When it comes to packaging, "shrink film" and "stretch film" get tossed around a lot—but they’re not interchangeable. In our first GWC Packaging podcast, we broke down the real differences, where each type shines, and how to decide what’s best for your operation.
Shrink Film: All About Presentation and Containment
Shrink film is that clear, tight plastic you’ll find wrapped around retail boxes—like headphones or electronics. It needs heat to shrink around the item, making everything look clean, professional, and tamper-evident. But it’s not just for looks—it also protects against scuffing during transit.
You can use shrink film for repackaging too, like when a company refurbishes internet modems and wants to neatly bundle the device, power cord, and manual. Low-volume operations can get by with a tabletop L-bar sealer and heat gun, while high-volume setups benefit from conveyor systems with heat tunnels. Either way, choosing the right thickness and blend depends on the shape and fragility of your product.
Bonus: newer films like POF (polyolefin) are safer and clearer than old-school PVC, and they don’t stink up your workspace.
Stretch Film: Your Go-To for Pallets
Stretch film is that clingy plastic used to wrap pallets. It stretches to secure your load without heat. The goal? Keep things stable—whether you're wrapping tires, soup cups, or mixed loads.
The film gauge (thickness) matters: lighter 29-gauge film can hold items during staging, while heavier gauges (like 80 or 100) are better for tall or heavy pallets. Hand wrap is fine for low volumes, but once you're doing serious palletizing, a wrapping machine saves time, materials, and your team’s shoulders.
Machines also make your film go further. A roll with built-in pre-stretch can yield 2.5x the footage of hand wrap, improving consistency and reducing waste.
One Size Doesn’t Fit All
At the end of the day, the best film depends on your workflow, space, budget, and safety concerns (especially in places like earthquake-prone Southern California). Sometimes it’s about using a thinner film for short-term holding, then rewrapping with stronger film before shipping. The key is asking the right questions and having a partner who understands your day-to-day challenges.
That’s our approach at GWC: we don’t just push products—we look at your processes, ask what you’re trying to achieve, and offer the best fit for you. Whether it’s stretch or shrink, film should make your job easier—not harder.
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