How to choose the right stretch film or stretch wrap for packaging
Stretch film (also known as pallet wrap) and pallet paper wrap are essential packaging solutions for protecting, bundling and securing your pallets during transport or storage. Whether you require manual stretch film or paper or machine-applied stretch film, each solution meets specific requirements depending on the type of load (light, heavy, homogeneous, heterogeneous or with protruding corners) and your logistical constraints.
This guide to choosing stretch film and paper wrap takes you step by step through comparing the different ranges, understanding their benefits and selecting the packaging best suited to your products and business.
What are the different types of stretch film and paper available for manual or machine use?
Cast film
- For uniform, heavy pallets with minimal protrusions.
- Ideal for standard requirements.
- Unidirectional (stretchable lengthwise).
- Quiet and fast unwinding.
- Easy to apply.
- Adhesive on the inner side.
Pre-stretched film
- For uniform, medium-weight pallets with minimal protrusions.
- Ergonomic: can be applied effortlessly.
- Cost-effective: uses less film than conventional stretch film.
- Pre-stretched: already stretched lengthways.
- Extremely strong.
- Saves storage space.
- Adhesive on the inside and slippery on the outside.
Blown pallet wrap
- For mixed-load pallets, heavy pallets and pallets with sharp or very sharp edges.
- Ideal for cold (-40 °C) and dusty environments, and for long-term storage.
- Biaxially oriented (stretchable both widthwise and lengthwise).
- Highly adhesive on the inside, slippery on the outside.
Kraft paper
- For uniform, lightweight pallets.
- Environmentally responsible solution.
- Unidirectional (stretchable lengthwise).
- Opaque.
- Easy to apply and maintains width during installation.
- Lightweight adhesive on the inner side.
Different pallet loads
Homogeneous
Regular and stable load, composed of identical products facilitating uniform filming.
Smooth and/or with gently rounded corners
Load with slight overhangs at the corners, requiring a more resistant film to protect the edges.
Heterogeneous and/or protruding angles
Irregular loads with varied shapes, requiring reinforced film wrapping to ensure stability and support.
What are the different thicknesses of plastic films and the different qualities of handmade and machine-made paper?
The thickness of a plastic film is measured in microns (µm) and of paper in grammage (g/m²).
STRETCH FILM
A thicker stretch film offers better resistance: it guarantees optimal support for heavy loads and is more resistant to the risk of perforation, even if there are sharp corners.
Less than 17 microns |
Between 20 and 23 microns |
Between 23 and 30 microns |
Up to 500 kg per pallet |
Up to 800 kg per pallet |
Up to 900 kg per pallet |
PRE-STRETCHED FILM
Although a pre-stretched film is thinner, it offers equivalent resistance to that of a thicker, traditional film.
Thanks to its manufacturing process, it's pre-stretched before use: this gives it excellent load-bearing capacity, good tear resistance and a high memory effect. It therefore allows for a reduction in thickness while maintaining the same level of performance.
Between 3.8 and 6 microns |
Between 8 and 10 microns |
Up to 300 kg per pallet |
Up to 700 kg per pallet |
PAPER WRAP
A thicker paper wrap offers better resistance: it guarantees optimal support for heavy loads and is more resistant to the risk of perforation, even with sharp corners.
45 g/m² |
55 g/m² |
Up to 200 kg per pallet |
Up to 500 kg per pallet |
Our expert advice
To choose the right stretch film or paper, RAJA recommends you consider the following:
- Manual or automatic application
The choice of film or paper depends on the method of application; some are designed for manual use, while others are intended for use with a stretch wrapper (automatic application). - Shape and weight of the pallet
The more irregular or heavier the pallet, the stronger and/or thicker the film (or the higher the grammage of the paper) must be to ensure a secure hold. - Specific application requirements
Identify the constraints of your business to select a stretch film or paper suited to your environment and your expected performance level (cold storage, identification, confidentiality, ergonomics, etc.). - Stretchability level for machine-wrapping films
Choose standard stretchability (120-150%) for standard wrappers, and opt for higher stretchability (+150%) for machines with motorised pre-stretch.
Manual or automatic removal?
The choice of stretch film or paper depends on the application method:
There are two types of wrap: manual film and paper, which are practical for moderate use or small volumes, and machine-grade films or paper, designed for fast, consistent automatic application at higher production rates. Identifying your application method correctly is essential to ensure the performance and safety of your pallets.
Manual films or papers
Suitable for moderate use or small volumes.
Fewer than 15 pallets per day.
