How to Use Stretch Film

Stretch film helps secure pallets of items for transport.

Stretch film is also known as stretch wrap. The film comes on rolls that are about 18 inches wide and unroll similar to plastic wrap for kitchen use. Also similar to kitchen use is the ability of the film to cling to itself. This helps when wrapping a large pallet of items. Stretch film comes in a variety of gauges or thicknesses and is made with layers that makes it stronger.

Things You'll Need

• Pallet of items
• Stretch film cutter

Instructions

1. Tie a piece off in a knot at a bottom corner part of the pallet.

2. Hold the stretch film roll at both ends. If there are handles on the roll, hold onto those.

3. Begin unrolling the film by pulling it so it's parallel to the pallet of items. Begin by wrapping the top portion of the pallet with the bottom layer of items. Continue by wrapping the items in parallel lines. Work your way up the items by overlapping the film each time.

4. Take the film, pull it tightly around the items and tightly around the corners. This will ensure that the film sticks to itself.

5. Continue this until you've reached the top of the pallet of items. Then cut off the extra stretch film from the roll and tuck it within itself so it won't move.

Tips & Warnings

• Flip the roll of wrap over itself so it twists as you stretch it around the pallet of items. This will ensure more stability, especially from the bottom of the items.

• Rub the stretch film against itself so it sticks better.

• Some stretch films can be quite heavy when it is a full roll.

References

• International Plastics: Stretch Film and Stretch Wrap
• All Star Supply Inc.: Stretch Wrap 101
• Less Stretch Wrap: If You Buy Fewer Than 10 Cases of Stretch Wrap at a Time, You Can Save Time and Money By Using a High Quality Modern Film