Stretch wrap
Stretch wrap (stretch film) is a plastic film stretched around a loaded pallet so that its tension holds the cartons together and ties the load to the pallet. Pallet design tools such as PDS and LoadSync list it as a load stabilizer, alongside straps and corner protectors.
Also called stretch film, pallet wrap, shrink wrap
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Where stretch wrap fits in a unit load
A unit load spec lists the stabilizers used to hold it together:
| Stabilizer | Role |
|---|---|
| Stretch wrap | binds the layers and the pallet into one unit |
| Straps (plastic or steel) | clamp the load down to the pallet, often through strap slots |
| Corner and top-edge protectors | stop straps and film cutting into cartons, add stacking strength |
| Tier sheets | tie layers together from inside |
Pallet design details that affect wrapping
- Wrapping onto the pallet: carrying the film down over the top deck or stringers locks the load to the pallet, not just to itself
- Wings: a winged top deck gives film and straps an edge to grip
- Load overhang: cartons that stick out past the deck edge are pulled in and can be crushed by the film
- Stretch wrappers: automated wrappers and palletizers have limits on pallet size, height and bottom-board orientation
Why it matters
A pallet can pass every strength check and still fail in transit if the load shifts. The wrap and the pallet should be specified together. Note that "shrink wrap" is sometimes used loosely for stretch film, though true shrink film is heat-shrunk. See unit load design.
Questions
- Should stretch wrap go around the pallet too?
- Carrying the film down onto the pallet ties the load to it; wrapping only the product can let the load slide off the deck.
Related
- Unit loadA unit load is a pallet plus the goods and packaging on it, secured to move as one piece. Unit load design treats pallet, boxes and stretch wrap as one system.
- Load overhangLoad overhang is when product on a pallet extends past the pallet's edges. It leaves carton edges unsupported, cutting stacking strength and inviting damage.
- Strap slotA strap slot is a recess in the top of a stringer or under the top deck that lets strapping or banding pass under the deck to secure the load to the pallet.
- Unit load design: designing the pallet and packaging togetherUnit load design treats the pallet, packaging and stabilizers as one system. How box footprint, stacking pattern, deck gaps and wrap affect cost and damage.
- StringerboardA stringerboard is a full-length board on a block pallet between the deckboards and the blocks. EPAL 1 uses three 22 x 145 x 800 mm stringerboards.
- Third-angle projectionThird-angle projection is the US drawing convention that puts the top view above the front view and the right side view to its right, as on pallet drawings.