Papermake Guide: How to Choose the Right Pallet Wrap & Stretch Film

Pallet wrap (stretch film) keeps loads stable in transit, reduces shipping damage, and protects products from dust and moisture. This guide explains how to select the right type, thickness, and format of film for your warehouse or shipping operation.

1. Cast vs Blown Stretch Film

Cast Stretch Film

Cast film is clear, quiet to unwind, and offers smooth application. It is ideal for most standard pallet loads where you want operators to see labels and barcodes through the wrap.

Blown Stretch Film

Blown film is tougher and more puncture-resistant, making it better for sharp or irregular loads. It is noisier during application but often preferred for heavy industrial or construction materials.

2. Gauge, Micron, and Film Strength

Film strength is typically described in gauge (in North America) or microns. Thicker film resists tearing and punctures better, but may be more than you need for lighter loads.

Typical Ranges

• Light, uniform loads → 60–70 gauge (about 12–15µ)
• Mixed or moderate loads → 80–90 gauge (about 17–20µ)
• Heavy, irregular loads → 100–120 gauge (about 23–30µ)

Rule of thumb:
The more sharp edges or product movement, the stronger the film you need.

3. Hand Wrap vs Machine Wrap

Hand Stretch Film

Designed for manual application with or without a hand dispenser. Best for smaller operations or where only a few pallets are wrapped each day.

Machine Stretch Film

Used on stretch-wrapping machines for higher volume operations. Machines pre-stretch the film, which improves load stability and often reduces film usage per pallet.

If you wrap more than a few pallets per shift, a machine system can often pay for itself in labour and material savings.

4. Specialty Stretch Films

Beyond standard clear film, specialty options can solve specific problems:

• Coloured film – identify shipments by route, customer, or status at a glance.
• Opaque/black film – hide product from view and reduce theft or prying eyes.
• Ventilated film – allow air flow for products that must breathe (produce, bakery, etc.).
• Pre-stretched film – lighter rolls that are easier for operators to handle while using less material.

5. Common Issues and How to Avoid Them

• Loads shifting in transit – often caused by under-stretching or using film that is too light.
• Tears and punctures – upgrade to a stronger gauge or blown film for sharp pallet contents.
• Excess film use – switch to pre-stretched or machine-applied film, and review wrap patterns.
• Operator fatigue – use lighter, pre-stretched hand rolls or invest in a wrapper for busy docks.

6. Papermake Pallet Wrap Categories

Papermake offers a complete range of hand and machine stretch films so you can match the right film to each load type and wrapping method.

Hand Stretch Film

Rolls sized for manual application, available in a variety of gauges for different load weights.
Browse Hand Stretch Film »

Machine Stretch Film

High-performance films designed for stretch-wrapping equipment, including high-stretch and pre-stretch options.
Browse Machine Stretch Film »

Specialty & Coloured Films

Ventilated, coloured, and opaque security films to solve specific shipping and identification challenges.
Browse Specialty Stretch Films »

7. Need Help Choosing? We Can Recommend the Right Film

If you are unsure which gauge or film type is best for your loads, Papermake can help you review your shipping patterns and recommend the right combination of hand or machine wrap.

Explore our pallet wrap categories to get started:

• Hand Stretch Film »
• Machine Stretch Film »
• Specialty & Coloured Films »