When it comes to shipping and storing goods, keeping items safe, clean, and intact is a top priority. One of the most commonly used materials for this purpose is pallet wrap—a thin, durable plastic film designed to secure and protect goods placed on pallets.
But what exactly is pallet wrap, how is it different from similar materials, and what is it made of? Let’s take a closer look.
What Is Pallet Wrap?
Pallet wrap is a flexible plastic film that wraps tightly around palletized goods to hold them together during transport and storage. Its main function is to prevent items from shifting or toppling, minimizing the risk of damage. By securing the load into a single unit, pallet wrap ensures a more stable and efficient supply chain process.
Pallet wrap is available in two main types:
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Hand stretch film – Applied manually, ideal for lower volume operations.
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Machine stretch film – Applied using automated wrapping machines, perfect for high-volume packaging lines.
Pallet Wrap vs. Stretch Film: Is There a Difference?
You may hear the terms pallet wrap, stretch film, and stretch pallet wrap used interchangeably — and that’s because they all refer to the same product. These terms describe the same stretchable plastic film used to wrap pallets. The name simply varies depending on the industry, region, or personal preference.
Pallet Wrap vs. Shrink Film vs. Cling Film
While these materials might appear similar at first glance, their functions and applications are very different:
Pallet Wrap
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Stretchable and elastic
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Applied by wrapping tightly around a pallet
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Holds goods in place without the need for heat
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Ideal for various load types, including irregular shapes
Shrink Film
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Loose-fitting plastic that shrinks when heat is applied
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Commonly used to cover larger individual items like furniture or boats
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Provides protection from moisture, dust, and theft
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Not designed to stabilize pallet loads through tension
Cling Film
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Primarily used in food packaging
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Seals containers and prevents spoilage
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Offers no structural support for palletizing or transport
Each of these films has a unique purpose. While they may share plastic as a base material, they serve entirely different industries and needs.
What Is Pallet Wrap Made From?
Most pallet wrap is made from Linear Low-Density Polyethylene (LLDPE) — a type of plastic known for its flexibility, stretchability, and resistance to tearing. LLDPE allows the film to be tightly stretched around goods without breaking, making it ideal for securing loads during transit.
Its semi-transparent nature also makes it easy to identify goods without removing the film. In addition, LLDPE’s durability ensures protection from dirt, moisture, and environmental exposure.
Conclusion
Pallet wrap plays a crucial role in modern logistics and warehousing. Whether you call it stretch film, pallet wrap, or stretch wrap, this material keeps goods safe, reduces product loss, and improves efficiency. By understanding what it is—and how it differs from similar materials like shrink film or cling wrap—you can make smarter choices for your packaging needs.