Machine-grade films or papers
Designed for fast, consistent automatic application at high production rates.
From 15 pallets per day.
Which film or wrap should I choose for my needs?
MANUAL
Pallet type |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Homogeneous |
Heterogeneous |
Outer angles |
Maximum weight of the pallet* |
Cold resistance |
Prevention TMS |
Product benefits |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
STRETCH WRAP |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
High performance clear cast hand pallet wrap |
Up to 500 kg |
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Extended plastic core blown pallet wrap, 30% recycled |
Up to 700 kg |
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Extended cardboard core cast pallet wrap |
Up to 700 kg |
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
High performance clear cast hand pallet wrap |
Up to 500 kg |
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
RAJA coloured cast hand pallet wrap |
Up to 800 kg |
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
RAJA cast pallet wrap mini rolls |
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
PRE-STRETCHED WRAP |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Pre-stretched blown pallet wrap |
Up to 300 kg |
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Clear pre-stretched blown pallet wrap |
Up to 300 kg |
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
RAJA pre-stretched hand pallet wrap |
Up to 300 kg |
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
BLOWN WRAP |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Blown stretch film |
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
PAPER |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
RAJA kraft paper pallet wrap |
Up to 200 kg |
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
*Depending on the pallet configuration and the type of load.
: suitable
: very suitable
Good to know
Stretchability refers to the ability of the film to elongate as it passes through the wrapping machine.
For example, with a stretchability of 250%, 1 metre of film can be stretched to 2.5 metres.
On a standard stretch wrapper, a film with standard stretchability (approximately 120–150%) is used; this is easy to adjust and suitable for stable pallets.
On a stretch wrapper with motorised pre-stretch, a highly stretchable film (+150%) is used, which is ideal for heavy or mixed-load pallets: the machine stretches the film further, ensuring the load is securely held in place whilst using less film.
Stretchability offers two advantages:
Safety: the higher elastic recovery ensures that loads are held securely in place during transport and storage.
Cost-effectiveness: it maximises the usable length per roll.
AUTOMATIC PLACING MACHINE (WRAPPING MACHINE)
Pallet type |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Homogeneous |
Heterogeneous |
Outer angles |
Stretchability |
Maximum weight* |
Cold resistance |
Prevention TMS |
Product benefits |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
MANUAL BRAKE STRAPPING MACHINE |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Clear power cast machine pallet wrap |
Up to 120% |
Up to 1000 kg |
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
RAJA clear power cast machine pallet wrap |
Up to 240% |
Up to 700 kg |
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
RAJA power cast machine pallet wrap |
Up to 250% |
Up to 800 kg |
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
PLATTER AND ROTATING ARM STRAPPING MACHINE |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Ecowrap machine pallet wrap |
Up to 250% |
Up to 800 kg |
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
MOTORISED PRE-STRETCH STRAP WRAPPING MACHINE |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
30% recycled cast machine pallet wrap |
Up to 270% |
Up to 500 kg |
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
RAJA clear power cast machine pallet wrap |
Up to 150% |
Up to 300 kg |
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
*Depending on the pallet configuration and the type of load.
: suitable
: very suitable
What equipment should you use to apply stretch film correctly?
Choosing the right application equipment:
For efficient application of stretch film or paper, use a hand-held dispenser for manual-use films or papers and a machine for machine-use films or papers.
The right equipment ensures even tension and improved pallet stability, reduces operator fatigue and minimises film consumption, resulting in safer and more cost-effective packaging.
Discover our range of dispensers
Hand-held dispensers suitable for our wide range of stretch film.
Discover our range of wrapping machines
Stretch wrapping machines for use in high-paced environments.
Good to know
How do you make stretch film opaque?
To conceal the contents of a pallet, stretch film can be made opaque (whether applied by hand or by machine). Wrapping clear film around the pallet three times is sufficient to achieve complete opacity.
Think about it!
Discover our full range of specialised stretch films, designed to meet your specific requirements. Explore our complete range of stretch films to ensure the stability, appropriate protection and reliability of your pallets and packaging.
Manual stretch film
View products
Narrow stretch film
View products
Choosing a cardboard box
Single, double or triple-wall corrugated cardboard: choose the ideal cardboard box for your product and shipping method.
Choosing your shipping and storage options
The pallet is an indispensable tool in logistics, enabling the standardisation of the handling, storage and transport of goods.
Choosing your shipping label
Your shipping labels are essential for optimising your logistics operations, reducing errors and ensuring delivery in the best possible condition.
FAQ – Frequently asked questions about stretch film
