Mục lục
- What is black stretch film: composition and how it works
- Key advantages of black stretch film over other types
- Comparing 4 types of stretch film by colour
- Applications of black stretch film across industries
- Technical specifications and common formats of black stretch film
- How to tell good black stretch film from poor quality
- Reference pricing and cost comparison 2026
- Related articles
- Frequently asked questions
- Contact ICD Viet Nam
Black stretch film is LLDPE film loaded with carbon black additive that absorbs about 99% of UV-A and UV-B light, blocking sunlight completely and keeping the load hidden. Unlike clear film that lets you see the goods, black film is built to shield products fully from sunlight, oxygen and harsh outdoor conditions. It is used to wrap industrial pallets, light-sensitive goods (textiles, electronics, chemicals) and cold-store loads, with a thickness of 17-35 micron, a 50 cm standard width and outdoor life of 24-36 months. ICD Viet Nam supplies black stretch film in a wide range of specifications at competitive prices.
What is black stretch film: composition and how it works
Black stretch film is made from LLDPE (linear low-density polyethylene) combined with carbon black additives. Carbon black is an ultra-fine nano-carbon particle dispersed evenly through the resin, giving the film the ability to absorb up to 99% of UV-A and UV-B rays. This additive does not reduce the film stretch; it keeps high strength (250-350% elongation) and even improves elasticity.
The UV-blocking mechanism works by converting light energy into heat at the film surface layer, preventing the polymer underneath from breaking down. As a result the products inside do not suffer photo-degradation (fading, yellowing, cracking), the common problem when clear film is used.
Black film also blocks the line of sight, keeping cargo type and quantity confidential. This matters for high-value or security-sensitive goods such as electronic components and pharmaceuticals.
Key advantages of black stretch film over other types
| Advantage | Detail |
|---|---|
| Maximum, long-lasting UV protection | With carbon black added, black film protects products safely under sunlight for 24-36 months continuously without fading or losing elasticity. White or clear film lasts only 6-12 months outdoors. |
| Protects light-sensitive products | Textiles, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, processed foods and electronic components all suffer under light, which causes oxidation, fading and loss of active ingredients. Black film removes light entirely, creating a fully dark environment. |
| Holds moisture and limits oxygen | Despite being black, the LLDPE film still has slight gas and water permeability, but enough to suit cold storage at -18 degrees C and chilled transport without condensation outside or water leaking inside. |
| Cost saving | Black film is significantly cheaper than special films (barrier film, aluminium-laminated film). It costs only about 70-80% of imported special UV film while delivering equivalent protection. |
| Easy to use, good cling | Unlike white film, black film has naturally higher cling (carbon black increases surface density), making hand or machine pallet wrapping easy without heat-shrink equipment. |
Comparing 4 types of stretch film by colour
| Criterion | Black film | Opaque white film | Clear film | Coloured film (blue/other) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UV protection | Maximum (99%) | Medium (50-70%) | None (0%) | Low (20-40%) |
| Visibility | Nothing visible | Hazy view | Clear | Depends on colour |
| Heat reflection | Absorbs heat (no reflection) | Reflects 60-70% of heat | Absorbs heat | Depends on formula |
| Main application | Light-sensitive goods, privacy, cold store, export | Agriculture, greenhouses, sun shading, soil moisture | Fresh food, plants, viewing the load, sorting | Blue: surface protection; red: sorting and identification |
| Common thickness | 17-35 micron | 20-40 micron | 12-25 micron | 15-30 micron |
| Relative price | 100 (baseline) | 85-95 | 70-80 | 90-110 |
| Outdoor life | 24-36 months | 18-24 months | 6-12 months | 12-18 months |
Applications of black stretch film across industries
Textiles and fashion
Yarn, canvas, clothing and leather bags are highly light-sensitive, with colour fading after 3-6 months in storage or transit. Wrapping cartons or pallets in black film creates a fully dark environment that protects the original colours completely. This use is very common in Viet Nam given the large volume of textile exports.
Electronic components and technology
Semiconductor chips, ICs, printed circuit boards and assembled parts are all sensitive to strong light. Photoresistors or light-sensitive elements in chips can be triggered incorrectly under bright light, causing electrical faults. Black film acts as an optical barrier, blocking all unwanted light.
Pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and processed foods
Essential oils, vitamins A, C and E, and antioxidants in cosmetics and food degrade rapidly under light. Blue-violet light (380-500 nm wavelength) is especially damaging. Wrapping in black film blocks these wavelengths completely, extending the shelf life of the goods.
Cold storage (-18 degrees C to 0 degrees C)
Cold stores often use LED or fluorescent lighting to inspect goods. Meat, fish, shrimp, vegetables and cream cakes are vulnerable to light at cold temperatures because light accelerates lipid oxidation (rancidity). Wrapping pallets in black film provides a light barrier that keeps food quality longer.
