Stretch film is undoubtedly one of the most commonly used materials for packaging i security various types of products. Characterised by extraordinary strength and flexibility, the film is produced from polymers and ethylene copolymers, which influence its stretchability - it increases its size up to six times! Waterproof, requires no adhesive, and does not lose its properties when stretched - these are just a few of the advantages of this proven product, which for years has been used not only in transport and other branches industryIt is a global bestseller and a guarantee for the protection and multifaceted protection of objects, as thousands of users around the world prove every day. It is a worldwide bestseller and a guarantee for securing objects and protecting them in many ways, which is confirmed by thousands of users all over the world every day. Stretch films They are used in numerous situations, but it is necessary to know their characteristics and types in order to be able to consciously choose those that will respond to the real needs of the seller and the customer.

Properties, types and uses of films

Stretch properties

Stretch film is characterised by its stretchability, adhesion and resistance to damage. Each of these characteristics has a significant impact on the fact that the packaged product achieves an almost complete level of protection against damage.

Regardless of the size of the item to be protected, stretch film is extremely stretchable and flexible, which means that almost anything can be wrapped in it. Items can be packed individually, but the foil can also be used to wrap entire pallets - in the latter case, black, more durable stretch foil is usually used. It is often used in places such as various types of shops, where protected pallets can be moved freely, which does not threaten with damage to goods, and makes the work of employees faster and easier.

Thanks to its grip stretch foil protects products The film protects products from the ingress of dirt or water, as well as from unwanted human impact. It is resistant to unfavourable weather conditions, which is particularly important, for example, in the case of products stored in food chains' warehouses - the film is a guarantee of long-term protection of products, protecting them from moisture, dust or dirt, and thus ensuring the satisfaction of food chains and their customers.

Another of its features is its resistance. No matter whether it is heavy transport conditions or a number of other unforeseen situations influencing the risk of parcel damage - stretch films remain resistant to all impacts, scratches and punctures. This is a proven solution, trusted by countless entrepreneurs around the world.

Types of stretch film

There are more and more versions of stretch films available on the market. In our offer you will find transparent, black, self-adhesive, thick as well as ECO stretch films - each type is adjusted to individual customer requirements.

Transparent, black and coloured films

The first factor by which stretch film can be divided is its colour. A frequently used form is a transparent film. Perhaps this is because the protected item is still visible to the person ordering it, for example, which allows for a quicker assessment of the quality of the product itself. Different colours are available on the market. Black foil is useful, for example, when you do not want the product to be visible to outsiders.

Self-adhesive and thick films

Another division is based on film thickness. Self-adhesive film is a type of thin packaging film (5-20 microns), so if you need a more durable material to protect, for example, a larger product, we recommend thick film (20-30 microns). Self-adhesive film is made of PVC, i.e. polyvinyl chloride, and is most often used for food packaging. Its biggest advantages include high gas permeability and lack of problems with steaming, which significantly affects the preservation of freshness of food. In addition, self-adhesive film quickly returns to its natural shape, is transparent and glossy, which positively affects the representative image of the served product in the eyes of the customer. Despite all these advantages, this type of film requires more money, which leads customers to choose thick stretch film, i.e. polyethylene film.

Hand and machine films

The division which seems to be the most universal, applicable in other countries, is the division into manual and machine applied films. As the name suggests, the first type is applied manually or with the use of manual dispensers. This type of stretch It is used rather in smaller companies, where there is no demand and adequate costs for more advanced equipment. Manual stretch (thickness up to 20 microns) is the most popular. In the case of manual films, the stretch scale is 75%-140%, while wrapping rolls reach thicknesses in the 450-500 cm range. It is the thickness of the film that affects its density, so when dealing with very heavy material, it is worth considering the relevant parameters and avoiding using the thinnest film.

Stretch film Machine stretching guarantees greater stretchability and maximum elongation. Its additional advantage is the possibility to return to its initial shape. Although these films are more practical and convenient to use, the cost of using them also increases. To use this type, it is necessary to purchase an automatic wrapping machine. The stretchability of machine film starts from 190% to 240%. An important aspect is to become familiar with the type of sleeve used in the wrapping machine.

ECO stretch film

The last type is a new type, namely ECO stretch filmThe ideal solution for those who value recycled products as they naturally biodegrade over time. As stretch is almost a staple in many businesses around the world, it is becoming increasingly important to make environmental care and the elimination of waste as much as possible a priority in industry and the economy. TW Plast's ECO Film in 80% is a recycled plastic re-granulate, and production waste is recycled into a raw material for future ECO films. This environmentally friendly and earth friendly solution is becoming more and more popular every day.

Quick and convenient use of stretch film

Due to its great adhesion, foil is very often used for packing parcels. It is so convenient that you do not need glue or tape - all you need is the foil and the wrapped item. The foil protects the item it is wrapped around from damage during repeated wrapping. Often - especially when it comes to furniture or delicate items - the item is first wrapped in bubble wrap, which is an additional protection, and only then stretch foil is used. Thanks to this technique the packed goods become practically indestructible. In case of any doubts, we recommend pp tapes, which are most frequently used for securing shipments. It is a cheap and convenient product, which together with stretch films makes a perfect duo, being the basic equipment not only for companies or on-line shops but also for individual customers. The use of pp tape is the final stage of securing a parcel by professional sellers. Regardless of whether the item is to be stored in a warehouse, shop or transported, the stretch foil is a proven and reliable solution.

Advantages of using stretch film

The numerous advantages, as well as the versatility of the film, have contributed to the fact that this product is used in manufacturing and industrial companies, transport companies, warehousing, cosmetics or online shops. Starting with wrapping packed pallets, packing products of small, medium and large weight, through packing small batches of ordered goods, to the creation of a whole from several individual packages, it can certainly be stated that stretch film is an extremely practical and effective material, which has been willingly used for years in a wide range of applications.

Below is a summary of the product's benefits:

• protection from external conditions such as dirt, humidity, low/high temperatures,
• high protection against damage or punctures,
• resistance to fogging,
• ease of use and application,
• antistatic properties,
• adhesion to the surface,
• no need for another safeguard,
• elasticity and stretchability of the material,
• Choice of coloured, black or clear film,
• the ability of the film to return to its original shape,
• affordable price,
• the possibility of using an environmentally friendly, biodegradable version of the film,
• versatility and effectiveness.

We invite you to find out more about the offer of the Polish stretch film manufacturer, the company TW Plast.