Stretch Wrap &
Packaging Film Guide
Gauge, width, color, hand vs machine — everything you need to choose the right stretch film for your operation.
Hand Wrap vs Machine Wrap vs Bundling Film
Three types of stretch film, each built for different volume levels and applications.
Hand Wrap
Applied manually using a hand dispenser. The most common stretch film for warehouses, shipping docks, and general pallet wrapping. Ideal when you have fewer than 15-20 pallets per day.
Advantages
- No equipment investment needed
- Portable — wrap anywhere in the facility
- Quick setup for small or irregular loads
- Easy to train new operators
- Multiple gauge options for different loads
Limitations
- Slower than machine wrap for high volume
- Inconsistent tension can waste film
- More physically demanding for operators
- Higher per-pallet film cost at scale
Best For
Gauge Thickness Guide
Gauge measures film thickness. Higher gauge = thicker film = more puncture resistance and load holding force.
Thinnest option. Best for lightweight loads and cost-conscious operations.
- Lightweight pallets under 1,200 lbs
- Unitizing cartons of similar size
- Indoor storage where loads don't move
A balanced option for general warehouse use. Good stretch with moderate puncture resistance.
- Standard pallets 1,200-2,000 lbs
- Mixed-case loads
- General shipping and storage
Higher stretch and puncture resistance. Ideal for irregular loads and machine application.
- Heavy pallets 2,000-2,500 lbs
- Irregular or protruding loads
- Machine wrap applications
Maximum strength and puncture resistance. The go-to for heavy, sharp, or demanding loads.
- Heavy pallets over 2,500 lbs
- Sharp edges (hardware, metal parts)
- Outdoor storage or long transport
- Loads requiring maximum containment
Pro Tip
“True gauge” and “equivalent gauge” are not the same. True gauge is the actual thickness; equivalent gauge means the film is pre-stretched and performs like a thicker film. Always compare true gauge to true gauge.
Color-Coded Film Guide
Colored stretch wrap is not just cosmetic — each color serves a specific purpose in logistics, QC, and security.
See-through for barcode scanning and visual inspection. Most common choice.
Hides contents from view. Reduces pilferage in transit and storage.
Identifies specific product lines, shifts, or destinations at a glance.
Common in manufacturing to indicate lots that passed quality control.
Flags pallets on hold, rejected lots, or hazardous materials.
Marks priority shipments or expedited orders for faster identification.
Indicates fragile items, temperature-sensitive goods, or special handling.
Blocks UV rays. Protects light-sensitive products in outdoor storage.
Pro Tip
Use at least two colors in your facility: clear for standard pallets and one color for “hold” or “special handling.” This simple system prevents shipping errors and speeds up warehouse operations.
Width Selection
Wider film means fewer wraps and faster application. Narrower film offers precision for small items.
| Width | Type | Application | Pallet Wrap? | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3" | Bundling | Small parts, bundling pipes/tubes, retail grouping | View | |
| 5" | Bundling | Larger bundles, securing items to pallets, top wrap | View | |
| 16" | Hand | Smaller pallets, lighter loads, tighter spaces | View | |
| 18" | Hand | Most common hand wrap. Standard pallets, general shipping | View | |
| 20" | Machine | Machine wrap for full-size pallets. Maximum coverage | View |
Recommended by Industry
Our top stretch wrap picks based on what works across thousands of facilities.
Warehouse & Distribution
80ga Hand or Machine 20"High-volume environments need reliable containment. Machine wrap pays for itself above 15 pallets/day. 80ga handles heavy, mixed loads.
E-Commerce & Fulfillment
3-5" Bundling + 47ga HandBundling film groups multi-item orders without boxes. Lightweight 47ga hand wrap for pallet unitizing keeps costs low.
Food & Beverage
80ga Clear Hand WrapFDA-compliant clear film allows product inspection and barcode scanning. Heavy gauge handles beverage pallets safely.
Manufacturing
Colored Film + 63-80ga MachineColor-coded wrap for QC status (green=pass, red=hold). Machine wrap keeps production lines moving with consistent results.
Find Your Perfect Stretch Wrap
Browse our full selection of stretch film — hand wrap, machine wrap, bundling film, and colored options. Wholesale pricing with free local delivery.