How to use stretch film?

Stretch film is a popular and versatile accessory with a wide range of uses. For many years, it has facilitated the work of people working in the transport industry. However, it is also useful in other sectors – household, agriculture, construction. The most important thing is to use stretch film properly – it must be properly stretched and tightened during wrapping. How to use stretch film? How to wrap with stretch film? What is worth knowing about it?

History of stretch film

Stretch film originated in the past decades of the 20th century. However, its beginnings date back much earlier, to the 19th century, when Hans von Pechman invented polyethylene (the substance from which stretch film is formed). In 1933, two chemists, Eric Fawcett and Reginald Gibson, synthesised polyethylene – the so-called high-pressure polyethylene synthesis method. This technique became the basis for the industrial production of LDPE. The entire production process was refined over decades, until finally the stretch film as we know it today was created.

What are the characteristics of stretch film? How to use stretch film?

Stretch film is characterised by its lightness, elasticity, stretchability and water resistance. The weight of items which are wrapped with it hardly ever increases. When packing, the stretch film adheres precisely to a particular surface. There is therefore no need for any adhesive materials or scissors. Thanks to it, packaging and securing shipments becomes simple, problem-free, almost intuitive.

The exceptional stretchability of the stretch film makes this accessory very efficient. Items wrapped with it will be perfectly protected against dust, dust, moisture, mechanical damage – everything to which a parcel is exposed during transport, unloading and loading. Stretch film also protects against extreme temperatures (it has thermal insulating properties), as well as UV radiation. It ensures the stability and safety of packages – it immobilises the given shipment on the transport pallet. It can be combined with packages of any size – it is just that in one case more will be used, in another less. These are initial answers to the question “how to pack a parcel using stretch film” and “what are the characteristics of stretch film”.

Stretch film colours

Stretchfilm can be found on the market in various colour variants. However, the most common versions are transparent and black. The former helps to easily identify the contents of a parcel (if necessary). Black stretch film, on the other hand, is used more frequently and helps protect the parcel from unwanted glances of outsiders. Therefore, we can say without hesitation that black stretch film is ideal for packing parcels and pallets.

Types of stretch film – only at RAJA

On the market you can find many types of stretch film, differing in purpose, colour, weight. In RAJA you will meet:

• black stretch foil (the most popular),
• transparent stretch foil (transparent),
• coloured stretch foil,
• self-adhesive stretch foil,
• ecological stretch foil,
• pre-stretch film,
• blown stretch foil,
• stretch foil in mini rolls.

What is worth knowing about them? While the use and characteristics of black, transparent stretch film are already clear, the others may raise questions. Coloured stretch films allow the contents to be hidden quickly.

Ecological film is flexible and tear-resistant. It consists of two layers – the inner side has been coated with a strong adhesive, so the accessory easily sticks to the surface. Its great advantage is its eco-friendliness – it is made from recycled (80%) polyethylene film.

Pre-stretch film is pre-stretched and very lightweight. It helps to stabilise the load even more efficiently than the traditional version. Blown stretch film has a similar application. It is made of special polyethylene, stretched using the “blown” method. It is ideal for securing products with protruding, sharp edges.

Stretch film accessories

Speaking of stretch film, it is impossible not to include useful accessories: dispensers and plastic tips. The former help to efficiently cut the desired piece of film, while the tips enable effortless unwinding.

How to wrap a parcel with stretch film?

Wondering how to wrap a parcel using stretch film? Start with wrapping. Stretch film wrapping is not a difficult operation. The stretch film dispensers and plastic tips mentioned earlier will come in handy.

Before you start unwrapping, check to what extent the load has been attached to the pallet (firmly and steadily, evenly). Its edges should not protrude beyond the perimeter of the pallet. The first step is to tie the stretch film to the base of the pallet (this will keep the accessory properly tensioned). You wrap the parcel (or other goods) from the base of the load (the inner layer of the film must be in style with the item being wrapped). Make smooth movements. You need to tighten the film so that you can feel its resistance. The pallet should be wrapped several times (a lot depends on the weight of the shipment and your expectations).

Wrap the top surface of the pallet crosswise (diagonally). You may alternatively use a membrane, a hood. The whole process of stretch wrapping is not very complicated.

The steps listed are the ideal answer to the question ‘how to use stretch film’?

What is the use of stretch film?

Wondering what are the uses and types of stretch film in specific industries? One step at a time. Stretch film is unintentionally associated with the transport and packaging industry. No wonder – it is in transport that it is most often used. Pallets of parcels wrapped in it may come to mind – stiffened, stabilised, fully secure. Stretch film can cope with both small, standard parcels and large-size shipments, which are transported on special pallets.

Gardening and agriculture

It can also be used in less obvious sectors – horticulture, agriculture, construction and renovation, food and even beauty (beauty and barber shops). Gardeners and farmers often use so-called foil tunnels to support the cultivation of edible and ornamental plants. By imposing stretch film on their surface, the growing season is extended, reducing UV radiation. This protects, among others, ornamental plants, certain fungi (mushrooms, oyster mushrooms), small plants, shrubs, trees, silage and animal feed. Stretch film is effective in preventing weeds from growing on the ground (simply lay it out flat and make holes where plants have been planted or sown).

Construction and renovation

When it comes to the construction and renovation sector, stretch film is usually used to wrap bags of construction materials (e.g. gypsum, plaster). This accessory protects the materials from adverse weather conditions and contamination from the outside, and also prevents them from spreading sideways, insulating them. During renovation, stretch film is used to protect furniture, doors, floors from scratches, paint, dust. How do you wrap with stretch film under these conditions? Almost the same way as parcels.

Food industry

The food industry uses a slightly different, equally functional stretch film (transparent, thinner, less flexible). It protects food from contamination, the spread of odours and also insulates the interior. Its presence keeps food fresher for longer.

Cosmetic surgeries

Not everyone is aware that stretch film is often used in beauty and hair dressing salons – among other things to wrap a towel, hiding hair with oil or a mask. Beauticians and hairdressers praise its heat-insulating properties – thanks to them, oils and masks are better absorbed into the hair cuticle during such cosmetic procedures.

Stretch film is also useful at home – not only when packing and securing parcels. When travelling, it can be used to protect luggage. Some household members use it to cover seasonal clothes (e.g. winter jackets) hidden in the wardrobe – stretch foil protects clothes from damp, dust and musty odours.