Stretch film and shrink film are two of the most commonly confused products in warehousing and logistics. Both hold products together and protect them, but their working principles are completely different. The right choice directly affects both product safety and packaging cost.
Stretch film: holds by stretching
Stretch film is wrapped around a load while being stretched at room temperature. After stretching, the film tries to return to its original state, and this recovery force holds the load tightly together. The layers cling to each other to keep the wrap from unwinding.
Applications:
- Pallet wrapping and shipment security
- Securing mixed and irregular loads
- Basic protection against dust and moisture
Advantages: No heat required, applied quickly by hand or machine, usable with low equipment investment.
Shrink film: shrinks with heat
Shrink film is placed loosely around the product and then heat is applied (shrink tunnel or heat gun). With heat, the film shrinks, takes the shape of the product and forms a tight covering.
Applications:
- Bundling bottles, boxes and cans (e.g. 6-packs)
- Clear, attractive wrapping for retail products
- Fully covering pallets (pallet shrink hoods)
Advantages: High clarity keeps the product visible, gives a tight and neat appearance, and provides added tamper evidence.
Comparison table
| Property | Stretch Film | Shrink Film |
|---|---|---|
| Working principle | Stretch and recovery | Shrinks with heat |
| Heat required | No | Yes |
| Equipment | Hand dispenser or wrapping machine | Shrink tunnel / heat gun |
| Typical use | Pallet securing | Bundling, retail presentation |
| Appearance | Functional | Clear, neat, attractive |
Which should you choose?
- If your goal is to keep the load stable in transit: stretch film.
- If you want to turn several products into a single pack: shrink film.
- If the product will be displayed and presentation matters: shrink film.
- If your line has no heating equipment: starting with stretch film is more practical.
Many businesses use both: products are bundled with shrink film, then pallets are wrapped with stretch film for shipping.
The right film with Porpack
Porpack offers high-performance stretch films for secure palletizing and high-clarity shrink films for bundling. Tell us about your load type and line, and we’ll recommend the right thickness and structure.
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