How to Choose the Right Stretch Wrap for Your Business

Author | Updated Date: 2/18/2026

For UK businesses shipping palletised goods, the wrong stretch wrap can quietly increase costs. Loads shift during transit, cartons collapse, or products arrive damaged. At the same time, over-specifying film thickness leads to unnecessary material spend. Choosing the correct stretch wrap isn’t just about wrapping pallets — it directly impacts shipping protection, labour efficiency, and packaging budgets.

From small eCommerce stockrooms to high-volume distribution centres, selecting the right stretch film ensures pallet stability, reduces product damage, and improves warehouse productivity. This guide explains the different types of pallet wrap, how stretch wrap gauge works, and how to match film strength to your load requirements before buying in bulk.

TL;DR

Choosing the right stretch wrap depends on load weight, pallet size, and application method. Hand stretch film suits small operations, while machine stretch film improves efficiency at scale. Matching the correct stretch wrap gauge prevents load failure and overspending. For UK businesses shipping palletised goods, the right pallet wrap reduces damage, improves stability, and lowers long-term packaging costs.

Stretch wrap is a highly elastic plastic film used to secure palletised goods during storage and transport. It works by stretching around a load and applying tension that holds cartons tightly together. The correct type of stretch film depends on load weight, application method (hand or machine), and required strength. Choosing the right gauge and film type reduces damage, improves pallet stability, and lowers long-term packaging costs.

What Is Stretch Wrap?

Stretch wrap, also known as stretch film or pallet wrap, is typically made from LLDPE (Linear Low-Density Polyethylene). It stretches during application and then contracts slightly, creating load containment pressure.

It is essential for:

Securing palletised cartons
Preventing load shifting
Protecting goods during transport
Improving warehouse safety

Without proper pallet wrapping film, even strong corrugated boxes can fail during transit.

Types of Stretch Wrap

1. Hand Stretch Wrap

Applied manually using a hand dispenser.

Best for:

Small to medium warehouses
Retail stockrooms
eCommerce brands

Cost-effective for lower volume operations.

2. Machine Stretch Film

Used with automated pallet wrapping machines.

Best for:

Large warehouses
Distribution centres
High-volume operations

Provides consistent tension and improved load containment.

3. Blown Stretch Film

Higher puncture resistance
Strong load-holding strength
Slightly noisier during application

Ideal for irregular or sharp-edged loads.

4. Cast Stretch Film

Quiet application
High clarity
Consistent cling

Commonly used in controlled warehouse environments.

5. Pre-Stretched Film

Lightweight
Requires less application force
Reduces operator fatigue

Helps minimise material usage.

Understanding Stretch Wrap Gauge (Thickness Guide)

Stretch wrap gauge refers to film thickness, typically measured in microns in the UK.

Choosing the correct stretch wrap gauge prevents overspending and load failure.

Load Type	Recommended Thickness
Light loads	12–15 micron
Medium loads	17–20 micron
Heavy loads	23–25 micron

Using too high a gauge increases costs. Using too low a gauge risks pallet instability.

Choosing Stretch Wrap Based on Load Type

Lightweight Products

Use lighter gauge film to reduce material waste.

Heavy or Irregular Loads

Opt for heavy duty stretch wrap or blown film for added strength.

Sharp-Edged Products

Choose puncture-resistant film to prevent tearing.

Long-Term Storage Loads

Consider stronger containment to avoid gradual shifting.

Clear vs Black Stretch Wrap – Which Should You Choose?

Clear Stretch Film

Allows barcode scanning
Improves inventory visibility
Suitable for warehouse management

Black Stretch Wrap

Conceals high-value goods
Reduces theft risk
Provides UV protection

For retail-bound shipments, clear film often supports faster scanning. For export or high-value pallets, black stretch wrap offers added security.

Key Factors to Consider Before Buying

Before purchasing stretch wrap in bulk, assess:

Load weight
Pallet dimensions
Storage duration
Transportation distance
Hand vs machine application
Budget per pallet

Buying from reliable stretch wrap suppliers UK ensures consistent quality and availability.

Not Sure Which Stretch Wrap Gauge You Need?

If you’re reviewing your pallet stability or packaging costs, getting the right film specification can prevent overspending or load failures.

Get Expert Advice on Pallet Packaging →

How Stretch Wrap Reduces Packaging Costs?

The correct industrial stretch wrap can:

Minimise product damage
Reduce need for strapping
Lower returns and claims
Improve wrapping speed
Reduce excess film waste

Over time, optimised stretch film selection improves operational efficiency.

Common Mistakes Businesses Make

Using unnecessarily thick film
Under-wrapping heavy pallets
Ignoring pre-stretch benefits
Failing to train staff in correct wrapping techniques

Small specification errors can significantly increase packaging costs.

When to Upgrade to Heavy-Duty Stretch Wrap

Consider upgrading when:

Shipping volume increases
Exporting long-distance freight
Handling irregular loads
Protecting high-value goods

Heavy duty stretch wrap improves load containment under pressure.

Stretch Wrap and Sustainability

While stretch film is plastic-based, correct gauge selection reduces excess material use. Pre-stretched film options further minimise plastic consumption. Many businesses now combine optimised stretch wrap with recyclable cardboard packaging to improve overall packaging efficiency.

Why Buy Stretch Wrap from BuyPackagingBoxes.co.uk?

Buy Packaging Boxes supports UK businesses with:

Competitive wholesale pricing
Bulk pallet wrap options
Reliable UK supply
Complete packaging solutions (boxes, tape, wrap)
Expert advice on load containment

We help businesses align pallet protection with cost control.

Conclusion – Choose Smarter, Wrap Stronger

Choosing the right stretch wrap isn’t about buying the thickest film available. It’s about matching gauge, application method, and load type to your operational needs. With correct specification, businesses reduce waste, improve stability, and protect shipments efficiently.

Ready to Optimise Your Pallet Wrapping?

If you're unsure which stretch film fits your load requirements, speak with our team for tailored guidance and bulk pricing options.

Request a Wholesale Stretch Wrap Quote →

Got Stretch Wrap Questions? We Can Help

What gauge stretch wrap should I use?

Use 12–15 micron for light loads, 17–20 for medium loads, and 23–25 for heavy pallets.

Is hand stretch wrap cheaper than machine wrap?

Hand wrap is cheaper upfront, but machine stretch film improves efficiency at scale.

Can stretch wrap protect against moisture?

Yes, it provides basic moisture resistance during transit.

What’s the difference between cast and blown stretch film?

Blown film offers higher puncture resistance; cast film is clearer and quieter.

How much stretch wrap is needed per pallet?

Usage depends on pallet size and load weight, but correct pre-stretch settings reduce excess film.