Table of Contents
Reviewed and updated by ICD - Week 44/2026
PE pallet stretch film (stretch wrap) is a stretchable LLDPE or LDPE film that clings to itself to hold cartons and pallet loads tight without heat or glue. ICD Vietnam hand-wrap film is 17 micron thick and 500 mm wide; machine-roll film is 20 to 30 micron thick. This article explains how it works, how hand wrapping differs from machine wrapping, and the mistakes that are common when wrapping.
1. What is PE pallet stretch film
The film is made of polyethylene, usually LLDPE because it is tough, stretches a great deal and resists puncture; its density is about 0.915 to 0.925 g/cm³ (Wikipedia). When stretched, the film’s elasticity makes it want to contract and press against the load, while its surface clings to itself, so no glue is needed. Not all films cling alike: film can have one-side or two-side cling, and the cling level is chosen for hand wrapping or machine wrapping. Choose the type, thickness and wrapping method following the guidance of ASTM D4649.
2. How stretch film differs from heat-shrink film
Stretch film holds the load by elastic force; once wrapped, it is done, and it is used for pallets and large bundles. Shrink film must be heated to contract around an object and suits packing single products or small groups. The two do not replace each other; see more about PE film.
| Criterion | Stretch film | Heat-shrink film |
|---|---|---|
| How it holds the load | Elastic force when stretched | Contracts under heat |
| Equipment | Hand wrapping or a wrapping machine | Heat gun or heat tunnel |
| Used for | Pallets, large bundles | Single products, groups of boxes |
3. Specifications to read
Thickness is given in microns, and 1 micron equals 0.001 mm. ICD Vietnam hand-wrap rolls are 500 mm wide and weigh 2.1 to 5.0 kg including the core; machine rolls weigh 7 to 18 kg with a 76 mm core. ICD Vietnam’s initial recommended thickness by load weight: 15 to 17 micron under 200 kg; 17 to 20 micron from 200 to 800 kg; 20 to 23 micron from 800 to 2,000 kg; above 25 micron for special cases. Roll length is calculated from net weight: a 17 micron, 500 mm wide roll of 1.8 kg net is about 230 m long; a 14 kg net machine roll of 23 micron is about 1,320 m long.
4. Applications
Pallet wrapping is the main use: the film holds cartons together as one block, prevents shifting in transit and keeps dust off the goods. The film also bundles long goods such as timber and pipes, and covers goods in storage. Pallet stretch wrap is not completely waterproof because of overlapping edges and gaps; protection from rain or long-term moisture needs another solution. For large loads and high volumes, a stretch wrapping machine gives even tension and saves film through its pre-stretch unit.
5. Hand wrapping or machine wrapping
| Criterion | Hand wrapping | Machine wrapping |
|---|---|---|
| ICD Vietnam thickness | 17 micron | 20 - 30 micron |
| Roll | 2.1 - 5.0 kg including core | 7 - 18 kg, 76 mm core |
| Stretch | By hand, depends on the operator | Pre-stretch unit, usually quoted at 250% (3.5 times the length) |
| Suited to | Low volume, single loads | Steady, high volume |
Hand wrapping is flexible and needs no machine investment, but how tight the wrap is depends on the operator. Machine wrapping is more uniform, and pre-stretch lets one metre of film on the roll cover about 3.5 metres on the pallet. The volume at which a machine pays off depends on each company’s labour cost and film price, so it must be calculated with your own figures; there is no general threshold.
6. Common wrapping mistakes
The first is choosing film too thin to save money. Thin film is cheaper per roll but tears at the corners of the load, forcing extra layers, so it often saves nothing. The second is wrapping loosely: the film must be stretched enough to hold, and if it is wound like a roll of sticky tape the load still shifts. The third is forgetting the base of the pallet, so wrap a few turns over the pallet feet to lock the load to the pallet. The fourth is not overlapping the edges evenly, which leaves gaps for dust. The number of turns and the overlap should be tested on a real load and then fixed as a procedure, because each type of goods differs.
7. Choosing film for your product
Follow four steps: estimate the weight and shape of the load, choose the thickness from the recommendation in section 3, choose a suitable width (500 mm for common hand wrapping), then test-wrap a real load to see whether the film tears at the corners. For long-distance export, add a thickness margin or extra layers depending on the route, following the carrier’s experience. If you are not sure, request a quote with a description of your goods so that ICD Vietnam can advise.
To choose the right type and plan quantities, see the PE film that ICD Vietnam supplies, with advice when you send your goods information.
Frequently asked questions
Can PE pallet stretch film be used to wrap food directly?
No. Pallet stretch film is an industrial film. Direct food contact needs film that meets food-contact material rules, for example olefin plastic under 21 CFR 177.1520 in the United States, and certification.
Can PE pallet stretch film be recycled?
PE is a recyclable plastic, but stretch film soiled with dirt, labels and tape is harder to recycle. Whether it is taken back depends on the collector.
Does wrapping differ in cold weather?
Yes. Film is stiffer in the cold and clings less, so it tears more easily. Test-wrap a real load in actual conditions and choose suitable film instead of using a fixed figure.
Is a plastic pallet needed when wrapping?
Not required. A pallet with nails or sharp wood splinters can tear the film at the feet; the smooth surface of a plastic pallet is easier to clean. Wrapping also works on a wooden pallet.
How thick is ICD Vietnam hand-wrap film?
17 micron, 500 mm wide, with rolls weighing 2.1 to 5.0 kg including the core. Machine-roll film is 20 to 30 micron thick.
Contact ICD Vietnam for advice
ICD Vietnam Industrial Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
Northern Vietnam: 3rd Floor, Thang Long A1 Building, Thon Bau, Thien Loc Commune, Hanoi - 0983 797 186 / 090 345 9186 / 090 5859 186
Southern Vietnam: 551/212 Le Van Khuong Street, Tan Thoi Hiep Ward, District 12, Ho Chi Minh City - 098 6784 186
Email: sales@icdvietnam.com.vn
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References
- Wikipedia, Polyethylene (classification by density, melting point, UHMWPE, PEX, 34% market share) - en.wikipedia.org
- ASTM D4649, Standard Guide for Selection and Use of Stretch Wrap Films - astm.org
- 21 CFR 177.1520, Olefin polymers (Cornell LII) - law.cornell.edu
