Stretch Film vs. Shrink Film: Is there a difference?

09/06/2022

While they may sound similar the definitions are not interchangeable.  Shrink film and stretch film are different materials with different purposes.

So, what’s the difference between the two?  Commonly referred to as shrink wrap and stretch wrap, both are plastic films. However, shrink film is usually a polyolefin (food-safe) or PVC plastic, whereas stretch film is a polyethylene with additives for strength and tear resistance. One is not a substitute for the other when it comes to your packaging operations.

Shrink film

Shrink film is a protective packaging material that encases products such as foods, pharmaceuticals, DVDs, bottles, gift baskets, and more. When using shrink film packaging, heat is applied with a heat gun or industrial machinery to shrink the plastic to fit the product and create a tight seal. Shrink film is also printable, making it ideal for branding purposes (e.g., cases of bottled water). There are many benefits of shrink film, including:

  • ·         Tamper evidence
  • ·         Puncture and Tear resistance
  • ·         Secures products/maintains shape
  • ·         Extends product shelf life
  • ·         Protects against dust, moisture, & smudges

It’s also great for irregularly shaped or bundled products and gives packages a clear, glossy appearance. While shrink film protects items from surface damage, the seal provides extra security because it makes package tampering noticeable.

Stretch film

Stretch film is used for high-volume shipping operations, as it secures packages and goods on pallets for shipping or storage by wrapping layers of film around the pallet. It’s available as a hand stretch film (low-volume shipments) and machine stretch film, which is self-clinging – think of it as an industrial plastic cling wrap.

The plastic film is typically clear, making labels and barcodes easy to read and scan. There are various strengths and types of stretch film (such as blown film or cast film) to accommodate different shipping weights and volume. The elasticity of stretch film contains and stabilizes the load of pallet shipments by stretching up to 300% to prevent package shifting and damage during transport. The main benefits of using stretch film is:

  • ·         Cost-effective
  • ·         Versatility
  • ·         Reduces shipping damage
  • ·         Tear & puncture resistant
  • ·         Protects products from dust, moisture, & dirt

 

Critical to the process of buying the right film is understanding the application, the shipping cycle, the equipment and your objectives.  We can help keep your products and shipments safe with our variety of wholesale shrink film and stretch film solutions, available in different strengths, sizes, and colors. Whatever your packaging needs are, Packaging HERO has the solution, so browse our website today!