Choosing the Right Stretch Wrap: A Complete Guide

When it comes to securing products for transportation and storage, choosing the right stretch wrap is crucial. With various options available in terms of material, thickness, and application method, selecting the right stretch wrap can significantly impact the safety of your products and the efficiency of your operations. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the key factors to consider when choosing the right stretch wrap for your needs.

 Understanding the Types of Stretch Wraps

There are two primary types of stretch wraps: Hand Stretch Wrap and Machine Stretch Wrap. The type you choose largely depends on the scale of your operation and the equipment available.

• Hand Stretch Wrap: This type is designed for manual application, making it ideal for small-scale operations or irregularly shaped loads. For example, Sumachay’s 12 Inch Cast Stretch Wrap offers a great hand-applied solution, perfect for light-to-medium loads.

• Machine Stretch Wrap: For larger operations with high-volume packaging, machine stretch wraps are ideal. Machine wraps are applied using automated stretch wrap machines, ensuring consistent and secure wrapping. Products like the 20 Inch Machine Stretch Wrap from Sumachay offer durability and strength for high-volume packaging needs.

Gauge	Mil	Micron	Millimeter	Inch
35	0.35	8.9	0.0089	0.00035
45	0.45	11.4	0.0114	0.00045
50	0.50	12.7	0.0140	0.0005
60	0.60	15.2	0.0152	0.0006
80	0.80	20.3	0.0203	0.0008
100	1.00	25.4	0.0254	0.001
120	1.20	30.5	0.0305	0.0012
150	1.50	38.1	0.0381	0.0015
180	1.80	45.7	0.0457	0.0018
200	2.00	50.8	0.0508	0.002

 

 

The thickness of a stretch wrap can be measured using gauge. In general, the greater the gauge, the less likely it is to break. The industry standard is general-purpose 80-gauge wrap, which can hold up to 2,400 lbs.

Higher gauge wraps are typically more expensive, but they are also thicker and require fewer wraparounds on a job.

Mils, microns, and other measurement units can be converted from gauge. A conversion chart is provided here:

Popular Stretch Wrap Gauges

Popular 37-gauge stretch wrap gauges: A pre-stretch wrap that can handle light, even loads of up to 800 lbs. 60 gauge: A true-gauged film with a light weight that is suitable for light to medium loads up to 1,600 pounds.

80 Gauge: a true-gauged medium-duty film that can handle loads up to 2,400 pounds. This is the most typical thickness for stretch film.

100 Gauge: a true-gauged film with a heavier duty that can withstand loads of up to 3,000 pounds. This gauge of machine stretch wrap can be used to wrap heavy, irregular objects like steel beams and 55-gallon drums on pallets.

150 Gauge: a robust true-gauged stretch film for extremely heavy loads, loads with numerous sharp points or corners, and heavy irregular objects that may shift during transportation. To get the right tension, it usually needs to be applied with a machine.

Types of Stretch Wrap

High-Quality Stretch Wrap Solutions from Sumachay

At Sumachay, we offer a wide variety of premium stretch wrap solutions designed to secure and protect your products during shipping and storage. Our stretch wraps are made with durable, high-gauge materials to provide superior performance in various applications. From manual hand rolls to machine wrap options, we have the perfect solution for all your packaging needs.

1. 12 Inch Cast Stretch Wrap – 65 Gauge, 1300 ft

Price: $15.00 CAD | Sale from: $8.00 CAD

This 12-inch cast stretch wrap is an excellent choice for securing smaller or lightweight loads. The 65-gauge thickness ensures durability while offering enough flexibility to tightly secure items. At 1300 feet in length, this stretch wrap is perfect for frequent use in smaller operations. Its cast film design ensures a smooth and quiet application.

Key Features:

• 12-inch width
• 65-gauge thickness
• 1300 ft per roll
• Easy to apply with a quiet unwind

2. 12 Inch Stretch Wrap 80 Gauge - 1500 Feet

Price: $20.00 CAD | Sale from: $10.00 CAD

For stronger load retention, the 80-gauge 12-inch stretch wrap provides additional strength and durability. With 1500 feet of wrap per roll, it offers great value for businesses needing a reliable solution for securing small to medium loads.

Key Features:

• 12-inch width
• 80-gauge thickness
• 1500 ft per roll
• Ideal for medium-duty applications

3. 18 Inch Stretch Wrap 80 Gauge - 1500 Feet

Price: $40.00 CAD | Sale from: $20.00 CAD

This 18-inch stretch wrap offers excellent coverage for larger pallets and loads. The 80-gauge thickness ensures that even heavy or bulky items stay secure during transit. With a length of 1500 feet, it’s perfect for high-volume warehouse use.

