How to Use Stretch Wrap (Stretch Film) Effectively

In the world of shipping, storage, and inventory management, stretch wrap is one of the most practical and cost-effective tools available. Whether you're stabilizing boxes on a pallet or protecting furniture during a move, stretch film offers strength, flexibility, and speed.

But knowing how to use stretch wrap properly is key not only to secure your items, but also to reduce waste, save time, and even lower your environmental footprint.

In this guide, we’ll show you step-by-step how to wrap a pallet by hand, how to use a stretch wrap machine, and how to choose the right type of stretch film for your needs especially if you're looking for eco-friendly alternatives like biodegradable or compostable wraps.

Let’s get started with everything you need to know to wrap smarter and greener.

• Can You Recycle Stretch Film?
• What Is Stretch Wrap? A Complete Guide for Logistics & Packaging Professionals
• Types of Stretch Film: Selecting the Best Film for Secure and Sustainable Packaging
  

What is Stretch Wrap & Why Is It Important?

Stretch wrap, also known as stretch film, is a highly elastic plastic film used to secure and protect items during storage or transit. Unlike shrink wrap (which requires heat), stretch wrap clings to itself when stretched, allowing for quick and efficient packaging especially when bundling items on a pallet.

For businesses looking to reduce their environmental impact, eco-friendly stretch wraps are now available. These include:

• Biodegradable wraps (e.g. made with D2W additives)
• Compostable stretch films (made from PLA or PBAT)
• Recyclable paper-based pallet wraps

These alternatives offer the same performance as conventional LLDPE stretch films, but break down faster and reduce plastic waste, making them ideal for sustainable logistics operations.

Choosing the Right Stretch Wrap for Your Needs

To use stretch wrap effectively, start by selecting the right type based on your packaging volume, load type, and environmental priorities.

Manual vs Machine Stretch Wrapping

If your operation is still small, manual wrapping with eco-film is cost-effective and easy to implement. However, machine stretch wrapping quickly pays off in time savings and material efficiency for larger businesses.

Types of Eco-Friendly Stretch Film

• Biodegradable stretch wrap: Breaks down via microbial activity (e.g., D2W technology)
• Compostable stretch wrap: Fully compostable under the right conditions
• Recyclable paper stretch wrap: Great for light to medium loads; industrial compostable

Tip: Check for certifications like ASTM D6400 (compostable) or EN13432 (biodegradability) before purchasing.

How to Wrap a Pallet Properly Using Stretch Film

A. How to Wrap a Pallet by Hand (Manual Wrapping)

Wrapping a pallet by hand requires technique and consistency to ensure the load is stable and protected. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Anchor the Film

Pull out about a meter of stretch wrap and twist the end into a rope-like strand. Insert it between a pallet slat or under a corner to anchor it firmly.

Step 2: Wrap the Base

Circle the bottom of the pallet 3–5 times, overlapping by 50%. This stabilizes the base and locks the film in place.

Step 3: Work Your Way Up

Continue wrapping upward diagonally, covering each layer of boxes with 50% overlap. This helps distribute tension evenly and reinforces load stability.

Step 4: Secure the Top

Wrap the top of the load horizontally a few times. If needed, come back down in the opposite diagonal direction to further reinforce.

Step 5: Tear & Seal

Tear the film by hand or cut it with a safety knife. Press the tail end of the wrap against the load the film clings to itself, no tape needed.

Pro Tip: Use a hand wrap dispenser to maintain consistent tension and reduce wrist strain.

How to Wrap a Pallet Using a Machine

If you handle high-volume shipping or want to improve efficiency, a stretch wrap machine can significantly optimize your packaging workflow.

Types of Stretch Wrapping Machines:

• Turntable stretch wrappers: Ideal for stable loads; the pallet rotates while the film stays stationary.
• Orbital (horizontal) wrappers: Great for long products like pipes or furniture.
• Robotic (mobile) wrappers: The machine moves around the load – ideal for large or irregular pallets.

Machine Wrapping Steps:

1. Position the pallet on the turntable or loading zone.
2. Attach the film to the base of the pallet or load.
3. Set tension, film speed, and wrap layers via the control panel.
4. Start the cycle and monitor for smooth wrapping.
5. Once complete, cut the film and press it against the load.

Efficiency Tip: Most machines reduce film use by 25–50% with pre-stretch technology while improving load containment.

Stretch Wrap Safety Tips

Whether wrapping by hand or machine, follow these safety guidelines to prevent injuries and damage:

Manual Wrapping:

• Use a wrap dispenser to reduce strain on hands and wrists.
• Always bend your knees (not your back) when wrapping low areas.
• Don’t over-tighten – it could crush lightweight packages or cause tearing.

Machine Wrapping:

• Never place hands near moving parts of the machine.
• Train staff properly and use lock-out/tag-out protocols during maintenance.
• Use safety PPE such as gloves and safety goggles when loading wrap rolls.

General:

• Wrap items with sharp edges carefully using corner protectors or foam pads.
• Maintain clear workspace around wrapping stations to avoid tripping hazards.

Eco-Friendly Disposal & Waste Management

After-use, what happens to your wrap matters.

• Recycle: Many stretch wraps (even traditional ones) are recyclable under soft plastic programs.
• Compostable Films: If you use PLA or PBAT-based films, dispose of them in industrial composting facilities.
• Don’t burn or landfill: Improper disposal releases toxins and wastes resources.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Is biodegradable stretch film as strong as conventional wrap?

A: Yes, modern biodegradable wraps like D2W or PLA blends offer comparable strength and stretchability, especially for light to medium-duty loads.

Q: Can I use compostable film for frozen goods or outdoor storage?

A: Not recommended. Compostable films may degrade in humid or wet conditions stick with recyclable or weather-resistant films in these cases.

Q: How do I know if my film is recyclable or compostable?

A: Check the product label or supplier info for certifications like ASTM D6400, EN13432, or a resin identification code (e.g. #4 LDPE for recycling).

Q: Are stretch wrap machines worth the investment?

A: Yes, if you handle 15+ pallets daily, machines improve wrap quality, reduce film usage, and lower labor costs over time.

Conclusion

Stretch wrap is a powerful tool to protect, stabilize, and streamline logistics but using it effectively means choosing the right film, applying it correctly, and minimizing waste.

If your business values sustainability, it’s time to make the switch to eco-friendly stretch film and adopt best practices for usage and disposal.