Choosing and Disposing Stretch Wrap Film: Types, Sustainability, and Alternatives

When deciding which Stretch Wrap Film to use, beginners should weigh three main factors: performance requirements, cost, and environmental impact. This entry explains film types and properties, sustainability options and recycling practices, and practical alternatives when stretch wrap isn’t the best choice.

Film types and features to consider

• Cast vs. blown: Cast film tends to be clearer and easier to apply at high speeds; blown film generally offers higher puncture resistance and better cling.
• Gauge (thickness): Expressed in microns or mils; heavier gauges resist punctures and are good for heavy or palletized goods, while thinner gauges with higher stretch can reduce material use.
• Pre-stretched/Prestretch film: Manufactured under tension so it uses less raw material during wrapping and allows faster application with mechanical dispensers.
• Anti-static and VCI films: For electronics or metal parts needing corrosion protection or ESD mitigation.
• Coloured and printed film: Useful for load coding and theft deterrence but may affect recyclability if printed heavily.

Cost vs. performance is often a trade-off. Higher-performance films cost more per roll but can reduce film usage through higher pre-stretch and better containment. A forkliftable pallet that previously needed 8 layers of lower-quality film may require only 4 layers of high-performance film, making the higher upfront cost cost-effective overall.

Sustainability and end-of-life handling:

Traditional stretch wrap is made from polyethylene and is technically recyclable, but there are practical hurdles. Film must be clean and sorted separately from other waste to be accepted by most recycling programs. Contamination from labels, dirt, or mixed plastics can reduce recyclability.

• Recycling options: Many regions offer plastic film recycling drop-off points—often at grocery stores—where clean film is collected and processed into new plastic products. Industrial programs may accept used film if it’s baled and relatively clean.
• Reclaim and regrind: Some distributors offer programs to reclaim used stretch wrap to be reprocessed into new film or other polyethylene products.
• Film with recycled content: Films that incorporate post-consumer recycled resin (PCR) reduce virgin plastic use and improve the sustainability profile of packaging.

Environmental performance can be improved by operational choices

• Optimize film use: Train staff on wrapping techniques and consider machines with controlled pre-stretch to cut film consumption per pallet.
• Switch to high-performance pre-stretched film: Often uses less raw material while delivering equal or better containment.
• Implement a film reclamation program: Collect and bale used stretch wrap for recycler pickup.

Alternatives and complements to stretch wrap

• Pallet strapping (steel or polypropylene): Excellent for very heavy loads or when lateral containment is needed, though it doesn’t protect against dust or moisture.
• Shrink wrap: Provides a tight, weather-resistant cover but requires heat tunnels and more energy to apply.
• Reusable pallet wraps or nets: Textile-based reusable wraps or nets can reduce single-use plastic consumption in closed-loop systems.
• Edge protection and banding: Used with minimal film to protect fragile corners and reduce overall plastic use.

Regulatory and buyer expectations increasingly influence film choice. Large retailers and consumer brands may require recycled content or certified end-of-life arrangements. Some customers prefer visible sustainability measures such as PCR content declarations or participation in take-back programs.

Case studies help clarify choices. A beverage distributor reduced waste by switching to a higher-performance cast pre-stretch film and calibrating their stretch-wrap machines; film consumption dropped 25% and truck load stability improved. A parts supplier serving automotive customers switched to film with 20% recycled content to meet buyer sustainability targets and set up on-site collection to recycle used film into non-critical plastic components.

Disposal tips for beginners

1. Keep film clean and dry—contaminated film is often unrecyclable.
2. Separate film from other plastics and cardboard before disposal.
3. Check local recycling programs for film drop-off points.
4. Work with your supplier to explore take-back, regrind, or PCR film options.

Finally, weigh total cost and environmental impact together. Reducing film use through better wrapping techniques, switching to pre-stretched or higher-performing films, and implementing recycling programs often delivers both cost and sustainability benefits. While no single solution fits every operation, making informed choices about Stretch Wrap Film helps operations minimize waste, secure loads effectively, and meet evolving regulatory and market expectations.