Collection: Stretch Film | Industrial Pallet Wrap & Packaging Film

Stretch Wrap for Palletizing, Bundling and Warehouse Load Protection

Stretch wrap is a flexible plastic film used to contain palletized cartons, bundle products and protect merchandise during storage and transportation. The film stretches as it is applied and uses its natural cling to hold layers together without packing tape or adhesive.

Gpack Supplies offers a complete selection of hand stretch film, machine stretch film, colored pallet wrap, bundling film, vented stretch film and manual dispensers. These products support warehouses, manufacturers, fulfillment centers, moving companies, distributors and freight operations.

Available options include 18" x 1,000' hand-film rolls in 85 gauge, 20" x 5,000' machine-film rolls in 80 gauge, compact 3" and 5" bundling wrap, colored stretch film and tools for manual application.

The correct stretch film depends on the load weight, pallet dimensions, carton strength, sharp edges, transportation conditions, desired concealment and whether the film will be applied manually or with a machine.

Stretch Film Products Available from Gpack Supplies

What Is Stretch Wrap?

Stretch wrap, also called stretch film or pallet wrap, is a flexible polyethylene film designed to stretch around cartons, products and palletized loads.

As the film is elongated, it develops holding force that helps pull the load together. Multiple overlapping layers create containment and help reduce movement during warehouse handling and transportation.

Stretch film clings to itself rather than bonding permanently to the merchandise. This allows the wrap to be removed without the adhesive residue associated with many tapes.

Stretch film is not a replacement for suitable pallets, strong cartons, interior cushioning or load-rated strapping when those materials are required.

Benefits of Stretch Film

Load Containment

Stretch film holds cartons and products together and helps reduce movement across the pallet surface.

Dust and Dirt Protection

Overlapping layers create a barrier that helps keep products cleaner during warehouse storage and transportation.

Light Moisture Resistance

Plastic film can protect against ordinary splashes and light moisture, although an open or incompletely wrapped pallet is not waterproof.

Product Visibility

Clear stretch wrap allows employees to identify merchandise and scan labels without removing the film.

Load Concealment

Black or opaque colored film can reduce visibility of valuable or sensitive products.

Warehouse Identification

Colored film can separate routes, departments, inventory classes or shipment status.

Reduced Dependence on Tape

The film clings to itself and can bundle products without applying adhesive directly to the merchandise.

Hand Stretch Film for Manual Pallet Wrapping

Hand stretch film is designed for manual application around pallets and products. The operator holds the roll directly or uses a compatible dispenser while walking around the load.

The 18" x 1,000' rolls in this collection use 85-gauge film and are supplied in four-roll cases.

This format is suitable for warehouses with low to moderate pallet volume, irregular loads, moving operations and wrapping areas without automatic equipment.

Hand film provides flexibility, but final wrapping consistency depends on operator technique, applied tension, overlap and the number of film layers.

Machine Stretch Film for High-Volume Pallet Wrapping

Machine stretch film is designed for automatic and semi-automatic pallet-wrapping equipment. Machine rolls are larger and contain substantially more film than hand-wrap rolls.

Gpack Supplies offers 20" x 5,000' machine-grade film in 80 gauge, including clear and black options.

Machine application can improve consistency, control film stretch and reduce manual labor in high-volume warehouse operations.

Film compatibility depends on the wrapping machine, carriage system, pre-stretch capability, roll dimensions and film specifications.

Machine film should not be used with ordinary manual handles because the rolls are heavier and designed for powered equipment.

Hand Stretch Film vs. Machine Stretch Film

Understanding Stretch Film Gauge

Gauge is a traditional measurement used to describe stretch-film thickness. A higher gauge generally indicates thicker film.

The collection includes 80-gauge and 85-gauge products. Eighty-gauge film is widely used for many commercial pallet loads, while 85-gauge film provides slightly heavier construction.

Gauge alone does not determine complete performance. Resin quality, film formulation, pre-stretch, puncture resistance and application technique also affect load containment.

A thinner high-performance film can sometimes outperform a thicker conventional film, so products should be tested on representative loads.

80-Gauge vs. 85-Gauge Stretch Film

Actual load capacity should be determined by testing the film with the specific pallet configuration.

