How to Choose the Right PE Film - Guide by Goods and Machine

Not every PE stretch film works for every purpose. Choosing film of the wrong thickness, wrong type or wrong width causes the film to break while wrapping, leaves goods insufficiently protected, or uses twice the film needed. This guide helps you choose the right PE film by 4 core criteria.

4 specs to determine when choosing PE film

1. Film type: hand or machine? This is the first and most important question. Hand stretch film is made with high elasticity and low pull force so the user can pull it by hand easily. Machine stretch film needs greater pull force and is designed for use with a motorized wrapping machine. Using the wrong type causes: hand film in a machine → the film breaks constantly because the machine pulls too hard; machine film wrapped by hand → the user cannot pull with enough force, the film wrinkles and tension is insufficient.

2. Film width: Standard pallet stretch film is 500mm wide. For mini machines or wrapping small cartons: 100-200mm. Check your machine’s specs before ordering film - a machine only accepts a roll of the exact designed width.

3. Film thickness (micron): See the by-goods analysis below. Thickness directly affects protection and film cost per pallet.

4. Roll weight: A heavy roll (17-23kg) is for pallet wrapping machines - fewer roll changes, higher productivity. A light roll (1.5-3kg) is for mini machines and hand wrapping. Putting an overly heavy roll on a mini machine’s shaft can bend the shaft.

Choosing PE film thickness by goods type

15-17 micron film: Light goods under 200kg, smooth surfaces with no sharp edges (paper boxes, foam bags, household electronics). This is the thinnest film commonly used in industry. The cheapest, but breaks easily if goods have sharp corners.

17-20 micron film: The most common. Suitable for most logistics warehouse goods: cartons, packaged consumer products, goods of 200-800kg. A good balance of durability and cost.

20-23 micron film: Heavy goods of 800-2,000kg, goods with sharp edges and corners (metal, sawn timber, extruded aluminum bars), goods needing tight wrapping for long-distance transport. Thicker = more durable = less breakage under high pull force.

Over 25 micron: Special applications: sharp metal goods, long-voyage sea export, goods needing multiple protective layers. High cost, less common.

Virgin vs recycled PE film - the real difference

Virgin PE film: pure plastic pellets, no recycled blend. High transparency, even pull force, few unexpected breaks. Costs 15-25% more.

Recycled PE film: blended with some recycled plastic. May have a slightly ivory color, less even pull force, higher break risk at poor-quality recycled points. Cheaper but uses more film (you must wrap more turns to ensure firmness).

For professional warehouses using pre-stretch machines: choose virgin film to avoid breakage when stretching 200-300%. For warehouses using basic semi-automatic machines or hand wrapping: good-quality recycled film is still enough.

Checking film quality before buying

4 quick checks: (1) Pull a length of film by hand - good film pulls evenly without breaking at a point; (2) Stick film to a smooth surface and peel it off - good film clings well and peels clean with no residue; (3) Look at it at an angle - good film is even, with no streaks or abnormally thin areas; (4) Leave film in normal conditions for 24h - good film does not shrink or deform.

Refer also to what shrink PE film is and how it differs from stretch PE film to avoid confusion when ordering. See the difference between shrink film and stretch film for more detail on naming and applications. Reference prices for each type at the 2026 PE film price list.

Contact to order PE film and wrapping machines

• View wrapping machines: ICD pallet stretch wrapping machines
• North Vietnam: 0983 797 186 | 090 345 9186
• South Vietnam: 098 6784 186
• Email: Sales@icdvietnam.com.vn
• Film + machine quote: Get a quote