budget.
What Are the Key Features to Consider When Choosing Stretch Wrap?
When choosing stretch wrap, there are several key features to consider to ensure that you select the best product for your specific needs. Some of the most important factors to consider include:
- Strength and durability: The strength and durability of the stretch wrap is important to ensure that your items are securely held together and protected during storage or transportation. You should consider the weight of the items that will be wrapped, and choose a stretch wrap that is rated to handle that weight.
- Stretchability: The stretchability of the stretch wrap is important to ensure that it can be stretched around your items and then return to its original shape, securely holding the items in place. The stretch percentage (typically ranges from 150-250%) will give you an indication of the stretchability.
- Clarity: The clarity of the stretch wrap is important if you want to be able to see the wrapped items. Clear stretch wrap allows wrapped items to be seen easily, while coloured stretch wrap can be used for identifying specific items or branding purposes.
- Width and length: The width and length of the stretch wrap will depend on the size of the items that you need to wrap. It's important to consider the width and length of your stretch wrap so that you can wrap your items securely and efficiently.
- Environment: The environment in which the wrapped items will be stored or transported should also be taken into consideration. For example, if the wrapped items will be stored or transported outside, you may want to choose a stretch wrap that offers UV protection.
- Recycling and environmental impact: With concerns of environmental impact, you may want to look for biodegradable or recyclable stretch wraps.
- Machine Compatibility: If you are planning to use stretch wrap with a machine, it's important to check that the film you choose is compatible with the machine.
- Cost: The cost of stretch wrap can vary depending on the type and quality of the product. It's important to consider your budget when choosing stretch wrap and to compare different products to find the best value for your money.
How Does Stretch Wrap Protect Items During Transportation?
Stretch wrap helps to protect items during transportation by providing a secure barrier around them. When stretch wrap is applied to items, it clings tightly to them and holds them together, preventing them from shifting or falling off during transit. This is particularly important for items that are stacked on a pallet for transport, as it helps to keep them stable and in place.
Additionally, stretch wrap provides a layer of protection from external elements such as dust, dirt, moisture and other forms of damage that may happen during transit. This can include things such as scratches, dings, or even damage from exposure to UV rays if the stretch wrap is formulated to provide UV protection. By keeping the wrapped items clean and dry, stretch wrap can help to prevent damage that could occur during transport, and protect the goods from spoilage or spoilage of goods.
How Is Stretch Wrap Applied?
Stretch wrap can be applied either by hand or by machine, depending on the specific application and the amount of items that need to be wrapped.
When applying stretch wrap by hand, the film is typically applied in a spiral pattern around the item or items that need to be wrapped. The film is stretched as it is applied, so that it clings tightly to the items and holds them securely in place. Some hand stretch wraps come with a handle attached to the core making the application process a lot easier, others come without a handle and the user needs to hold the core in place.
When applying stretch wrap using a machine, the film is typically loaded onto a dispenser and then wrapped around the items on a pallet using a series of rollers. This method is commonly used for high-volume pallet wrapping and allows for a more efficient and consistent application of the stretch wrap. Some machines apply stretch wrap with a pre-stretch mechanism which is more economical while others will apply stretch wrap with a power pre-stretch mechanism which is more efficient.
The choice between the two methods depends on the volume of items to be wrapped, budget, and desired efficiency. Hand stretch wrapping is better suited for low volume or one-off jobs, while machine stretch wrapping is more efficient for high-volume jobs.
Are There Any UK or European Industry Standards That Apply to Stretch Wrap?
There are several UK and European industry standards and regulations that may apply to stretch wrap. These standards are in place to ensure that stretch wrap products are safe, reliable, and fit for purpose.
- In the UK, the British Standards Institution (BSI) sets standards for stretch wrap products through its BS EN ISO 1133:1997 standard. This standard sets out the method for determining the tensile properties of plastics by using the tensile test, including the testing procedures for stretch wrap.
- In the European Union, stretch wrap products are subject to the provisions of the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive (94/62/EC) which aims to reduce the environmental impact of packaging. This directive sets out requirements for packaging materials, including stretch wrap, to be easily recyclable or recoverable, and to have a minimal impact on the environment.
- In addition, it is important to make sure that stretch wraps used for transporting goods comply with regulations set out by the European Union for the transportation of packaged goods. This includes regulations on road, air and sea transport that apply for the safety and security of the goods being transported.
In general, it's important for businesses using stretch wrap to be aware of and comply with any applicable industry standards and regulations in order to ensure that the products they are using are safe and fit for purpose. It's important to check with the local authorities or industry bodies for the specific regulations in their region.