Stretch Hood Film: Types, Materials and Additives

Stretch Hood Film comes in a variety of material types and constructions engineered to meet different load protection, handling and sustainability needs. Understanding the main types, raw materials and common additives helps you choose the right film for your product and application.

Primary base materials:

• LLDPE (Linear Low-Density Polyethylene): The most common base polymer for stretch hoods. LLDPE provides excellent elasticity, puncture resistance and strength at thin gauges.
• LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene): Sometimes used in blends for improved clarity and flexibility, though LLDPE typically dominates due to better mechanical properties.
• Recycled content blends: Many manufacturers now incorporate post-industrial or post-consumer recycled polyethylene to reduce virgin resin use and carbon footprint. Compatibility and appearance are considered when specifying recycled content.

Film constructions:

• Single-layer film: Simpler and often less expensive, single-layer hoods can perform well for many standard applications. They are easier to recycle but may offer less optimized performance than films engineered with multiple layers.
• Multi-layer co-extruded film: Multiple layers are extruded together to combine properties — e.g., a tough inner layer for puncture resistance, a stretchy middle layer for elasticity, and a UV-stable outer layer. Co-extrusion enables fine-tuning of performance without significantly increasing thickness.

Key properties to consider:

• Gauge / thickness: Measured in microns (µm) or mils. Modern films use thin gauges (often 30–80 µm) while maintaining strength through polymer design and multi-layering.
• Elastic recovery: The film’s ability to return to shape after stretching; crucial for a tight, durable hood.
• Puncture and tear resistance: Important for loads with sharp edges or irregular shapes.
• Clarity and printability: Clear films show labels and branding; some films are printable for logos or handling instructions.
• Weather and UV resistance: Additives can protect vulnerable products during outdoor storage or transport.

Common functional additives and enhancements:

• UV stabilizers: Protect the polymer and the load from sunlight degradation and fading when pallets are stored outdoors.
• Antistatic agents: Reduce static cling during handling, improving machine performance and operator safety, especially with dusty or flammable loads.
• Slip and anti-block coatings: Manage the film’s surface friction. Slip additives help the hood slide over the load during application; anti-block prevents film layers from sticking excessively when wound into rolls.
• Perforations and vents: For loads that need breathability — the film can be perforated to allow air or moisture escape while still offering side protection.
• Color and opacity: Black or colored films conceal contents for security; translucent films allow inspection and barcode scanning.

Specialty formulations and sustainability options:

• Bio-based and biodegradable blends: Some films incorporate bio-based polyethylene (from renewable sources) but remain chemically similar to conventional PE. Fully biodegradable hood films are less common and require specific waste streams to realize environmental benefits.
• High-recycled-content films: Can significantly reduce the carbon footprint but may require testing to ensure consistent machine performance and appearance.
• Lightweight high-performance films: Engineered to reduce gauge while keeping puncture resistance and elasticity — these films lower material consumption and shipping weight.

Selecting the right film—practical considerations:

• Load type: Fragile or sharp-edged goods need higher puncture resistance; pallets stacked with bags may need perforations to prevent moisture buildup.
• Storage conditions: Outdoor storage or long-term exposure requires UV-stabilized film.
• Distribution chain: Long-distance or multi-modal shipping benefits from films with high elastic recovery and cut resistance.
• Machine compatibility: Ensure film roll width, core diameter and elasticity match your hooding machine specifications for reliable operation.
• Sustainability targets: If reducing plastic use or increasing recycled content is a goal, verify film performance in real-world trials and confirm local recycling acceptance.

Examples to illustrate choices:

• A beverage bottler shipping outdoors might choose a multi-layer LLDPE hood with UV stabilizers and high puncture resistance, possibly in opaque black for pallet security.
• A food distributor prioritizing recyclability could select single-layer, high-clarity film with post-industrial recycled content and no complex additives to ease recycling.
• A construction supplier shipping bulky blocks may need a thicker gauge or co-extruded film with reinforced outer layers to resist abrasion.

In summary, Stretch Hood Film is not one-size-fits-all: choices about material, layer structure and additives directly affect performance, cost and environmental footprint. Working with suppliers to trial films on your real loads and machines will identify the best balance of protection, efficiency and sustainability.