Stretch film quality classes: A decisive factor in packaging
Stretch film is an indispensable tool in the packaging industry, but not all stretch films have analogous strength and quality parameters. Stretch film tensile grades play a key role in ensuring effective and economical packaging.
What is stretch film?
Stretch film is a flexible film made from polyethylene. It is widely used for packaging pallets, goods and products to protect them from damage, dirt and moisture. Stretch film is characterised by its ability to stretch, allowing it to be wrapped carefully around products and keep them stable during transport and storage.
Main Quality Classes for stretch film.
Main Stretch film quality classes
The quality classes of stretch film focus primarily on stretch capacity and strength. This is one of the key parameters that affect the performance and efficiency of packaging. It is worth familiarising yourself with the main quality classes in order to choose the right film for your specific palletisation.
Standard quality class
Standard grade stretch film has a basic tensile strength of approximately 150%. This is a suitable parameter when the task is to secure a load which does not require increased flexibility and tear resistance of the stretch film. Standard class films are the most popular choice for manual wrapping. It is also worth mentioning our proprietary Standard+ quality class, which shows higher resistance parameters than the Standard version, which is often selected for palletising loads with irregular and sharp shapes.
Power quality class
Power quality class of the stretch film is more flexible, allowing it to stretch up to 250% (depending on film thickness). It is a common choice in the manufacturing industry. Power grade stretch film is versatile and can be used for small as well as bulky loads. The Power quality class is dedicated to both manual and machine films, especially when the user opts for a reduction in film thickness, while maintaining high quality and strength parameters.
Super Power & Ultra quality classes
Stretch film with high stretch classes such as Power or Ultra, is highly flexible and has a stretch capacity of 250 to 370%. This means that a metre length of film can stretch up to 470 cm without the risk of puncturing or breaking.
Ultra class stretch film is among the most robust and flexible packaging materials. Such properties ensure that this class of product is used in advanced palletisation. Especially where fast and tight wrapping is required on advanced wrapping machines (arm or ring). This class of film is most often used on advanced automated packaging lines, where an express palletising process takes place (e.g. among beverage manufacturers).
Why are the parameters of stretch film important?
The quality grade of the stretch film is of great importance for the effectiveness of the packaging. Here are some reasons why you should pay attention to this aspect when choosing stretch film:
Protecting products with stretch film
The right stretch class ensures that the film is rolled accurately and evenly over the load, which will minimise the risk of damage during transport and palletisation It is important that the goods being wrapped are not crushed by too much pressure or stretch of the film.
Wrapping performance
Stretch film with the appropriate stretch class facilitates the packing process. Well-chosen film parameters allow for even tensioning, which is crucial for the stability and safety of the load.
Savings in wrapping costs
A film with a higher quality grade can help reduce film consumption (thinner films of a higher quality grade are just as resistant as thicker counterparts of a lower grade), which means lower wrapping costs, less waste generated and more economical palletisation.
Summary
Stretch film quality grades are a key factor for efficiency and cost savings when packing. Choosing the right version depends on the type of loads and the specific needs of your business. Investing in stretch film with the right stretch grade can bring numerous benefits, including product protection, a more efficient packaging process and cost savings. Therefore, it is worth considering carefully which quality class best suits the palletisation used.
