Buyers often ask for “shrink wrap” when what they want is film for pallets. The two names get swapped all the time, but the films behave in opposite ways. Here is the short answer on shrink wrap vs stretch wrap: stretch wrap is pulled tight around a load at room temperature and grips by elastic recovery, while shrink wrap is applied loosely and then heated so it contracts onto the product.
How stretch wrap holds a load
Stretch film, also called pallet wrap, is usually LLDPE. As it comes off the roll it is elongated, and the film keeps trying to return to its original length. That pull, plus the cling between layers, binds cartons into one block. It needs no heat and no adhesive. Small sites wrap by hand with a roll and a simple handle; bigger operations use turntable or rotary-arm machines that pre-stretch the film and apply it consistently.
Its strength is containment. A properly wrapped pallet resists shifting in trucks and containers, and the film is cut off in seconds at the receiving end.
How shrink wrap works
Shrink film is made so that its molecules are frozen in a stretched state. Heat from a gun, tunnel or hood relaxes them and the film draws in tight. Polyolefin and PVC films are common for small retail products such as boxed goods, multipacks and trays; heavier polyethylene shrink film is used for pallet hoods and for covering boats or machinery outdoors.
Shrink gives a smooth, tamper-evident skin that keeps out dust and moisture and looks neat on a shelf. The trade-off is energy and equipment, plus a slower process.
Shrink wrap vs stretch wrap, side by side
| Stretch wrap | Shrink wrap | |
|---|---|---|
| How it tightens | Elastic recovery after stretching | Contracts when heated |
| Heat needed | No | Yes |
| Equipment | Hand roll or wrapping machine | Heat gun, tunnel or hood |
| Typical job | Pallets and bundles | Single products, multipacks, full enclosures |
| Finish | Layered, functional | Smooth, tight skin |
| Removal | Fast, cut and peel | Fast, but film is stiffer |
Choosing between them
For moving cartons on pallets from a factory to a distribution centre, stretch wrap is almost always cheaper per load and needs less investment. You can start with hand rolls and move to machine film as volume grows, which keeps both labour and film use under control.
Shrink wrap earns its cost when appearance or a fully sealed cover matters: retail multipacks, products that must show tampering, or goods stored outside for long periods. Some shippers combine both, using a shrink hood or a pallet cover on top for weather protection and stretch film around the sides for stability.
For large items that only need a dust or rain cover, plain poly sheeting secured with stretch film is another low-cost route.
If you are switching from hand wrapping to a machine, do not reorder the same film. Hand film is made to stretch under arm tension; machine film is built for much higher pre-stretch. We usually suggest sending the wrapper model and its pre-stretch setting so the film can be matched to it.
From the Hanpak team
Frequently asked questions
Is pallet wrap the same as stretch film?
Yes. Pallet wrap, stretch wrap and stretch film describe the same product. Shrink film is a separate material that needs heat.
Can stretch wrap protect goods outdoors?
For short periods, yes, especially with UV-stabilised or opaque film. For longer outdoor storage, add a top cover so water cannot collect between the layers.
Need pallet wrap? Ask Hanpak
Hanpak supplies hand and machine stretch film with roll sizes agreed per order, on FOB, CIF or CFR terms. Share your load type and wrapping method, and we will quote within 48 hours. Request a quote or samples or send a message on WhatsApp.