Stretch film is a kind of plastic film used for bundling goods. It has good tensile strength and tear strength, which can effectively secure the goods and prevent them from shifting or falling apart during transportation. Stretch film is mainly divided into two types: pre-stretch film and ordinary stretch film. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at “Pre Stretch Film vs Stretch Film” to help you understand the differences so you can make informed decisions about your packaging choices.
Part 1 – Understanding Pre Stretch Film
Pre Stretch Film is a flexible packaging material that is unique in that it is pre-stretched during the manufacturing process. This pre-stretching process helps minimize the amount of material used and improves the strength and durability of the stretch film.Pre Stretch Film is typically thin, lightweight, and clear, making it suitable for a variety of packaging needs.
It has the following characteristics:
Thin and light: the thickness of pre-stretch film is generally 0.006-0.012 mm, which is about 1/3 thinner than ordinary stretch film. this makes pre-stretch film lighter and easier to handle.
High Strength: Pre-stretch film has been stretched during the manufacturing process and therefore has a higher tensile and tear strength. This allows pre-stretch film to be used for bundling heavier goods.
Cost savings: Due to the thinness and high strength of pre-stretch film, less film can be used to secure the same weight of goods. This can result in cost savings.
Part 2 – Exploring Stretch Film
In contrast, Stretch Film is a packaging material that needs to be manually or mechanically stretched during use. It can be used to bundle, secure and protect a wide range of products. Stretch Film is usually thicker and heavier and is used in situations where a higher level of protection is required.
It has the following characteristics:
Thick and heavy: the thickness of ordinary stretch film is usually 0.012-0.018 mm, which is about 2/3 thicker than that of pre-stretch film. this makes ordinary stretch film heavier and more difficult to handle.
Lower strength: Ordinary stretch film needs to be stretched during use, so the tensile and tear strength is lower than pre-stretch film. This makes ordinary stretch film only useful for bundling lighter goods.
Increased cost: Due to the thickness and low strength of regular stretch film, more film needs to be used to secure the same weight of goods. This increases costs.
Part 3 – Comparing pre-stretch film and stretch film
| Characteristics | Pre-stretch film | Stretch film |
| Stretching Method | Stretched during manufacturing | Manual or mechanical stretching required at time of use |
| Thickness | Thin | Thick |
| Weight | Light | Heavy |
| Strength | High | Low |
| Difficulty of use | Easy | Difficult |
| Cost | Savings | Increase |
| Usage scenarios | For bundling heavier goods | For bundling lighter goods |
Part 4 – Selection of pre-stretch VS stretch film
The following factors need to be considered when choosing between pre-stretch film or regular stretch film:
The weight of the goods: If the goods are heavy, a high strength stretch film is required. Pre-stretch film has high strength and is therefore suitable for bundling heavier goods.
Cost: Pre-stretch film is relatively expensive. If cost is an important factor, choose regular stretch film.
Difficulty of handling: Pre-stretch film is easier to handle because it is thin and lightweight. If handling difficulty is an important factor, choose pre-stretch film.
Part 5 – Conclusion
Pre-stretch film and stretch film have their advantages and disadvantages. When choosing, you need to choose according to the specific situation. Whichever you choose, it will provide a quality and reliable packaging solution for your products.