Pre-stretched stretch film is designed to be stretched before or during the wrapping process. Compared with conventional stretch film, it can cover more area with less material, making it a practical solution for efficient pallet wrapping.
What Is Pre-Stretched Stretch Film?
Pre-stretching means the film is mechanically stretched before it is applied to the load.
For example, with 100% pre-stretch, the film can theoretically reach twice its original length, while 200% pre-stretch can reach three times its original length. Lantech explains that pre-stretching can significantly increase film yield and reduce the amount of film required for pallet wrapping. Lantech – Pre-Stretch Technology
Key Benefits
Reduced Film Consumption
Because the film is stretched before application, more packaging area can be covered with the same amount of material. This can help reduce film usage and packaging costs, especially for high-volume wrapping operations.
Consistent Wrapping
Pre-stretched film can provide more consistent tension during wrapping, which is particularly useful for automated and repetitive pallet-wrapping applications.
Efficient Material Use
Pre-stretch technology can support lightweight packaging by helping users achieve the required wrapping performance with less film material.
However, thinner film or higher pre-stretch does not automatically mean better performance. Film formulation, load characteristics and wrapping conditions should all be considered.
Is Higher Pre-Stretch Always Better?
Not necessarily.
A higher pre-stretch ratio can improve film yield, but excessive stretching may reduce the film’s ability to absorb further elongation during wrapping and increase the risk of film breaks.
Lantech notes that increasing pre-stretch involves trade-offs between film usage, containment force and overall wrapping performance. Lantech – Stretch Film Performance and Pre-Stretch Considerations
How to Choose the Right Pre-Stretched Film?
The right film should be selected based on:
Load type → Film thickness → Pre-stretch ratio → Wrapping equipment → Load stability → Transportation conditions
ASTM D4649 provides guidance on the selection, specification and use of stretch films for unitizing, reinforcing and palletizing, while ASTM D5459 covers elastic recovery and stress retention of stretch wrap film. ASTM D4649 – Stretch Film Selection and Application ASTM D5459 – Stretch Wrap Film Performance Testing
The goal is not simply to achieve the highest pre-stretch ratio, but to find the right balance between film consumption, wrapping efficiency and load stability.
At World Packing, we provide stretch film solutions for different packaging requirements, including machine stretch film and high-performance films for controlled pre-stretch applications.
