What is pallet wrap?

Pallet wrap is a plastic film which covers pallets, keeping goods secure and protected. Its main function is to secure loads for storage and transport. This reduces the risk of whole loads or items coming loose and falling out, ensuring a smooth journey for your goods and fewer losses. It comes in two varieties: hand stretch film and machine stretch film.

What is the difference between pallet wrap and stretch film? 

Pallet wrap, stretch film and stretch pallet wrap are all terms used to refer to the same product. Since it is a thin, stretchable plastic film that wraps around pallets, people often use these names interchangeably.

What is the difference between shrink film, cling film and pallet wrap?

Shrink film and pallet wrap are two different products however both cover goods on pallets.

Pallet wrap:

Is flexible and elastic so it can stretch and wrap around pallets for stability.

Provides load stability during storage and transit.

Wraps square, irregular and protruding pallets.

Comes in a range of colours and strengths.

Shrink film:

Is loose fitting; shrinks and secures pallet/product upon heating.

Protects furniture, bricks, boats, and other items from damp, dust, and robbery.

Cling films serves a different purpose to pallet wrap as it seals food in containers. Its primary role is to extend the shelf life of food.

What is it made of? 

Manufacturers use LLDPE (Linear-Low Density Polyethylene) to produce pallet wrap. Its flexibility and relative transparency make LLDPE a valuable and useful material in the packaging industry.

Is it recyclable?

As pallet wrap is made from LLDPE, it falls under recycling code 4. Most areas will recycle it. However, it is always best to check with your local council if this is something they do.

Is it environmentally friendly? 

Pallet wrap can be environmentally friendly, but this depends on a few things.

We have films that:

Contain 30% recycled content, reducing the use of fossil fuels in production and their carbon footprint. As we recycle the waste material for reuse, it feeds into a circular economy. This also reduces your Plastic Packaging Tax obligation.

Are coreless, meaning they have no cardboard core and do not generate unnecessary waste.

Pre-stretch films which reduce plastic consumption. 

What is pre-stretch film? 

As the name suggests, manufacturers stretch the film during the production process. This means users apply less force when wrapping pallets and use less film.

What does micron refer to?

Depending on your application, the micron (mu) of pallet wrap is extremely important.

Micron refers to the thickness of the film. Our pallet wrap thicknesses range from 8mu to 34mu. Generally speaking, the higher the micron the stronger the film.

Is it safe for food? 

Kite holds AA certification under BRCGS (Storage and Distribution), to supply stretch wrap into a food environment. We offer blue varieties in both hand pallet wrap and machine film.

We also supply food contact stretch wrap but this has a different production site and process. For more information, please contact us on 02476 420065.

What does elongation refer to? 

The higher the elongation percentage, the more the pallet wrap stretches. This means you use less film whilst getting maximum hold.

Does pallet wrap have a sticky side? 

Blown pallet wrap is sticky on both sides while cast film is only sticky on one side.

What is the best way to dispense pallet wrap? 

This varies depending on the size of your operation and the number, size and type of pallets you are wrapping.

Our pallet wrap solutions include hand dispensers, manual pallet wrappers, as well as turntable and robotic pallet wrapping machines. These suit low to high volume operations.

Hand dispenser, ideal for smaller operations, low-duty goods and small pallet sizes.

Manual mobile wrapping system like our stretch safe machine is great for medium operations and pallets under 2 meters.

Turntable and robotic stretch wrap machines are your go to for large operations, offering increased efficiency and consistency.

Do you offer custom printed films? 

Yes, we are able to customise pallet wrap with your company's message or logo. All you need to do is complete our order form and submit your artwork and we will deal with the rest.

Custom film is a cost-effective way of getting your company brand out there and a popular choice for many. A simple but effective marketing tactic.

More useful information

Check out the following for more:

View our pallet wrap guide to see which type is best suited for food, high-value goods, and low, medium, or heavy-duty applications.