Stretch Film Vs. Shrink Wrap – What’s the Difference?

Shrink wrap, or stretch film, has become the go-to wrapping solution for just about any type of product in e-commerce packaging, but what’s the difference between shrink wrap and stretch film? There are many similarities between the two materials, which can make it hard to tell them apart. While both of these products help protect your product from damage during shipment, they differ in what they’re made from and how they work. This guide will cover the key similarities and differences between shrink wrap and stretch film to help you find the right solution for your business.

If you’re looking for a film that provides a little more structure and flexibility, pallet stretch film is your answer. It usually comes with a cross-directional pattern and can stretch up to 200% of its original size without tearing or breaking. Pallet stretch film works well on long, narrow products like paper or tubes; it conforms easily to irregularly shaped objects such as tires and lumber; and it does not leave adhesive residue on your items after removal (unlike shrink wrap). Stretch film is best suited for lightweight loads under 500 pounds.

Historically, stretch films have been made out of polypropylene but are now also being manufactured from PVC materials. Each style has unique characteristics that are better suited for certain applications than others.

Stretch films are available in many gauges/thicknesses/strengths depending on what type of load they’re designed to handle.

Using shrink wrap to protect your products is very similar to using stretch film. However, one key difference is that with shrink wrap, you need to use an industrial heat gun or other heating device in order to seal it onto your products. It also tends to be less durable than stretch film, although it can easily conform onto irregular shapes and small items without breaking them due to its thin material. The most popular types of shrink wrap are: Polyolefin: This type of shrink wrap is typically used for food packaging because of its low permeability and good moisture barrier properties. Polyolefin has a shiny appearance and comes in various colors. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC): This type of shrink wrap may be used for certain types of medical packaging as well as bags and boxes.

Stretch film is a versatile product that can be used in both commercial and residential applications, such as packaging, bundling and even moving products. It comes in a variety of weights and thicknesses and will stretch to conform to just about any shape you put it on. When applying wrap, always remember to apply in a single direction — clockwise for right-handed people and counterclockwise for lefties. Applying in multiple directions can lead to bubbles forming underneath your shrink wrap, which could cause damage once applied over an item or object. Be sure to also take care when starting a piece of shrink wrap — if you pull too hard at first, there’s a chance you’ll end up tearing off some extra plastic that you didn’t need to remove.

If you are looking for a lightweight, low-cost solution to preserve pallets or other items, shrink wrap is an option. The main disadvantage of shrink wrap is that it takes up less space than stretch film, which means that an item wrapped in shrink wrap cannot be stored as efficiently as one wrapped in stretch film. Additionally, because shrink wrap must be heated to high temperatures before it will shrink around an object, transporting large quantities can prove dangerous if not done with proper caution and safety measures in place. However, when used correctly, shrink wrap can be an effective method of preserving objects for long periods of time.

2S Packaging prides ourselves in offering superior quality tapes and packaging materials with speedy service and affordable prices. If you’re in need of a packaging material supplier for your company, contact us today for a free quote!