Stretch film, also known as stretch wrap, is a versatile and highly elastic plastic film used for wrapping various products, especially for shipping and transportation purposes. It is designed to tightly bind items together on pallets, ensuring their security and stability during transit. This article will delve into the various types of stretch film, with a focus on UVI stretch film, and provide insights into when and why you should use stretch film in your packaging and shipping operations.
Types of Stretch Film:
Stretch film comes in a range of types, each tailored to specific packaging and bundling needs. Understanding these types will help you make informed decisions for your applications.
- Hand Stretch Wrap Film:
Hand stretch wrap film, also referred to as manual pallet wrap, is a basic type used for lower-capacity packaging. It is applied manually or with a hand wrapping dispenser. This type is suitable for bundling smaller items and basic packaging operations.
- Machine Stretch Wrap Film:
Machine stretch wrap film is designed for use with stretch wrap machines. It offers increased efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and load containment. Varieties include blown machine film, colored machine grade stretch film, and cast machine stretch film.
- Pre-Stretched Film:
Pre-stretched film is stretched close to its breaking point before being wound onto rolls. It requires less stretching energy, leading to potential cost savings. This type is ideal for reducing material consumption and offers good load containment.
- Extended Core Stretch Film:
Extended core stretch film features an extended core for easy grip, eliminating the need for a dispenser. It is commonly used for pallet wrapping, providing convenience and efficient load containment.
- Specialty Stretch Film:
Specialty stretch films cater to specific packaging requirements. Examples include color stretch films for color coding, UVI (Ultra Violet Inhibitor) stretch films for outdoor storage, and vented pallet wrap. These films address unique needs beyond general stretch wrap applications.
UVI Stretch Film:
One notable specialty type is UVI stretch film, which is designed to protect products stored outdoors from UV rays. UVI stretch film contains additives that shield the film itself from UV degradation, making it suitable for long-term outdoor storage. This type of stretch film is essential for safeguarding products exposed to sunlight and other environmental factors.
When to Use Stretch Film:
Stretch film finds its application in various scenarios across industries. Some key instances where stretch film is beneficial include:
- Pallet Unitization: Stretch film tightly secures products on pallets, preventing shifting and damage during transportation.
- Load Stability: Use stretch film to stabilize loads with sharp edges or irregular shapes, reducing the risk of product damage.
- Moisture and Dust Protection: Stretch film shields products from moisture, dust, and contaminants, maintaining their quality.
- Load Tampering Prevention: Stretch film discourages tampering and unauthorized access to packaged goods.
- UV Protection: UVI stretch film safeguards products stored outdoors from UV rays, preventing degradation.
In conclusion, stretch film is a crucial tool in packaging and shipping, ensuring the safety, stability, and protection of products during transit. The various types of stretch film cater to different needs, with UVI stretch film addressing outdoor storage and UV protection requirements. By understanding the types of stretch film and their applications, you can make informed choices to optimize your packaging and shipping processes for enhanced efficiency and product integrity.
For expert advice on selecting the right stretch film type for your specific needs, contact us today. Our packaging professionals are here to assist you in making the best choices for your packaging operations.