What is Stretch Film?

Stretch film is a plastic film made from linear low-density polyethylene used to secure, bundle, and stabilize products. The film is pulled and stretched around products during application to create tightly secured loads. Stretch film comes in various widths, thicknesses, and colors for different applications. The tight, conforming look of stretch film leads it to be frequently confused with heat shrink wrap. However, the differences are significant: Heat shrink wrap requires a heat source, is rarely used in pallet wrapping, and is not waterproof. Heat shrink wrap also tends to be more transparent and can notably extend shelf life.

The name stretch film is derived from the film characteristics. Some films can stretch up to 300% during application. The more stretch during the application, the less film used. The less film used equals less cost and environmental impact.