As leaders in the plastics industry, AAA Polymer regularly answers stretch wrap FAQs. From “How do I choose the best stretch wrap” to “How to start a stretch film recycling program”, we've offered insight and answers to the top stretch film FAQs. Read on to learn answers to some of the most common questions about stretch film and stretch wrap.
What's the Difference Between Cast vs Blown Stretch Film?
Blown and cast stretch films are two kinds of films differentiated by how they are made. Cast stretch film offers:
Great transparency
Uniform thickness
Excellent barrier for moisture, aromas, and gases
No thickness limits
A quiet unwind.
In contrast, blown stretch film:
Provides maximum toughness and is extremely durable
Has a high level of cling
Offers superior puncture resistance
Produces less manufacturing scrap.
When selecting the type of stretch film, it's important to consider how the material will be used.
For instance, if you're utilizing barcode scanners and RFID tags on your pallets, cast film will be superior because of the better clarity. In contrast, blown film has a better ability to retract and a higher degree of memory.
What Is Pre-Stretch Film?
Offering the best of both worlds, pre-stretch film has been stretched near its breaking point before being placed on rolls for use. In other words, this film has already been stretched to optimum yield, so you'll never have to worry about your employees not using the right amount of stretch wrap.
Pre-stretch film opens the door to many enticing benefits, including
Money and time savings
Enhanced productivity by requiring fewer film wraps
Improved load retention offers better load stability.
Remarkable tear resistance for loads with sharper edges or jagged corners
Excellent performance in extremely frigid temperatures
Ability to stabilize protruding and misshapen loads
What Are Specialty Stretch Wraps?
Specialty wraps are a general category of stretch films that have unique attributes. These custom films are required for specific applications. Examples of specialty wraps are listed below.
Colored Stretch Wraps
Colored stretch films are available in blue, yellow, green, red, and orange. Because they are transparent, you will retain visibility of the pallet's contents after several revolutions.
UV-Stabilized Stretch Films
If you're storing pallets outside in the elements, UV-stabilized films may be ideal. These stretch films are enhanced with an extra UV blocker that reduces the transmission of the sun’s UV rays. These films boast excellent mechanical strength and high dimensional stability over a range of temperatures.
Learn more about different types of stretch wraps.
What Is Stretch Wrap Gauge?
The stretch wrap gauge is a measure of its thickness. This measure helps you understand the amount of weight or force it can withstand before failing. Each stretch wrap is rated to secure a specific amount of weight, which is directly related to its gauge.
For example, the industry-standard 80-gauge stretch wrap boasts the ability to secure pallets up to 2,400 lbs. Stretch wrap gauges span from 37 up to 150. The stretch wrap gauge can be converted to microns, mils, or other units.
How Much Weight Is Each Gauge Designed to Accommodate?
In general, the higher the stretch wrap's gauge, the more weight it can handle. However, this is not always the case. Here are some of the most common gauge stretch wraps and weight ratings.
A 37 gauge film is an 80-gauge wrap that has already been pre-stretched. This gauge is usually rated for uniform loads up to 800 pounds.
A 47 gauge film is a type of hybrid film that offers the strength and retention power of higher gauged film. This hybrid film offers the power of a 60 true-gauge film at up to 1,800 lbs.
As we previously mentioned, true-gauge 60 stretch wrap is suited for loads up to 1,800 lbs that are uniform.
63 gauge stretch wrap offers better resistance to punctures and tears. This film can accommodate up to 2,200 lbs.
70 to 80 gauge films are considered the industry standard by most. These films can handle loads of 2,200 to 2,400 lbs respectively.
As the starting point for heavy-gauge film, 90 gauge film boasts stronger resistance to punctures, tears, etc. This film can handle loads up to 2,600 lbs.
100 and 115-gauge films are used for shipping loads of 3,000 lbs. or more.
As the thickest wrap available, the 150 gauge wrap is ideal for irregularly or sharp items. This type of film is also used for wrapping taller items.
Is Stretch Wrap Recyclable?
Yes, stretch wraps can be recycled. Unfortunately, a large percentage of stretch wrap is thrown away, creating higher costs for film users through greater film consumption and increased disposal costs. At the same time, throwing stretch film away adds waste to already overflowing landfills.
However, AAA Polymer can help you start a stretch film recycling program that impacts your bottom line in more ways than one. On one hand, recycling your plastic stretch film could turn your plastic scraps into cash.
If the market factors allow, we can pay you cash for your plastic stretch film. On the other hand, we can work with you to start a stretch film recycling program that saves you money and may even result in profits.
When you remove plastics from your trash can, it can lower your volume of the trash, which reduces the cost of hauling it to the site and reduces your tipping fee. By partnering with AAA Polymer, we can help you create a competitive advantage and help the environment.
Got More Stretch Wrap FAQs? Contact AAA Polymer
Since 1974, AAA Polymer has been providing business owners, warehouses, and distribution with a range of plastic-related services. Simply put, we've never encountered a stretch film or stretch wrap FAQ we offer. As the leading plastic resin and material trading company, we offer:
And more
Contact AAA Polymer today to learn more about stretch wrap solutions.