Export pallet wrapping
Importers in the US, EU and Japan pay close attention to cargo security in transit. Black film hides the pallet completely so no one can see what is inside, improving security. This is a required step for high-value or branded goods.
Technical specifications and common formats of black stretch film
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Thickness | 17, 20, 25, 30, 35 micron are the common standards. 17-20 micron suits hand wrapping or hand-held wrappers; 25-35 micron suits heavy pallets (over 500 kg) or cold-store wrapping. |
| Width | 50 cm (small core), 75 cm, 100 cm, 125 cm. The 50 cm width is the standard for hand wrapping; 100 cm and above is for automatic pallet wrappers. |
| Roll weight | 1-2.5 kg per roll at 50 cm width. The heavier the roll, the more film and the lower the cost in use. |
| Tensile elongation | Minimum 250%, standard 280-320% to ISO. Black film is 10-15% stronger than white film thanks to the stiffening effect of carbon black. |
| Cling | Self-cling (tack) of 400-500 g per square inch is the standard level. Good cling keeps the wrap firm and prevents slipping. |
| Haze / transparency | Under 5% (effectively 0% to the naked eye), ensuring complete light blocking. |
How to tell good black stretch film from poor quality
Visual inspection
Good black film has a deep black colour with no white streaks or bright spots. White or silvery streaks indicate poor quality, low-grade carbon black or contamination from filler. The surface should be smooth, with no clogging, voids or hard particles. Run your hand across it and it should feel smooth with a natural fresh cling.
Use testing
For elasticity, pull a short 20 cm length: if it stretches to 50-60 cm before tearing it is good; if it tears after 30-40 cm it is poor. For cling, press it onto your hand, hold 5 seconds and pull off: if it peels easily and does not stick firmly it is poor; if it sticks firmly and needs some force it is good. For UV resistance, cut a sample and leave it under sunlight for 10 days: if the surface stays bright and smooth it is good; if it turns silvery, rough and weak it is poor.
Reference pricing and cost comparison 2026
The price of black stretch film depends on thickness, roll weight, width and order volume, calculated per kilogram (raw material price):
| Specification | Retail (VND/kg) | Wholesale, 10+ rolls (VND/kg) |
|---|---|---|
| Black film 17 micron, 50 cm | 45,000 - 55,000 | 40,000 - 45,000 |
| Black film 25 micron, 50 cm | 48,000 - 58,000 | 42,000 - 48,000 |
| Black film 35 micron, 50 cm | 52,000 - 62,000 | 46,000 - 52,000 |
For comparison, clear film is 15-25% cheaper and opaque white film is similar or 5-10% cheaper. Prices move with the global resin market, the USD/VND rate and order volume. ICD Viet Nam updates pricing daily and stays competitive.
Related articles
| Stretch wrapping articles |
Frequently asked questions
Can black stretch film be used to wrap fresh food directly?
It should not be used in direct contact with fresh food long term. LLDPE has slight gas and water permeability, so wrapping for long periods in cold, humid conditions restricts the food respiration, leading to trapped water and mould. However, wrapping the outside of a pallet or a plastic crate holding food is completely safe because there is no direct contact.
Does black stretch film cause toxicity or chemical effects on goods?
No. The carbon black used in black film meets US FDA and EU standards and is non-toxic. LLDPE is also approved for long-term food use. Even so, ordinary stretch film (containing unapproved chemicals) should not be used as direct food wrap. ICD supplies only industrial black film, suited to wrapping goods from the outside.
How often should black film wrapping a pallet be replaced?
It depends on the environment and number of moves. Wrapped in storage (no wind or direct light), replace it after every 2-3 transport cycles (about 1-2 months). For general wrapping, replace it every 6 months. For cold storage, replace it every 2-3 months because high humidity weakens the cling.
Is black stretch film recyclable?
Yes. LLDPE is a standard recyclable plastic in the HDPE family (resin code 4). After use it can be collected and sold to recyclers to make other products (plastic ladders, plant pots, industrial uses). It should not be burned because it releases toxic gases (carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide).
How do I cut black stretch film cleanly and safely?
Use a sharp-bladed knife or heavy-duty scissors. Always cut against a flat surface (not in mid-air) and avoid pulling the film taut while cutting. With a powered cutter, set a moderate speed to avoid melting the edge. Always wear protective gloves to avoid hand cuts.
Contact ICD Viet Nam
ICD Viet Nam Industrial Production Company Limited
North: Floor 3, Thang Long A1 Building, Bau Hamlet, Thien Loc Commune, Hanoi - 0983 797 186 / 090 345 9186 / 090 5859 186
Email: sales@icdvietnam.com.vn · Zalo: Zalo
Send your thickness, width and volume requirements and ICD will quote black stretch film at competitive prices with fast nationwide delivery. Visit the contact page to get in touch.
