What is Pallet Wrap?

Pallet Wrap, also known as Stretch Wrap and incorrectly as Pallet Shrink Wrap or Shrink Wrap, is a highly stretchable plastic film that is wrapped around items to help secure them. Most commonly used to wrap around pallets of goods to keep them stable, pallet wrap can also help resist moisture, and when black pallet wrap is used, prevent prying eyes too.

The elastic recovery of the film (known as ‘memory’) keeps the contents tightly bound.

Another use for Pallet wrap is to wrap boxes of any size that are being shipped via couriers or Australia post, to help give the package more strength. This helps reduce extra costs for stronger cardboard boxes which may otherwise be needed. It also adds a degree of water resistance to the items inside. Another advantage of wrapping boxes in this way is you can use it to wrap two or more boxes together for safer (and often cheaper)freight.

Pallet Wrap is available in many thicknesses, primarily between 17 and 25 microns. The thinner 17 micron film is typically used for wrapping lighter items such as parcels, or pallets of light product for internal consumption. 20 micron film is a popular choice for an average weight pallet of products, being sent anywhere. Finally, there is the 25 micron film, which is a good choice for securing heavy items, or pallets which need to travel long distances across Australia or the world.

Pallet Wrap is also split into two types of film, being ‘Blown film’ and ‘Cast Film’.

First is Cast film, which is by far the most popular film in use today. Typical characteristics of cast film are that it is very quiet to apply, it has high clarity making it easier to scan barcodes through, and it is cheaper per metre.

Second is Blown film, where the resin is melted and blown out, then air-cooled. This is a slower process but provides a stronger and more puncture resistant film with a higher cling factor. Blown is also the more expensive of the two options because it is the better quality Pallet Wrap.

The two types of Stretch wraps are also separated into two main colours, clear which is transparent and black which is opaque.

All of our wrap is 500mm wide, with a 50mm internal core diameter which is industry standard, to ensure it fits into the hand held dispensers, which we also supply.

We also keep Machine Wrap in stock. Pallet Wrapping machines use a larger roll of wrap again in different lengths microns and colours. It’s important not to get the two confused as the smaller rolls do not fit the machines and the larger rolls are way too big for wrapping via hand.

If you have any questions at all as to which type of wrap would best suit your requirements, please feel free to contact one of our friendly-trained staff.

If pallet wrap is not your preferred option, please contact us to ask about pallet shrink wrap or shrink wrap, which is used with a heat gun.