Understanding the Different Types of Stretch Films
Choosing the Best Stretch Film
Stretch film is a critical component in securing palletised loads across warehousing, manufacturing, logistics and distribution. From high performance machine stretch film to versatile hand grade or recycled content pallet wrap solutions, not all stretch films deliver the same results. Understanding the different types of stretch films, their materials and grades is essential when choosing the best stretch film for your application. The right selection helps improve load stability, reduce waste and lower total packaging costs.
Why Choosing the Right Stretch Film Matters
Choosing the right stretch film has a direct impact on operational efficiency, product protection and sustainability outcomes. The correct film improves load containment, ensures consistent tension application and reduces film consumption through optimised stretch and memory performance. This leads to lower material usage, less waste and improved pallet integrity during transport.
In contrast, selecting the wrong stretch film can result in unstable loads, excessive film usage, failed load containment and product damage. This increases labour, transport risks and overall packaging costs. If you are unsure whether your current solution is delivering the right performance, this guide to applying the right stretch film is a useful reference point. Understanding how pre-stretch in stretch wrapping affects performance can also unlock significant efficiency gains.
Common Types of Stretch Films
Below is a breakdown of the most commonly used stretch film solutions:
Designed to be 'stretched' through automatic and semi-automatic pallet wrapping machines. Machine grade stretch film delivers consistent tension, controlled stretch and optimal film efficiency. Available in varying thicknesses and black in colour for security and UV protection.
Applied manually using a dispenser or by hand. Ideal for wrapping in low volumes, mobile use and irregular loads. The elastic particles in the film can only be activated by stretching the film by hand before applying to the load which can be labour intensive and repetitive.
FROMM’s hybrid stretch film is a lightweight solution that delivers excellent puncture resistance and reliable load containment on longer rolls. It is ideally suited to low-volume pallet wrapping machines with limited stretch capability, such as mechanical brake machines, helping reduce unnecessary plastic use while lowering overall wrapping costs.
Machine and hand grade film with 30% recycled content ideal for those looking for a film option that is more sustainable. Verde film is made using high performance FROMM resins and 30% post consumer recycled (PCR) content, this results in a film with a slightly grey appearance. However, during the stretching process the film appears closer to 'clear' when applied.
Film designed to be used with orbital wrapping machines, sometimes referred to as 'horizontal' or 'spiral' wrapping machines. These machines are generally for long, unstable or difficult to wrap products such as timber, pipes and panels. Orbital wrapping films are shorter in width than regular pallet wrapping machine film rolls.
Pallet shrink bags are made to suit standard Australian pallet dimensions and are supplied on perforated rolls for quick and efficient application. Shrink bags must be used with a heat shrink gas gun to allow the bag to shrink against the product. These protective bags provide weather resistance and export grade protection.
This film is a 'tube' on a roll, designed to be slipped over the load, and cut to size. This film also must be used with a heat shrink gas gun, and the film will conform to the exact shape of the product once exposed to the flame. Ideal for wrapping irregular shaped goods and packages.
Each option is engineered for specific application, load profiles, packaging environments and transport conditions.
Understanding Stretch Films Grades and Materials
Understanding stretch film grades is essential when matching strength to load requirements. Films are commonly classified by suppliers as light, medium, or heavy duty based on thickness and performance.
- Light duty films are suitable for uniform or lighter loads
- Medium duty films cover most general pallet wrapping tasks
- Heavy duty films are designed for sharp edges, irregular pallets, heavy loads and demanding freight environments
Film thickness is measured in microns. As thickness increases, puncture resistance and load stability capabilities also increase.
From a material perspective, most high quality stretch films are manufactured using linear low-density polyethylene (LLPDE). This advanced material offers excellent stretch capability, strong tear resistance and superior load retention. Multi-layer film technology further enhances performance by combining flexibility, strength and clarity in a single solution.
Suppliers should always provide clear specifications on the width, thickness and length of both hand and machine stretch film rolls. At FROMM, we provide this information transparently and proudly stand behind it through our Every Metre Matters initiative.
Every roll of stretch film you purchase from us meets, at a minimum, the exact length stated on our technical data sheets. If it is specified at 1500 metres, you receive a guaranteed 1500 metres. In contrast, some stretch films resellers allow variations of up to 5% from batch to batch, which can mean up to 100 metres less per roll. If you are unsure about the true specifications of film supplied by another provider, FROMM offers testing services, including cut & weigh testing to verify actual thickness and material performance.
How to Choose the Best Stretch Film for your Application
Choosing the best stretch film begins with understanding your packaging environment and transport demands. Key factors to consider include:
- Load weight, shape and stability
- Pallet configuration and sharp edges
- Hand application vs. Machine application
- Transport distance and handling conditions
- Exposure to moisture, dust and UV
- Sustainability and waste reduction targets
If sustainability is a key focus, FROMM offers multiple solutions aligned with modern sustainable packaging initiatives. Many stretch films can also be recycled through dedicated programs. Learn more in this guide to recycling pallet wrap.
As no two packaging operations are identical, working with a specialist ensures you achieve the most efficient film usage possible. FROMM provides expert load assessment, film testing and technical support to ensure the right film is selected the first time.
Let us help you choose the right type of stretch film
With so many types of stretch films, materials and grades available, making the right selection is critical to load security, cost efficiency and operational performance. From machine and hand stretch films to Verde, Hybrid, Orbital and Shrink solutions, each product is designed to solve specific packaging challenges. By understanding your application and working with a trusted partner, you can confidently choose the best stretch film for your operation.
FROMM combines product performance with local Australian expertise, making us your trusted partner in industrial packaging solutions.
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FAQs Different Types of Stretch Films
The most common types include machine stretch film, hand stretch film, verde stretch films, orbital wrapping films, pallet shrink bags and shrink film tubing.
Consider your load weight, transport conditions, application method, sustainability targets and required containment force. Consulting a stretch film expert ensures optimal performance and minimal material waste.
Stretch film grades relate to thickness and strength. Lighter gauge films suit lighter loads, medium gauge films handle general applications, and thicker films are designed for demanding loads and sharp-edged products.
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