Types of Stretch Film
There are many types of stretch wrap film. Each has qualities
that are particularly suitable in addressing the specific needs
of your stretch wrapping operation, such as load size and type,
performance requirements as well as budget. The following lists
some of the most important types of stretch film, their attributes
and applications. Click on a stretch wrap film below for details.
Cast Stretch Film
Cast stretch film also called cast film or cast wrap, is manufactured
using the cast extrusion process. Typical characteristics of
cast stretch films are: excellent optics, clear, glossy, superior
tear resistance, quiet unwind, consistent cling and consistent
film thickness.
Blown Stretch Film
Manufactured using the blown film extrusion process and
also referred to as blown film. Typical blown stretch film characteristics
are: poor optics, hazy, dull, excellent puncture resistance,
very noisy unwind and high force on load.
Hand Stretch Film
Stretch film designed specifically to be applied manually
is referred to as hand stretch film. It is also referred to
as hand film, hand stretch wrap, hand wrap or manual pallet
wrap. It is typically utilized in lower capacity packaging operations.
However the efficiency of manual stretch wrap packaging should
be regularly re-evaluated against potential benefits of upgrading
to a machine wrapper. Choosing the right stretch applicator
will result in more efficient and cost effective packaging operations.
Machine Stretch Film
Stretch film designed to be applied with a stretch wrap
machine is referred as machine stretch film. It provides many
advantages over hand film including: faster and more efficient
packaging, reduced packaging material costs, safer application,
more secure loads and more. Common machine stretch film types:
cast machine stretch film, blown machine film and converted
films.

Converted Films
Converted film is film that is stretched before wrapping
a load. Converted film benefits include:
Reduced amount of film used, so film costs are greatly reduced
Requires fewer revolutions to wrap a load, saving time, more
efficient
Less packaging film means less waste to clear and dispose of
Converted films are recyclable
Converted film is strong, consistent
Specialty Stretch Film
Specialty stretch films are designed to answer very specific
packaging needs that more general - purpose stretch packaging
solutions cannot accommodate. A small sample of some specialty
stretch packaging films is listed below.