Shrink film and stretch wrap are both used to secure and protect products, but they work in fundamentally different ways. Choosing the wrong one wastes money and may not protect your product adequately.
How Shrink Film Works
Shrink film is applied loosely around a product or bundle, then heated with a heat gun or shrink tunnel. The heat causes the film to contract tightly around the product, conforming to its shape. The result is a tight, tamper-evident package with a clean, professional appearance.
Best applications: Retail product packaging, multi-packs and bundles, printed retail displays, tamper-evident seals, irregularly shaped items that need conforming coverage.
How Stretch Wrap Works
Stretch wrap is a highly elastic film that is stretched and wrapped around products under tension. It clings to itself without heat. The elastic recovery of the film holds loads tightly. Commonly applied with a hand wrapper or automated stretch wrapper.
Best applications: Pallet wrapping and unitizing, securing boxes on pallets, warehouse storage protection, bundling uniform items.
Key Differences
- Equipment: Shrink film requires a heat source. Stretch wrap requires only a dispenser.
- Appearance: Shrink wrap provides a tight, retail-quality finish. Stretch wrap is functional but less visually polished.
- Cost: Stretch wrap is generally less expensive per unit of coverage.
- Protection: Shrink film offers better moisture and tamper protection. Stretch wrap offers better load stabilization.
Many operations use both — shrink film for individual product packaging and stretch wrap for palletizing. Contact us to discuss the right film for your application.
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