Mục lục
- What Is Black PE Stretch Film - Composition and How It Works
- Key Advantages of Black PE Film Over Other Types
- Comparison of 4 PE Film Types by Colour
- Black PE Film Applications by Industry
- Technical Specifications and Common Sizes of Black PE Stretch Film
- How to Tell High-Quality from Low-Quality Black PE Film
- Reference Prices and Cost Comparison 2026
- Related articles
- Frequently Asked Questions About Black PE Stretch Film
- Contact ICD Vietnam
Black PE stretch film is made from LLDPE with carbon black additive that blocks 99% of UV-A and UV-B radiation, providing complete light shielding for pallets of textiles, electronics, pharmaceuticals and cold-chain goods. ICD Vietnam supplies black PE film in widths of 50-125 cm and thicknesses of 17-35 micron at competitive prices with nationwide delivery.
What Is Black PE Stretch Film - Composition and How It Works
Black PE stretch film is manufactured from LLDPE (Linear Low-Density Polyethylene) combined with carbon black additives. Carbon black consists of ultrafine nano-carbon particles dispersed evenly through the resin, giving the film the ability to absorb 99% of UV-A and UV-B radiation. This additive does not reduce the film’s stretchability - the film still maintains high tensile strength (250-350% elongation) - and also enhances its elasticity.
The UV-blocking mechanism works by converting light energy into heat at the surface layer of the film, preventing polymer degradation inside. As a result, products inside are not subject to photo-oxidation (fading, yellowing, cracking) - a common problem when using clear stretch film.
Black PE film also obscures the contents of a pallet, protecting confidential information about the goods, quantities and types - critical for high-value or sensitive cargo such as electronic components and pharmaceuticals.
Key Advantages of Black PE Film Over Other Types
- Maximum and long-lasting UV protection: With carbon black additive, black PE film can protect products safely under direct sunlight for 24-36 months continuously without fading or losing elasticity. Clear or white PE films last only 6-12 months outdoors.
- Protects light-sensitive products: Textiles (fabric, clothing), pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, processed food and electronic components are all sensitive to light. Light causes oxidation, colour fading, reduction of active ingredients and quality loss. Black PE film eliminates light entirely, creating a completely dark environment.
- Retains moisture and blocks oxygen: Despite its colour, the LLDPE properties of the film still allow slight vapour transmission. However, this is sufficient for cold-storage use (-18 degrees C), shipping refrigerated goods without creating external condensation or allowing water ingress.
- Cost-effective: Black PE film is significantly cheaper than specialised barrier films (gas-barrier film, aluminium-laminate film). Priced at only 70-80% of specially imported UV PE films, it delivers equivalent protection performance.
- Easy to use, strong tack: Unlike white PE film, black PE film has naturally higher tack (carbon black increases surface density), making hand wrapping or pallet wrapping easier without the need for heat-shrink equipment.
Comparison of 4 PE Film Types by Colour
| Criterion | Black PE Film | White Opaque PE Film | Clear PE Film | Blue/Other Colour PE Film |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UV Protection | Maximum (99%) | Medium (50-70%) | None (0%) | Low (20-40%) |
| Visibility of Contents | Completely hidden | Blurred/opaque | Clearly visible | Depends on colour |
| Heat Reflection / Cooling | Absorbs heat (does not reflect) | Reflects 60-70% of heat | Absorbs heat | Depends on composition |
| Primary Application | Light-sensitive goods, privacy protection, cold storage, export | Agriculture, greenhouses, sunshade, soil moisture retention | Wrapping fresh food, ornamental plants, visible goods, sorting lines | Blue: surface protection in construction; Red: goods sorting/identification |
| Common Thickness | 17-35 micron | 20-40 micron | 12-25 micron | 15-30 micron |
| Relative Price Index | 100 (baseline) | 85-95 | 70-80 | 90-110 |
| Outdoor Lifespan | 24-36 months | 18-24 months | 6-12 months | 12-18 months |
Black PE Film Applications by Industry
Textiles and Fashion
Woven yarn, canvas fabric, garments and leather bags are highly sensitive to light. Exposure causes colour fading within 3-6 months in storage or transit. Black PE film wrapped around cartons or pallets creates a completely dark environment, preserving original colours 100%. This application is very common in Vietnam given the high volume of garment exports.
Electronic Components and Technology
Semiconductor chips, ICs, printed circuit boards and assembled components are sensitive to intense light. Photoresistors or photoelectric sensors in chips can be triggered incorrectly under bright light, causing electrical faults. Black PE film acts as an optical Faraday shield, blocking all unwanted light entirely.
Pharmaceuticals, Cosmetics and Processed Food
Essential oils, vitamins A, C and E, and antioxidants in cosmetics and food products all degrade rapidly under light exposure. Blue-violet light (wavelength 380-500 nm) is particularly damaging. Wrapping in black PE film completely blocks these wavelengths, extending the shelf life of the goods.