Clear Stretch Film for Product Visibility

Clear stretch film allows warehouse employees, carriers and receivers to see carton labels, product identification and pallet condition.

It is commonly used for general warehouse distribution, retail replenishment, food products, fulfillment and internal transfers.

Clear film can help reduce scanning delays when barcodes remain flat, clean and visible through the wrap.

Multiple overlapping layers can reduce clarity, particularly when film is wrinkled or stretched unevenly.

Colored Stretch Film for Identification and Concealment

Colored pallet wrap combines load containment with visual identification or product concealment.

Gpack Supplies offers black, blue, red, orange, green, yellow and white 18" x 1,000' film in 85-gauge four-roll cases.

Colored film can identify departments, routes, product types, shipment priorities or inspection status.

A written color-coding system should be used so warehouse and receiving personnel interpret every color consistently.

Colored stretch film should not replace hazardous-material labels, shipping documentation or legally required markings.

Common Uses for Colored Stretch Wrap

Black Stretch Film for Pallet Concealment

Black stretch film limits visibility of pallet contents and can help reduce casual identification of valuable products.

It is commonly used for electronics, retail merchandise, pharmaceutical products, high-value inventory and shipments where privacy is preferred.

Black wrap does not provide tamper-proof security. Security seals, controlled procedures and proper freight documentation may still be required.

Apply labels to the outside of the finished pallet or leave designated clear areas where required information remains visible.

White Stretch Film for Clean and Uniform Pallet Presentation

White stretch wrap provides an opaque or semi-opaque appearance that can help create a clean and uniform pallet presentation.

It may be used for product identification, inventory separation, light concealment and warehouse coding.

White film can also provide a visible background for handwritten markings or pressure-sensitive labels when the film surface is suitable.

Test label adhesion to the actual wrapped surface before shipping.

Bundling Stretch Wrap for Small Products and Packages

Bundling film is a narrow stretch wrap used for grouping small cartons, pipes, rods, cables, lumber, profiles and irregular products.

Gpack Supplies offers 3-inch and 5-inch bundling-film rolls in 80 gauge.

The narrow width allows operators to wrap specific product sections without covering an entire pallet.

Bundling film clings to itself and generally leaves no adhesive on the product.

It should not be used as a load-rated replacement for filament tape, strapping or cargo restraints when substantial holding force is required.

3-Inch vs. 5-Inch Bundling Film

Vented Stretch Film for Loads Requiring Airflow

Vented stretch film contains openings that allow air, moisture and heat to move through the wrapped pallet.

It is commonly used for produce, refrigerated products, plants, frozen goods, beverages and merchandise that must cool after packing.

Ventilation can help reduce condensation and trapped heat, but performance depends on the product, airflow and storage conditions.

Because vented film contains open areas, it provides less protection from dust and moisture than continuous stretch film.

Test the complete pallet to confirm that ventilation and containment are adequate.

Vented Stretch Film vs. Standard Stretch Film

Stretch Film Dispensers and Manual Wrapping Tools

Stretch-film dispensers help operators guide hand film around pallets while reducing direct contact with the rotating cardboard core.

Gpack Supplies offers an adjustable extended-frame dispenser and a compact pair of core-insert handles.

The adjustable dispenser is useful for regular pallet wrapping and can improve reach around the lower and upper sections of a load.

Handle pairs are compact, portable and suitable for occasional wrapping, moving operations and smaller packing areas.

Confirm film width, core diameter and outside roll diameter before selecting a tool.

How to Choose the Correct Stretch Film

Determine the Application Method

Use hand film for manual wrapping and machine film for compatible automatic or semi-automatic equipment.

Evaluate the Load Weight

Heavy or unstable loads may require thicker or higher-performance film and additional containment.

Check for Sharp Edges

Sharp carton corners, metal parts and irregular products can puncture film and may require edge protection.

Review Load Height and Shape

Tall, narrow and irregular pallets require more careful film placement than square uniform loads.

Consider Visibility

Choose clear film for product visibility or colored film for concealment and identification.

Determine Whether Airflow Is Needed

Use vented film for products that require cooling or ventilation.