Key Features:

• 18-inch width for wide coverage
• 80-gauge thickness for increased durability
• 1500 ft per roll
• Suitable for heavy-duty packaging

4. 14 Inch Stretch Wrap 80 Gauge - 1500 Feet

Price: $30.00 CAD | Sale from: $15.00 CAD

The 14-inch stretch wrap is a versatile option, offering mid-range coverage with 80-gauge thickness. Its durable design makes it perfect for securing medium to large loads, and the 1500-foot length means fewer roll changes during busy operations.

Key Features:

• 14-inch width
• 80-gauge thickness
• 1500 ft per roll
• Great for general warehouse use

5. 18 Inch Black Stretch Wrap 80 Gauge - 1500 Feet

Price: $60.00 CAD | Sale from: $30.00 CAD

For discreet packaging, the 18-inch black stretch wrap is the ideal choice. It provides the same 80-gauge strength as our other stretch wraps but with the added benefit of concealing your pallet contents. Perfect for sensitive or high-value shipments.

Key Features:

• 18-inch width
• Black for discreet packaging
• 80-gauge thickness
• 1500 ft per roll

6. 20 Inch Machine Stretch Wrap 80 Gauge - 5000 Feet

Price: From $80.00 CAD

The 20-inch machine stretch wrap is designed for use with automated stretch wrap machines, offering a high-strength solution for large-scale operations. With a length of 5000 feet per roll, this 80-gauge wrap provides maximum efficiency and cost savings for high-volume shipping needs.

Key Features:

• 20-inch width for large pallets
• 80-gauge thickness
• 5000 ft per roll for fewer roll changes
• Designed for use with stretch wrap machines

7. Stretch Wrap Handle Caps – 2 Pairs

Price: $5.00 CAD

Pair your stretch wrap with our stretch wrap handle caps for easy manual application. These handle caps are compatible with 12 to 18-inch rolls and provide comfort and ease of use when manually wrapping pallets.

Key Features:

• Compatible with 12 to 18-inch rolls
• Comfortable grip
• Easy to install

8. Adjustable Stretch Wrap Dispenser – Fits 12-18 Inch Rolls

Price: $80.00 CAD | Sale from: $70.00 CAD

Make manual wrapping easier with the adjustable stretch wrap dispenser. This durable dispenser fits rolls between 12 and 18 inches, making it versatile for various applications. It ensures smooth, efficient wrapping and reduces hand fatigue.

Key Features:

• Fits 12 to 18-inch stretch wrap rolls
• Adjustable design for versatility
• Ergonomic handle for comfortable use

Things to Consider When Choosing Your Stretch Wrap

Choosing the right stretch wrap for your business is essential to ensuring that your products are safely secured during shipping and storage. With so many options available—varying in size, gauge, and material—it’s important to select the type that best fits your specific needs. In this blog, we’ll guide you through the key factors to consider when choosing the perfect stretch wrap for your operations.

1. Load Size and Shape

The first factor to consider when selecting your stretch wrap is the size and shape of the load you need to secure. Loads that are uniform in size and shape, such as stacked pallets of boxes, can typically be wrapped using standard stretch wraps. However, irregularly shaped or bulky loads might require thicker, higher-gauge wraps or even specialty wraps like black stretch wrap for added concealment.

Tips:

• For regular-shaped loads, consider using 12 or 18-inch wraps for faster coverage.
• For larger pallets, choose wider wraps such as a 20-inch machine wrap to ensure uniform protection.

2. Type of Stretch Wrap: Hand Wrap vs. Machine Wrap

Next, it’s important to determine whether you’ll be applying the stretch wrap manually or using a machine. Hand wraps are ideal for smaller operations where packages are manually wrapped, whereas machine wraps are used in high-volume operations with automated stretch wrap machines.

Tips:

• For manual use, choose a roll that includes stretch wrap handle caps or an adjustable stretch wrap dispenser to make application easier and more ergonomic.
• If you use a machine, opt for 20-inch machine stretch wraps for larger rolls and efficiency.

3. Gauge and Strength

The gauge of the stretch wrap refers to its thickness, which directly affects its strength and ability to stretch without tearing. Lower-gauge wraps (like 65-70 gauge) are suitable for light to medium loads, while higher-gauge wraps (such as 80 gauge) offer greater durability and can secure heavier or more challenging loads.

Tips:

• Use 65-gauge wraps like the 12 Inch Cast Stretch Wrap for light loads or short-distance shipping.
• For more secure and heavy-duty applications, choose an 80-gauge stretch wrap such as the 18-Inch Stretch Wrap 80 Gauge to prevent tearing or load shifting during transportation.

