Stretch Film FAQ

Stretch film is a highly elastic plastic film used to secure products on a pallet for storage and transportation. It works by stretching around a load, then contracting slightly to create tension that holds items tightly together. This tension is containment force and keeps products stable, prevents shifting, and reduces damage during transit. The film also provides protection from dust, moisture, and handling. Stretch film can be applied by hand or machine, and its performance depends on factors like film type (cast or blown), gauge (thickness), and how it is applied. When properly optimized, stretch film improves load stability while minimizing material usage and cost.

The main difference between cast and blown stretch film is how they are manufactured, which directly affects their performance, clarity, and feel. Cast Film Key Characteristics: • High clarity • Quiet and smooth unwind • Consistent thickness and performance • Excellent for high-speed machine applications Blown Film Key Characteristics: • Higher puncture and tear resistance • Stronger cling and load-holding irregular loads • More resistant to harsh or irregular loads • Noisier when unwinding • Ideal for heavy, sharp, or irregular loads that require extra durability

Gauge is the thickness of stretch film, measured in hundred-thousandths of an inch. Higher gauge films are thicker and stronger, while lower gauge films use less material. The goal is to use the right gauge, not the thickest, to optimize performance and cost.

Prestretch film is stretch film that has already been stretched during the manufacturing process, so it requires much less force to apply while still delivering strong load containment. Unlike traditional film that stretches during wrapping, prestretch film is typically stretched 150–300% before it ever reaches the user, meaning it goes onto the pallet with minimal effort. Browse our selection of prestretch films here https://www.sigmastretchtools.com/sustainablefilms/sigma-ecosupreme/prestretch-hand-film(https://www.sigmastretchtools.com/sustainablefilms/sigma-ecosupreme/prestretch-hand-film)

Containment force is the tension stretch film applies to hold a pallet together. Proper containment prevents shifting, reduces damage, and ensures load stability. Many factors contribute to containment such as type of film, gauge of film, amount of stretch applied, amount of revolutions around the pallet and load shape/weight. Each type of load needs to be evaluated and optimized to the correct amount of containment.

There is no single number of wraps that works for every pallet. The correct amount depends on the weight, shape, and stability of the load, as well as how the film is applied. Key Factors Include: • Film type and performance level • Stretch percentage applied • Wrap pattern • Load characteristics

Stretch film typically breaks during application due to a mismatch between the film, the equipment settings, and the load being wrapped. Our Rite-Gauging® methodology assesses the individual pallet, adjusts film, machine settings, and applied stretch until optimal levels are contained. All Sigma Stretch Film sales professionals can perform a Rite-Gauging® assessment on site. Learn more about Rite-Gauging® here https://www.sigmastretchtools.com/rite-gauging(https://www.sigmastretchtools.com/rite-gauging)

Ultra high-performance stretch film is a high-strength, thin-gauge stretch wrap designed to secure pallet loads more effectively while reducing material usage, downtime, and total packaging cost. For more information on our ultra high-performance stretch film Evolve,, click here https://www.sigmastretchtools.com/machinefilms/sigma-evolve/cast-machine-film(https://www.sigmastretchtools.com/machinefilms/sigma-evolve/cast-machine-film)