Stretch Film & Containment
Improving Load Stability, Reducing Film Costs & Protecting Products During Transit
Stretch film is one of the most overlooked components of a packaging operation. Many companies focus heavily on wrapping equipment while overlooking the impact that film selection, containment force, wrap patterns, and film efficiency have on overall packaging performance.
The right combination of film, wrapping equipment, and containment strategy can significantly improve load stability, reduce shipping damage, lower material costs, and improve packaging consistency throughout the operation.
The Ameripak Stretch Film & Containment Center is designed to help manufacturers, warehouses, and distribution operations better understand how stretch film works and how to optimize containment performance.
What Is Load Containment?
Load containment refers to the ability of the film to hold products securely together during storage, handling, and transportation.
Proper containment helps prevent:
- Product shifting
- Leaning pallets
- Collapsed loads
- Shipping damage
- Forklift handling issues
- Customer complaints
Containment is often more important than simply applying additional film.
Many companies use more film than necessary while still experiencing containment problems because the film is not being applied correctly.
Stretch Film Basics
Stretch film is designed to stretch during application and then attempt to return to its original length. This creates a holding force that helps keep products stable during transportation and storage.
Several factors impact film performance:
- Film quality
- Film gauge
- Film stretch percentage
- Containment force
- Wrap pattern
- Load profile
- Equipment capabilities
Understanding these factors can significantly improve both containment performance and film efficiency.
Choosing the Right Stretch Film
Not all films perform the same. The ideal film depends on:
Product Weight
Heavier loads typically require greater containment force and stronger film construction.
Product Shape
Irregular loads often require different wrap patterns and film characteristics than uniform pallet loads.
Product Surface
Sharp edges, rough surfaces, and abrasive materials can impact film selection.
Storage Conditions
Indoor and outdoor storage environments may require different film characteristics.
Transportation Requirements
Long-distance transportation often requires greater containment force than local deliveries.
Understanding Film Gauges
Film gauge refers to the thickness of the stretch film.
While many companies assume thicker film automatically provides better containment, advances in film technology often allow thinner high-performance films to outperform older, thicker materials.
The goal should be:
Maximum Containment
with
Minimum Film Consumption
Proper film selection often reduces costs while maintaining or improving load stability.
What Is Pre-Stretch Film?
Pre-stretch film is designed to be stretched before it is applied to the load.
Modern wrapping systems can stretch film significantly while maintaining proper containment force.
Benefits may include:
- Reduced film consumption
- Improved load containment
- Lower packaging costs
- More consistent wrapping
- Improved film performance
Why Is My Film Usage So High?
Excessive film usage is one of the most common packaging challenges.
Common Causes
- Outdated equipment
- Improper wrap settings
- Lack of pre-stretch technology
- Excessive manual wrapping
- Incorrect film selection
- Inconsistent operator practices
Potential Solutions
- Upgrade wrapping equipment
- Optimize wrap patterns
- Utilize pre-stretch technology
- Evaluate film performance
- Standardize wrap cycles
Reducing unnecessary film usage often produces immediate operational savings.
Common Containment Problems
Leaning Loads
Common Causes
- Poor containment force
- Uneven loading patterns
- Inconsistent wrapping
- Improper film application
Potential Solutions
- Improved wrap cycles
- Better film selection
- Increased containment consistency
- Proper load building practices
Loads Shifting During Transportation
Common Causes
- Inadequate containment force
- Poor wrap patterns
- Incorrect film selection
- Unstable pallet loading
Potential Solutions
- Improved film performance
- Optimized wrap patterns
- Better containment strategies
- Updated wrapping equipment
Product Damage During Shipping
Common Causes
- Product movement
- Insufficient containment
- Poor load stability
- Inconsistent wrapping
Potential Solutions
- Improved containment force
- Better film selection
- Cornerboard and edge protection
- Consistent wrap application
Stretch Film for Challenging Applications
Certain products require specialized containment strategies.
Sharp Edge Applications
Common Examples:
- Metal products
- Steel components
- Extrusions
- Building products
Challenges:
- Film punctures
- Film tearing
- Reduced containment performance
Potential Solutions:
- High-performance films
- Edge protection
- Optimized wrap patterns
Long Products & Bundles
Common Examples:
- Roofing panels
- Steel studs
- Tube & pipe
- Lumber
Challenges:
- Bundle instability
- Product movement
- Inconsistent containment
Potential Solutions:
- Orbital wrapping systems
- Optimized film selection
- Improved containment methods
Stretch Film & Equipment Working Together
Film performance and equipment performance are closely connected.
Even the highest-quality stretch film may perform poorly when paired with:
- Improper wrap settings
- Outdated equipment
- Inconsistent application methods
- Poor containment strategies
Likewise, modern wrapping equipment can often improve film efficiency while enhancing containment performance.
The best results are typically achieved when equipment, film, and containment goals are evaluated together.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is load containment?
Load containment refers to the force applied by stretch film to keep products stable during storage, handling, and transportation.
Does thicker film always provide better containment?
Not necessarily. Modern film technology often allows thinner films to provide equal or better containment than older, thicker materials.
What is pre-stretch film?
Pre-stretch film is stretched before application to improve containment while reducing film consumption.
How can I reduce my film usage?
Proper film selection, optimized wrap cycles, modern pre-stretch systems, and updated equipment can significantly improve film efficiency.
How do I know if containment is inadequate?
Common signs include leaning loads, shifting products, shipping damage, excessive film usage, and inconsistent load stability.
Improving Containment & Reducing Packaging Costs
Ameripak provides stretch film, packaging supplies, pallet wrappers, orbital wrappers, and packaging solutions designed to improve containment performance while reducing unnecessary material costs.
If you are evaluating film performance, containment challenges, or opportunities to improve packaging efficiency, we would be glad to discuss your application.