Mục lục
- Shrink film: shrinks when heated, used with a heat tunnel
- Stretch wrap: stretched by mechanical force, used with a turntable pallet wrapper
- The two are not interchangeable: using the wrong type in the wrong machine is the most common mistake
- ICD pallet wrappers use stretch wrap: view ICD models
In Vietnam’s packaging industry, the two terms “shrink film” and “stretch wrap” are often used interchangeably - even many people in the trade do not distinguish them clearly. This confusion leads to ordering the wrong film, using it with the wrong machine, and wasting cost. This article analyzes the difference between the two clearly and decisively.
Standard definitions - do not confuse them
PE shrink film (shrink wrap): A polyethylene film made with a molecular structure containing internal “compressive stress.” When it meets a temperature of 120-160°C, this stress releases and the film shrinks to cling tightly to the product surface. It cannot shrink by mechanical pulling - it MUST have heat.
PE stretch wrap (stretch film): A highly elastic polyethylene film, stretched 100-300% by mechanical force without breaking. When the force is released, the film partly recoils and creates a holding force that grips the goods tightly. No heat needed - it works entirely by mechanical force. This is the film used in turntable pallet stretch wrappers.
Why the Vietnamese name “mang co” causes confusion
The Vietnamese name “may quan mang co pallet” (literally “shrink-film pallet wrapping machine”) actually refers to a machine using stretch wrap, not heat-shrink film. This name has become habitual in Vietnam’s logistics industry even though it is technically inaccurate.
In English the distinction is clear: “stretch wrap machine” = a pallet stretch wrapper; “shrink wrap machine” = a heat tunnel using shrink film. When ordering imported film or reading technical documents, use the correct English term to avoid confusion.
Detailed technical differences
| Criterion | Shrink Film | Stretch Wrap |
|---|---|---|
| Shrink principle | Heat 120-160°C | Mechanical force (stretching) |
| Machine used | Heat tunnel / shrink tunnel | Turntable pallet wrapper |
| Common thickness | 15-40 micron (shrinks afterward) | 17-23 micron (does not shrink much) |
| Transparency | Very high (product visible) | Medium to high |
| Main application | Wrapping single products, multipacks, labels | Wrapping warehouse pallets |
| Goods size | Small to medium | Pallets up to 2,000kg |
| Reuse | No (shrinks hard, not elastic) | No (single use) |
How to tell the two apart by hand
A quick 3-second test: pull a length of film and release it. Stretch wrap: stretches 2-3 times, recoils partly on release but does not return to its original shape. Shrink film: stiffer, does not pull much, and tends to recoil immediately on release.
A heat test (carefully): warm it lightly with a hair dryer from 10-15cm away. Shrink film will shrink immediately. Stretch wrap does not shrink, or shrinks very little, at low heat.
The right application for each film type
Use shrink film when: you need to wrap individual bottles, jars or product boxes; pack multipacks (6 bottles/pack); shrink sleeve labels on bottles and boxes; pack high-aesthetic gift packaging.
Use stretch wrap when: wrapping pallets of goods for storage and transport; bundling large, heavy packages; wrapping cartons on a conveyor (with a carton wrapper); wrapping long goods (steel pipes, aluminum bars) with a horizontal machine.
See more detail on what PE shrink film is and how to choose the right PE film for each specific application.
Contact for advice
- ICD wrapping machines: All pallet stretch wrapper models
- North Vietnam: 0983 797 186 | 090 345 9186
- South Vietnam: 098 6784 186
- Email: Sales@icdvietnam.com.vn
- Quote: Get a quote