Test the Finished Pallet

Evaluate load stability after forklift handling, warehouse movement and representative transportation.

How to Prepare a Pallet Before Wrapping

1. Inspect the pallet for broken boards, cracks or protruding nails.
2. Confirm that the pallet can support the complete load.
3. Place the heaviest cartons on the bottom.
4. Distribute weight evenly across the pallet.
5. Keep cartons within the pallet footprint when possible.
6. Align carton edges to improve stacking strength.
7. Fill open spaces that could allow movement.
8. Cover sharp edges with corner protectors.
9. Confirm that all cartons are closed and labeled.
10. Clear the walking area around the pallet.

How to Wrap a Pallet with Hand Stretch Film

1. Attach the film to the pallet base or secure it around a lower corner.
2. Apply several wraps around the pallet base.
3. Capture both the load and part of the pallet structure.
4. Walk around the pallet while maintaining controlled film tension.
5. Overlap each layer with the previous pass.
6. Move upward in a consistent spiral pattern.
7. Add additional wraps around unstable sections.
8. Wrap the top area when protection and containment are required.
9. Return downward if additional stability is needed.
10. Cut or tear the film safely.
11. Press the film tail against an existing layer.
12. Inspect the completed pallet before movement.

How to Wrap the Base of a Pallet

The base wrap connects the product load to the pallet and reduces the chance that cartons will slide separately from the pallet.

Apply several complete rotations around the lower section while allowing part of the film to extend below the cartons and around the pallet deck.

Do not block forklift or pallet-jack openings with excessive film.

Heavy or unstable loads may also require strapping, anti-slip sheets or additional containment.

Stretch Film Tension and Holding Force

Stretch film develops holding force when it is elongated during application.

Insufficient tension can leave the load loose, while excessive tension can crush cartons, damage products or break the film.

Uniform cartons can generally tolerate more consistent compression than partially filled or lightweight boxes.

Operators should apply controlled tension and use corner protectors when film pressure may damage package edges.

Document the required number of wraps and wrapping pattern for recurring pallet configurations.

Stretch Wrap and Corner Protectors

Corner protectors reinforce pallet edges, distribute film pressure and help prevent carton corners from crushing.

Place protectors vertically along the vulnerable corners before applying the main film layers.

Use an initial light wrap to hold the protectors in position and then complete the required pallet-wrapping pattern.

Edge protectors are particularly useful for tall stacks, lightweight boxes and loads that will also be strapped.

Stretch Wrap and Strapping

Stretch wrap and strapping perform different load-containment functions and are often used together.

Stretch wrap contains loose cartons and protects the overall pallet surface.

Strapping applies concentrated tension around cartons, bundles or the pallet load.

Heavy, rigid or industrial products may require polypropylene, polyester or steel strapping in addition to film.

Apply corner protectors beneath strapping to reduce box damage and spread tension.

Stretch Wrap vs. Shrink Wrap

Stretch Wrap for Moving and Furniture Protection

Moving companies use hand stretch film to hold furniture pads, foam and protective covers around cabinets, dressers, tables and appliances.

The film can also help keep drawers and doors closed during short-distance movement when used appropriately.

Stretch film should not be applied directly to delicate wood finishes, leather, painted surfaces or materials that can trap moisture without suitable protection.

Wrap the product first with a compatible moving blanket, foam or protective cover before applying stretch film.

Stretch Film for E-Commerce and Fulfillment Centers

Fulfillment centers use stretch film to stabilize grouped orders, secure mixed cartons and prepare outbound pallet shipments.

Bundling film can combine several small boxes or products before they are placed inside a larger shipping carton.

Clear film maintains barcode visibility, while colored film can separate routes or priority shipments.

Standard wrapping procedures help reduce variation between employees and improve load consistency.

Stretch Film for Warehouses and Distribution Centers

Warehouses use stretch film for receiving, storage, picking, staging, outbound freight and internal inventory transfers.

Hand film is practical for irregular or low-volume loads, while machine film supports repetitive high-volume pallet wrapping.

Colored film can identify departments, destinations and inventory classifications.

Store dispensers near active wrapping stations and keep film cases protected from forklift traffic and heat.

