How stretch wrap works
Stretch film (usually linear low-density polyethylene, LLDPE) is stretched as it is applied. Because it tries to return to its original length, it squeezes the cartons together and onto the pallet. No heat is used. A pallet wrapping machine rotates the pallet on a turntable while a film carriage moves up and down the mast, so the whole load is covered in overlapping layers.
How shrink wrap works
Shrink film (PVC, polyolefin or polyethylene) is placed around the product as a sleeve or bag, sealed, and then heated. The heat makes the film contract tightly around the product. Shrink packaging needs a sealer and a shrink tunnel or heat gun, which adds energy cost and a hot zone in the factory.
Side-by-side comparison
| Stretch wrap | Shrink wrap | |
|---|---|---|
| Main use | Securing pallet loads for transport | Retail bundles, single items, boats, irregular objects |
| Heat needed | No | Yes (tunnel or heat gun) |
| Typical machine | Turntable or rotary-arm pallet wrapper | L-bar sealer + shrink tunnel, sleeve wrapper |
| Film cost per pallet | Low | Higher (thicker film plus energy) |
| Appearance | Functional, clear layers | Smooth, tight, retail-ready |
| Removal | Easy to cut and recycle | Easy to cut |
Why pallets are stretch wrapped, not shrink wrapped
Pallet shrink wrapping exists — a large shrink hood is pulled over the load and heated — but it is slow, uses more film and needs a gas or electric heater. For cartons of drinks, food, cosmetics or chemicals, a stretch wrapper gives a stable load at a fraction of the running cost. Our Turntable pallet stretch wrapping machine handles pallet loads up to 1,000 kg on a turntable.
When shrink wrap is the better choice
- Bundling several bottles or cans into a retail multipack.
- Wrapping a single product for a clean shelf appearance (books, software boxes, trays).
- Covering boats, machinery or building materials outdoors (marine and industrial shrink wrap).
Choosing a stretch wrapping machine
Check the pallet size and maximum height, the load weight, how many pallets per hour you wrap, and whether loads are stable or need top sheet protection. Semi-automatic turntable wrappers suit most factories wrapping up to a few dozen pallets per hour. Read our pallet wrapping machine guide for a full checklist, or ask for a quotation.
Questions and answers
Is shrink wrap stronger than stretch wrap?
Not for pallets. Stretch film holds the load by elastic tension across many layers, which keeps cartons tight during transport. Shrink film is tight but is used mainly for single products and bundles.
Can I use stretch wrap instead of shrink wrap?
For pallets and transport protection, yes. For retail bundles that must look neat on the shelf, shrink wrap is usually preferred.
What machine applies stretch wrap?
A pallet stretch wrapping machine. On a turntable model the pallet rotates while a film carriage travels up and down the mast, applying overlapping layers.
Does stretch wrapping need electricity or heat?
It needs electricity to turn the turntable and move the carriage, but no heat. Shrink wrapping needs heat from a tunnel or gun.
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