Cold-Storage Preservation (-18 to 0 Degrees C)
Cold stores typically have LED or fluorescent lighting for inspection. Meat, fish, shrimp, vegetables and pastries are all sensitive to light in cold conditions because light accelerates lipid oxidation (rancidity). Wrapping pallets in black PE film creates a light barrier that preserves food quality for longer.
Export Pallet Wrapping
Importers in the US, EU and Japan pay close attention to cargo security during transit. Black PE film completely covers the pallet so no one can see what is inside, increasing security. This is a standard requirement for high-value goods or branded merchandise.
Technical Specifications and Common Sizes of Black PE Stretch Film
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Thickness | 17, 20, 25, 30, 35 micron are the common standards. 17-20 micron for hand wrapping or semi-automatic machines. 25-35 micron for heavy pallets (over 500 kg) or cold-storage wrapping. |
| Width | 50 cm (small core), 75 cm, 100 cm, 125 cm. 50 cm is the standard hand-wrap width, easy to handle. 100 cm and above for automatic pallet wrappers. |
| Roll weight | 1-2.5 kg/roll for 50 cm width. Heavier rolls contain more film per roll, reducing cost per metre. |
| Elongation at break | Minimum 250%; standard 280-320% meeting ISO. Black PE film is 10-15% stronger than white film due to carbon black increasing stiffness. |
| Tack (cling) | 400-500 g/inch2 is the standard range. Good tack ensures secure wrapping that does not loosen. |
| Haze / Transparency | Less than 5% (effectively 0% to the naked eye), guaranteeing complete light blocking. |
How to Tell High-Quality from Low-Quality Black PE Film
Visual Inspection
- Colour: Good black PE film has a deep, uniform black with no white streaks or bright spots. White streaks or a silvery appearance indicate poor-quality material or low-grade carbon black mixed with fillers.
- Surface: The surface must be smooth, free of pinholes, defects and hard particles. Running a hand across it should feel smooth with a naturally fresh tack.
In-Use Test
- Elongation: Pull a short section (20 cm) - if it stretches to 50-60 cm before tearing, it is good. If it tears at 30-40 cm, it is substandard.
- Tack: Press against the back of your hand, hold for 5 seconds, then peel away - if it peels easily with very little resistance, the tack is poor. If it grips firmly and requires some effort to remove, the tack is good.
- UV resistance check: Cut a sample and expose to direct sunlight for 10 consecutive days - if the surface remains bright and smooth, it is good. If it turns dull, rough or brittle, it is substandard.
Reference Prices and Cost Comparison 2026
Prices for black PE stretch film depend on thickness, roll weight, width and order volume. Prices are quoted per kilogram of material:
| Product | Retail Price (VND/kg) | Wholesale Price (VND/kg, 10+ rolls) |
|---|---|---|
| Black PE film 17 micron, 50 cm | 45,000 - 55,000 | 40,000 - 45,000 |
| Black PE film 25 micron, 50 cm | 48,000 - 58,000 | 42,000 - 48,000 |
| Black PE film 35 micron, 50 cm | 52,000 - 62,000 | 46,000 - 52,000 |
Clear PE film is 15-25% cheaper; white opaque PE film is equal or 5-10% cheaper than black. Prices fluctuate with global resin markets, USD/VND exchange rates and order volume. ICD Vietnam updates pricing daily.
Related articles
| What is PE stretch film? | Hand wrap vs machine PE film: which to choose | PE film thickness guide by load type |
Frequently Asked Questions About Black PE Stretch Film
1. Can black PE film be used to wrap fresh food directly?
It is not recommended for direct long-term contact with fresh food. LLDPE allows slight vapour transmission; wrapping in cold humid conditions for extended periods restricts the natural respiration of food, leading to moisture accumulation and mould. However, wrapping the outside of pallets or plastic crates containing food is completely safe since there is no direct contact.
2. Is black PE film toxic or does it affect goods chemically?
No. The carbon black used in black PE film complies with FDA (US) and EU standards and is non-toxic. LLDPE is also approved for long-term use with food products. However, ordinary PE film (containing unapproved additives) should not be used as direct food-contact wrap. ICD supplies black PE film for industrial use only, suitable for wrapping goods on the outside of packaging.
3. How often should black PE pallet wrap be replaced?
It depends on the environment and the number of transit cycles. For indoor storage (no wind or direct light), replace after every 2-3 transport movements (roughly 1-2 months). For outdoor use, replace every 6 months. For cold-storage use, replace every 2-3 months as high humidity weakens the tack over time.
4. Is black PE film recyclable?
Yes. LLDPE is a standard recyclable plastic (resin code 4). After use it can be collected and sold to recycling companies for manufacture into other products (plastic items for industrial use). Do not incinerate as it releases harmful gases (carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide).
5. How do I cut black PE film cleanly and safely?
Use a sharp box cutter or scissors. Always cut on a flat surface (do not cut in mid-air or while the film is under tension). If using a powered cutter, set it to medium speed to avoid melting the edge. Always wear protective gloves to avoid cuts.
Contact ICD Vietnam
Hotline: 0983 797 186 / 090 345 9186 / 090 5859 186
Email: sales@icdvietnam.com.vn | Zalo: Chat Zalo