Stretch Film for Manufacturing and Industrial Loads

Manufacturers use stretch wrap to contain finished goods, parts, components and cartons moving between production and shipping.

Irregular metal, wood or machinery products may require edge guards, foam, strapping or custom supports before wrapping.

Stretch film alone should not be relied upon to secure extremely heavy, unstable or sharp-edged industrial loads.

Test the complete pallet under representative forklift, stacking and transportation conditions.

Common Stretch Film Problems

Film Breaks During Wrapping

Excessive tension, damaged roll edges, sharp pallet corners or weak film can cause breaks.

The Load Remains Loose

The pallet may require more wraps, greater tension or better connection between the load and pallet base.

Cartons Become Crushed

Film tension may be too high or the cartons may not contain enough internal support.

Film Telescopes on the Roll

Improper storage, excessive heat or roll damage can cause layers to shift sideways.

Film Wrinkles or Twists

Uneven walking speed, poor dispenser alignment or rapid height changes can distort the film.

The Film Does Not Cling

Dust, contamination, incorrect film orientation or incompatible surfaces can reduce cling.

Best Practices for Stretch Wrap

• Inspect pallets and loads before wrapping.
• Use hand film only for manual applications.
• Use machine film only with compatible equipment.
• Match gauge and film performance to the load.
• Secure the film to the pallet base.
• Overlap each film layer consistently.
• Maintain controlled tension.
• Protect sharp edges before wrapping.
• Use corner protectors on crush-sensitive cartons.
• Use colored film according to a written coding system.
• Keep required labels visible.
• Use vented film when airflow is necessary.
• Combine film with strapping for demanding loads.
• Inspect every finished pallet before movement.

Stretch Film Safety

Keep the walking area around pallets clear of boxes, tools, film scraps and warehouse debris.

Avoid walking backward while wrapping whenever possible. Maintain awareness of forklifts, pallet jacks and nearby employees.

Do not place hands beneath unstable cartons or pallet loads.

Use an appropriate safety cutter and cut away from the body.

Dispose of loose film promptly because it can create slip, trip and entanglement hazards.

How to Store Stretch Film

Store stretch film in a clean, dry and covered warehouse area away from direct sunlight and excessive heat.

Keep rolls inside their original cartons until needed to protect film edges and cores.

Avoid placing heavy products on top of film cases because pressure can deform rolls and cardboard cores.

Machine-film rolls should be handled carefully because their additional weight can cause damage if dropped.

Organize inventory by film type, width, length, gauge and color.

Industries That Use Stretch Wrap

• Warehouses and distribution centers
• E-commerce fulfillment operations
• Manufacturing facilities
• Moving and storage companies
• Food and beverage distributors
• Produce and refrigerated-goods companies
• Furniture and appliance businesses
• Automotive parts suppliers
• Building-material distributors
• Pharmaceutical and medical suppliers
• Retail replenishment operations
• Wholesale distributors
• Third-party logistics providers
• Import and export companies
• Commercial freight operations

Frequently Asked Questions About Stretch Wrap

What is stretch wrap used for?

Stretch wrap is used to contain pallet loads, bundle products and protect merchandise during storage and transportation.

What types of stretch film does Gpack Supplies offer?

Gpack Supplies offers hand film, machine film, colored stretch wrap, bundling film, vented film and manual dispensers.

What hand stretch-film size is available?

The primary hand-film format is 18" x 1,000' in 85 gauge.

How many hand-film rolls come in a case?

The listed 18" x 1,000' hand stretch film is supplied in four-roll cases.

What machine stretch-film size is available?

Machine-grade film is available in 20" x 5,000' rolls in 80 gauge.

What is the difference between hand and machine film?

Hand film is applied manually, while machine film is designed for compatible automatic or semi-automatic wrapping equipment.

Can machine film be applied by hand?

Machine rolls are generally too large and heavy for ordinary manual application.

What does 80 gauge mean?

It is a traditional measurement describing the approximate thickness of the stretch film.

Is 85 gauge thicker than 80 gauge?

Yes. Eighty-five gauge is slightly thicker than 80 gauge.

What stretch-film colors are available?

