Buying Pallet Wrap: Types, Uses and Guidelines

Dec 9, 2020 | 0 comments

Pallet wrap protects items in transit or storage and has a wide range of applications, both commercially and in the home. It’s strong, durable and elasticised.

Virtually everything we eat, use, store or display has been protected by or transported in pallet wrap.

What is pallet wrap?

Pallet wrap is flexible plastic film manufactured from recyclable polyethylene. Resin is heated and formed into a continuous film, using an extrusion process.

Pigments and resins are added to provide UV resistance and enhanced tackiness.

Common uses of pallet wrap

Pallet wrap is used as a commercial wrapping solution in the manufacturing, transport and packaging industries. It’s ideal for wrapping, moving and storing the contents of a home or office.

Moving the contents of your home or office

Furniture, appliances, electronic equipment and boxes containing glassware and fragile items can all be protected in pallet wrap. You can wrap items individually or as one or more pallet loads.

Avoid shrink-wrapping furniture for long-term storage. Moisture can build-up inside the wrap. When this happens, mildew and water marks may permanently damage stored items.

Domestic uses of pallet wrap

The transparency, flexibility and water resistance of pallet wrap can be put to good domestic use. Household items, including mattresses, electronic appliances, computer modems and mobile phones, benefit from an extra layer of protection that’s easily applied and removed.

Pallet wrap can be used to line kitchen shelves, seal and waterproof boxes, keep wood bundles dry, and re-seal tins to prevent paint from drying out.

What’s the difference between shrink wrap and stretch wrap?

Shrink wrap

This is primarily used as display packaging for food, pharmaceuticals, toys and other items sold in stores. Shrink wrap is heated and allowed to cool in order to shrink the plastic tightly around the item. The surrounding air is sucked out, so shrink wrap is highly resistant to moisture.

Stretch wrap

This wrap clings to surfaces and can stretch to about 300% of its original size. This elasticity allows it to stretch around items and snap back to create a tight grip. Stretch wrap is tear resistant, water- and dust-proof. It’s also cheaper than shrink wrap and the most common type of pallet wrap available.

Types of pallet wrap

There are two types of pallet wrap – cast wrap and blow wrap.

Cast wrap

This has enhanced stretch and cling capabilities. It’s clear, glossy and easy to use. The application and removal process is quiet. The film’s transparency allows for the identification, scanning and documentation of wrapped goods.

Blow wrap

This wrap is stronger and more durable than cast wrap. Stretch, tack and cling factors are advanced. Its tear resistance is greater, so it’s the best type of wrap for items with sharp edges or unusual shapes.

How to wrap a pallet

The secret to wrapping a pallet is to anchor the load securely on the pallet. Then, the methodical application of overlapping layers of film, first up and then down the load, does the job.

Where to buy pallet wrap online

Ecobox offers a range of packing materials online, including pallet wrap.

Our premium quality, clear pallet wrap has a standard thickness of 11 microns and is ideal for protecting individual items and light loads. It’s easy to read labels and identify wrapped goods. The clear wrap is available in 400-metre rolls.

Our black pallet wrap is 45 microns thick, stronger and has heightened pierce-resistance. It’s secure, discreet and is available in 450-metre rolls.

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