Time does not stand still. One material is being replaced by another - more universal and modern. Most recently, stretch films have firmly entered into operation. They owe their name to the English word “stretch,” which means “lengthening,” “stretching.” This is their main feature: stretch films can stretch up to 300%! At the same time, the material not only retains its strength, but also tightens the goods, ensuring the integrity and stability of the package. Due to its elasticity, the PVC stretch film takes the form of an object. Between each other, its layers stick together without additional adhesives, which allows you to pack any cargo quickly and reliably.
Where are stretch films most commonly used?
I must say that the scope of their use is quite wide. Packaging stretch film is widely used in enterprises, warehouses, for various tasks. For example, such:
- for packaging non-food products and food products;
- for wrapping boxes to protect against chips, scratches and other mechanical damage;
- to protect products from dust and moisture (such as carpets, furniture);
- to maintain the integrity of pallets, which allows several times to increase the speed of unloading or loading of products.
Film features
Unlike other packaging materials made on the basis of polyethylene, stretch films have special properties that make them indispensable in use:
- Prestretch. This concept includes two features at once - stretching and subsequent contraction. Thanks to this property, packaging material is saved.
- Pulling force. After elongation, the stretch films tend to take their original shape, which allows reliable fixation of loads.
- Strength. A multi-layer winding protects goods well from punching and punctures. In addition, they are not exposed to pollution or moisture.
- Stickiness. The layers of stretch film adhere well to each other, so they do not need to be additionally fixed to each other. At the same time, they do not stick to the products and, if it is necessary to remove the packaging, can easily be removed from the surface of the product, leaving no residue.
- Wide temperature range. This property allows the use of this material for packaging frozen and chilled products.
Varieties of film
There are two types of stretch film. One of them is used for manual packaging. Most often it is used for small volumes of products, for the formation of assortment goods or for re-packaging.
The second type is machine stretch. It is advisable to apply when it comes to a large number of goods. It is of two types:
- universal (for transport processing both on the simplest machines and on devices with a prestretch mechanism);
- with increased elongation (designed for automatic pallet packers operating at high speeds).
As you can see, stretch films meet all the standards and requirements that are considered today in the packaging materials market.