Available colors include clear, black, blue, red, orange, green, yellow and white.

What is black stretch film used for?

Black film is commonly used to conceal pallet contents and identify selected loads.

Does black stretch wrap prevent theft?

It limits visibility but does not provide tamper-proof or forced-entry protection.

What is colored stretch film used for?

Colored film is used for load containment, inventory coding, route identification and concealment.

Can colored film replace shipping labels?

No. It does not replace addresses, barcodes, hazardous labels or required transportation markings.

What is bundling stretch film?

Bundling film is narrow stretch wrap used to group small products, cartons, pipes and irregular items.

What bundling-film widths are available?

Gpack Supplies offers 3-inch and 5-inch bundling film.

Can bundling film replace strapping?

Not for heavy or load-rated containment applications.

What is vented stretch film?

Vented stretch film has openings that allow airflow through the wrapped pallet.

What products use vented film?

It is commonly used for produce, refrigerated goods, beverages and products requiring cooling or ventilation.

Is vented film waterproof?

No. The ventilation openings allow moisture and debris to pass through.

Does stretch wrap have adhesive?

Stretch film generally clings to itself without using pressure-sensitive adhesive.

Can stretch film damage boxes?

Excessive tension can crush lightweight or partially filled cartons.

How many times should a pallet be wrapped?

The number of rotations depends on load weight, film strength, pallet height and transportation conditions.

Should stretch film overlap?

Yes. Consistent overlap creates continuous containment around the load.

Should the film connect the load to the pallet?

Yes. Base wrapping should capture both the lower cartons and part of the pallet.

Can stretch film replace strapping?

Not for every load. Heavy or rigid products may require both materials.

Can strapping replace stretch wrap?

Not always. Strapping creates concentrated tension, while stretch film contains the wider pallet surface.

What is the difference between stretch wrap and shrink wrap?

Stretch wrap tightens through mechanical stretching, while shrink wrap contracts when heat is applied.

Can stretch wrap be used for furniture?

Yes, when it is applied over suitable blankets, foam or protective covers.

How should stretch film be stored?

Store rolls in a cool, dry area away from direct sunlight, excessive heat and sharp objects.

Does Gpack Supplies sell stretch wrap in bulk?

Yes. Gpack Supplies offers hand, machine, colored and bundling stretch film for commercial operations.

Is local pickup available in Miami?

Local pickup and fast delivery options available in Miami and Broward.

Película stretch para pallets, almacenes y cargas comerciales

La película stretch permite estabilizar pallets, agrupar productos y proteger mercancía durante almacenamiento, transporte y operaciones de warehouse.

Gpack Supplies ofrece stretch film manual, machine-grade film, colored pallet wrap, bundling film, vented stretch film y dispensadores.

Productos principales

• Stretch film manual de 18" x 1,000' y 85 gauge
• Machine stretch film de 20" x 5,000' y 80 gauge
• Film transparente y de colores
• Bundling wrap de 3" y 5"
• Vented stretch film para ventilación
• Dispensadores ajustables y mangos manuales

El stretch film transparente permite ver productos, labels y barcodes. El film negro ayuda a ocultar el contenido del pallet.

Los colores azul, rojo, naranja, verde, amarillo y blanco pueden utilizarse para identificar rutas, departamentos, prioridades o categorías de inventario.

El hand stretch film se aplica manualmente. El machine-grade film utiliza rollos más grandes diseñados para equipos automáticos o semiautomáticos.

El bundling film permite agrupar cajas pequeñas, tubos, piezas, perfiles y productos irregulares sin aplicar adhesivo directamente.

El vented film permite circulación de aire y es útil para productos refrigerados, produce y mercancía que necesita liberar calor o humedad.

Para envolver un pallet, asegure primero el film en la base, aplique varias vueltas y continúe hacia arriba con capas superpuestas.

Mantenga suficiente tensión para estabilizar la carga sin aplastar las cajas. Utilice corner protectors en esquinas débiles o afiladas.

Cargas pesadas o inestables pueden necesitar strapping, anti-slip sheets u otros sistemas adicionales de contención.

Local pickup and fast delivery options available in Miami and Broward.