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Reviewed and updated by ICD - Week 24/2026
Containment force is the total force the stretch film applies to the load after wrapping, deciding whether the goods shift or topple during transport. It is the most important wrapping-quality metric - more important than film thickness - because a collapsed load costs far more than the film.
Why containment force beats film thickness
Many loose wraps still let the load move; only adequate containment force locks the load into one stable unit. Too little force lets goods topple; too much can crush cartons or deform soft products. The goal is tight enough to be safe without damaging the goods - and this depends on how you wrap, not simply on thicker film.
How to measure containment force
Slide a force gauge under the film at a pallet corner and pull it out a fixed distance (usually 25 cm); the reading is the containment force there, in kg or daN (1 daN is about 1.02 kg). Measure at several heights (base, middle, top) to check distribution, since the base usually needs higher force.
Recommended containment force by load
| Load type | Recommended force |
|---|---|
| Light, stable loads | 3-5 kg |
| Medium loads | 5-8 kg |
| Heavy / tall stacks | 8-10 kg |
| Export, long-haul | 10-12 kg |
What affects containment force
It depends on four factors: number of wraps (more wraps, higher force), film tension (the machine’s pull), pre-stretch ratio (correct stretching orients the molecules and raises force), and number of overlapping layers. Notably, film thickness does not directly set the force - thin film wrapped well beats thick film wrapped loosely.
Common mistakes
First, judging wrap quality by wrap count or film thickness instead of measuring actual containment force. Second, applying uniform force to all loads when export goods need more than domestic ones. Third, over-wrapping and crushing light goods. Fourth, not checking force at the pallet base - the part that governs stability during lifting.
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Frequently asked questions
What unit is containment force in?
In kg or daN, measured with a gauge pulled under the film at a pallet corner. 1 daN is about 1.02 kg.
Does thicker film mean higher force?
Not necessarily. It depends on wraps, tension and pre-stretch; thin film wrapped well beats thick film wrapped loosely.
How much force is enough for export?
Usually 10-12 kg for long sea hauls, as pallets endure days of vibration in the container.
How can I raise force without more film?
Increase the pre-stretch ratio and machine tension, and optimise wraps at the pallet base rather than just adding thickness or layers.
Contact ICD Vietnam
ICD Vietnam Industrial Manufacturing Co., Ltd - pallets, plastic crates, stretch film, forklifts and packaging solutions.
Hotline: 0983 797 186 / 090 345 9186
Email: sales@icdvietnam.com.vn | Zalo: Chat on Zalo
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