Collection: Stretch Wrap

The right stretch wrap depends on the weight, shape and stability of your palletised load, as well as how the film will be applied. Hand pallet wrap is suitable for manual wrapping, while machine stretch film is designed for compatible pallet wrapping equipment and higher-volume operations.

Stretch wrap and pallet wrap are commonly used terms for stretch film used to secure and stabilise goods. Pallet wrap generally refers specifically to film applied around palletised loads, while stretch wrap can also be used for bundling, protecting and securing smaller products.

Hand stretch wrap is applied manually using the roll directly or with a compatible dispenser. Machine stretch wrap is designed for pallet wrapping machines and is better suited to businesses processing larger volumes of palletised goods where speed, consistency and controlled film application are important.

The appropriate film thickness depends on the weight, shape and stability of the load. Lighter, uniform pallets may require a lighter film, while heavy, irregular or demanding loads can require a stronger specification. Businesses should also consider puncture resistance, stretch performance and the wrapping method when choosing film.

Stretch wrap applies tension around palletised goods to help hold individual cartons or products together as a single load. Correct application can reduce movement during handling, storage and transport, helping improve pallet stability and protect goods throughout the distribution process.

Businesses can reduce unnecessary film consumption by selecting a stretch film suited to the load and applying the correct amount of tension and overlap. For higher-volume operations, pallet wrapping equipment can also provide more consistent film application and help control material usage.

A pallet wrapping machine may be worth considering when increasing pallet volumes make manual wrapping time-consuming or inconsistent. Automated or semi-automatic wrapping can improve throughput, provide more repeatable film application and reduce the physical effort involved in manually wrapping pallets.

Handy wrap is a narrower stretch film designed for bundling, securing and protecting smaller products rather than wrapping complete pallets. It is useful for grouping items together, securing loose components and protecting products during warehouse handling, storage and dispatch.

Heavy or irregular loads require stretch film with suitable strength, puncture resistance and load-holding performance. The correct specification will depend on the weight, shape and stability of the goods, and additional edge protection or strapping may be appropriate for particularly demanding loads.

Southgate supplies stretch wrap and pallet wrap for UK warehouses, manufacturers, distributors and fulfilment operations. The range includes Handy Wrap, Hand Pallet Wrap and Machine Wrap for applications ranging from bundling smaller products to securing palletised loads for storage and transit.