A question we occasionally hear from customers is: “Is pallet stretch wrap basically the same material as Glad Wrap?”
At first glance the two films look very similar. Both are clear plastic films that cling to surfaces and stretch when pulled. In fact, there is a reason for this — both products are typically made from polyethylene, and in most cases specifically Linear Low-Density Polyethylene (LLDPE).
However, while the base material is similar, the way the film is engineered and used is very different. The key differences come down to film thickness, roll size, strength, stretch capability, and whether the film is food-safe.
The Material Behind Both Films: LLDPE
Both pallet stretch wrap and many forms of food cling film use polyethylene, a highly flexible plastic that can stretch and cling to itself.
Industrial pallet stretch wrap is almost always made from LLDPE (Linear Low-Density Polyethylene). There are many different grades of industrial pallet wrapping film, but the main key difference which makes it better for palelt wrapping is the length, width and thicker gauge of the film used.
In pallet wrapping applications, LLDPE film can be stretched significantly while still maintaining holding force around the pallet. This elastic memory is what keeps goods tightly secured during transport.
Why Pallet Stretch Film is Much Stronger
Although the raw material may be similar, pallet stretch wrap is engineered for a completely different purpose than kitchen cling wrap.
Pallet stretch film is manufactured in:
- Much thicker gauges (commonly 10–30 micron)
- Wider rolls (typically 450mm–500mm wide)
- Longer roll lengths typically 300m to upto 3000m in machine rolls.
This allows the film to withstand the forces involved in securing heavy pallet loads in warehouses and during transport.
The film is designed to stretch under tension and then try to return to its original shape. This creates a containment force that stabilises the pallet load.
The Key Differences Between Glad Wrap and Pallet Wrap
Even though the base polymer can be similar, the products serve very different purposes.
Glad Wrap / Cling Film
- Narrow lightweight rolls designed for kitchen use
- Certified food-safe material
- Designed for sealing food containers
- Made using cast film process
Pallet Stretch Wrap
- Wide rolls for wrapping pallets
- Thicker and stronger film
- Designed for industrial packaging
- High stretch capability
- High puncture resistance due to thicker gauge
- Maybe made using cast film process or blown film process, Blown film has a tackifier which is absolutely unsuitable for food use.
Pallet stretch film is suitable for wrapping around cartons or pallet but should never be used for direct food contact. While the material maybe food safe, its not normally stored or transported with this in mind. For direct food contact consider using a film like Glad wrap.
How Industrial Stretch Film is Used
In warehouses and distribution centres, stretch film is typically applied using either hand pallet wrapping or pallet wrapping machines.
Hand film is used for lower volume applications, where an operator wraps the pallet manually.
Machine film is used on pallet wrappers, where the film is applied under controlled tension. Modern pallet wrapping machines can also use powered prestretch systems.
Prestretch technology allows 1 metre of film to be stretched into 3 metres during wrapping, dramatically reducing the amount of film required while still increasing load containment.
This is why many companies upgrading to pallet wrapping machines supplied by MPS Packaging Australia are able to significantly reduce their film consumption and wrapping costs.
Choosing the Right Stretch Film
Although the underlying material may be similar, Glad Wrap and pallet stretch film are designed for completely different applications.
If you are securing goods for transport or storage, it is important to use industrial stretch film designed specifically for pallet wrapping.
At MPS Packaging Australia, we supply a full range of pallet wrapping films and machines across Australia, including:
- Hand pallet wrap
- Machine stretch wrap
- Blown stretch film
- High-performance cast stretch films
- Sustainable and recycled stretch wrap options
When it comes to securing goods, the correct film should be chosen based off, the load weight, load type and how the film is applied, be it by hand or machine. Our team at MPSPACK can help you select this.
