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What's The Difference Between Shrink Film And Stretch Film?

Jan. 07, 2025

After years in the packaging industry, Industrial Packaging frequently receives questions about shrink film and stretch film, especially: "What is the difference between them?"  

 

One film can be used in a heat tunnel for packaging, while using the other this way could cause a fire. Understanding the differences is crucial when sourcing these materials. This article explains their distinctions and appropriate applications.

 

What Is Shrink Film?  

 

Shrink film, also known as shrink wrap, is a polymer-based plastic packaging material, typically made from polyolefin, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or polyethylene. When heated to a specific temperature, shrink film uniformly contracts to form a snug, protective layer around the product. Heat is typically applied using a heat gun or a heat tunnel.  

 

In the heat tunnel process, the film is loosely sealed around the product with an L-bar sealer before being conveyed through the tunnel. As the product moves through, the heat causes the film to shrink tightly around it.  

 

Shrink film is widely used for packaging a variety of products, including frozen pizza boxes, fresh produce, and numerous other food items and consumer goods.  

 

What Is Stretch Film?  

 

Stretch film, also called stretch wrap, is a highly elastic, polymer-based plastic film used to secure pallets of products for shipping. Its elasticity ensures a tight and secure hold, making it ideal for load containment during transit. Stretch film is often applied using a stretch wrap machine to achieve superior pallet stability.  

 

When applied manually, a tool called a stretch wrap dispenser is used. The film is first anchored by tucking it under a corner of the pallet. The operator then walks in a circular motion around the pallet, starting at the bottom and working upward. As the stretch film unrolls from the dispenser, the operator stretches it tightly by pulling the wrap around each corner of the pallet.  

 

This manual process ensures the pallet is securely wrapped and ready for shipping, with the tightly bound products providing enhanced load containment.

 

printed shrink film


What Is The Difference Between Shrink Film And Stretch Film?

 

Shrink film is used for packaging products. It shrinks to form around the shape of the products being packaged.

 

Stretch film is used to wrap pallets of pre-packaged goods prior to shipping.

 

Shrink film does not stretch and you cannot use it as a stretch film. Stretch film does not shrink and it cannot be sent through a heat tunnel or used with a heat gun.

 

Plastic Resins — Shrink vs. Stretch Wrap  

 

A key difference between shrink wrap and stretch wrap is the type of plastic used. Stretch wrap is typically made from polyethylene resins, while shrink wrap is made from polyolefin films.  

 

Applying Stretch Film vs Applying Shrink Wraps

 

Stretch wrap is a stretchable plastic that is wrapped tightly around a load of products. The elasticity of the stretch wrap is what keeps the load together. In contrast, shrink wrap can be loosely applied to a product and will shrink to securely cover the product once heat is applied.

 

Uses of Stretch Wrap vs. Shrink Wrap  

 

Stretch wrap is primarily used in warehouses and distribution centers to secure pallets of products for storage or shipment. It comes in various specialty options, such as colored stretch film, UV stretch wrap, and pre-stretched film.  

 

Shrink wrap, on the other hand, is used to protect individual products from dust or weathering and to bundle smaller items together. While it can be used to combine products on a pallet, this is less common. Shrink wrap is more often used for items like boats, outdoor furniture, and vacuum-sealed food products.  


Which Type of Film Should You Use?

 

The type of film you should use depends on your intended application, whether it’s shrink film, stretch film, or another option.

 

When to Use Shrink Film

 

Shrink film is ideal for packaging products for store displays, providing a glossy sheen. If you want to attract consumer attention, printed shrink film is a great option. For food packaging, polyolefin shrink film is the best choice due to its suitability for food safety.  

 

Consider these questions to choose the right shrink film:  

- Are you packaging food? Use polyolefin shrink film.  

- Does your packaging need to breathe? Perforated shrink film may be ideal.  

- Are your products heat-sensitive? If yes, shrink film may not be suitable.  

- Are your customers environmentally conscious? Biodegradable shrink films are worth considering.  

- Are you on a tight budget? Traditional clear plastic shrink film is cost-effective.  

 

When to Use Stretch Film

 

Stretch film is designed for wrapping stacked pallets ready for shipping. It ensures proper load containment, making it the go-to choice for palletizing products.

printed shrink film