Stretch vs Shrink Wrap: What’s the Difference?

August 22, 2019

Stretch Wrap is a plastic film that’s used to secure a load of products, usually on a pallet. Its high-elasticity allows it to hold things tightly and securely, so they won’t move during shipping or storage. Essentially, it wants to return to its unstretched state, which is what provides such excellent protective tension. Most commonly made from polyethylene plastic, it protects against dust, dirt, and is highly resistant to punctures and tears.

There are 2 formats of stretch wrap packaging, each with a different mode of application:

Hand wrap is applied by hand or a manually-powered applicator. It’s best used for smaller loads or in low-volume warehouses. It stretches roughly 25-100% longer when pulled tightly.
Machine wrap is applied by a powered machine arm, as a pallet spins on a turntable platform. It’s best used for large loads and in high-volume warehouses. It can be stretched roughly 150-300% longer than its original length.

There are also specialty wraps, which have a multitude of uses:

UV for preventing exposure to the sun’s rays
Vented for helping to prevent moisture build-up
Anti-static for preventing damage to electronics
Colored for privacy, organizing and even branding

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