4. Pre-Stretch or Cast Wrap

Another factor to consider is whether you need pre-stretched wrap or cast wrap. Pre-stretched wrap is already stretched to its maximum capacity, making it easier to apply, while cast wrap is more flexible and stretches as you apply it. Pre-stretched wrap is excellent for increasing efficiency and reducing worker fatigue, whereas cast wrap is best for operations where superior load stability is needed.

Tips:

• If ease of application and minimal worker strain are priorities, consider pre-stretched wrap.
• Opt for cast wraps like the 14-Inch ProStretch Cast Film for enhanced load stability.

5. Transparency or Concealment

Depending on the type of product you’re wrapping, you may need to decide between clear or colored stretch wrap, such as black stretch wrap. Clear wraps allow you to see what’s inside the pallet, making it easier for warehouse staff to identify contents. On the other hand, black wraps provide an extra layer of security by concealing the contents of your load, ideal for high-value or sensitive products.

Tips:

• Choose clear stretch wrap for easy product identification in the warehouse.
• Opt for black stretch wrap for securing valuable goods or preventing tampering during transit.

6. Environmental Conditions

The environment in which your products will be stored or transported can have a big impact on your choice of stretch wrap. If your products are stored outdoors or in fluctuating temperatures, you may want to select a wrap that is designed to withstand UV rays, humidity, or extreme cold.

Tips:

• For indoor storage and climate-controlled environments, standard stretch wrap will suffice.
• For outdoor storage or exposure to extreme weather, look for wraps that are UV-resistant or suitable for low-temperature use.

7. Cost-Effectiveness

While price shouldn’t be the sole determining factor, it’s important to find a balance between cost and quality. Cheaper stretch wraps might be appealing in the short term, but they may not offer the necessary durability or performance, potentially leading to damaged products and higher replacement costs. Investing in high-quality stretch wrap, such as Sumachay’s ProStretch range, ensures longer-lasting protection and reduces the risk of load damage.

Tips:

• Compare the length of the roll and gauge to determine the most cost-effective option for your business needs.
• Consider bulk purchasing of stretch wrap to take advantage of lower per-unit costs, especially for high-volume operations.

8. Compatibility with Dispensers and Machines

If your operation relies on dispensers or automated wrapping machines, ensure that your chosen stretch wrap is compatible with these tools. Wraps come in different sizes and core diameters, so selecting the correct one for your machine will keep your operation running smoothly.

Tips:

• For manual use, consider purchasing an adjustable stretch wrap dispenser that fits multiple roll sizes, such as 12 to 18 inches.
• For automated machines, make sure the rolls fit your equipment’s specifications for optimal performance.

 

FAQs: Choosing the Right Stretch Wrap

1. What is the best type of stretch wrap for my business?
The best type of stretch wrap for your business depends on your specific needs. If you have a small-scale operation or wrap products manually, hand stretch wrap is ideal. For larger operations with high-volume packaging, machine stretch wrap is more efficient.

2. What gauge of stretch wrap should I use?
The gauge, or thickness, of stretch wrap depends on the load. Light loads typically need 35-50 gauge, medium loads 60-80 gauge, and heavy loads require 100+ gauge for optimal strength and protection.

3. What is the difference between blown and cast stretch wrap?
Blown stretch wrap is more puncture-resistant and suitable for heavy, irregular loads. Cast stretch wrap is smoother, quieter, and offers greater clarity, making it ideal for faster applications and regular-shaped loads.

4. How much stretch wrap do I need?
The amount of stretch wrap needed depends on the size of your loads, how tightly you wrap them, and the number of layers you apply. As a rule of thumb, larger or irregular-shaped loads may require more wrap for secure coverage.

5. Can I reuse stretch wrap?
Stretch wrap is generally designed for single-use, especially when used for securing pallets or shipments. However, in some light-duty applications, it might be possible to reuse stretch wrap if it remains intact.

6. How do I choose between different stretch wrap widths?
The width of the stretch wrap should align with the size of your load. For small packages, a 12-inch wrap may be sufficient. Larger loads may require wider options like 18 or 20 inches to cover more surface area and reduce wrapping time.

7. Do I need handle caps for stretch wrap application?
Handle caps make manual stretch wrapping more comfortable and efficient. They reduce strain on the hands and wrists, allowing for smoother application. They're highly recommended if you frequently wrap pallets manually.

8. How does stretchability affect the performance of the wrap?
Stretchability refers to how much a wrap can stretch before it breaks. High stretchability allows you to secure the load more tightly, reducing the amount of film required, while maintaining a strong hold on the load.