In today’s increasingly globalized market, the logistics industry has become an indispensable component that gets a wide range of products and raw materials to where they should go. But besides the large shipping containers that we often associate with this sector, there are many other tools of the trade that help keep shipped goods secure and intact, such as stretch films.

What Is a Stretch Film?

A stretch film or stretch wrap is one of the most common tools for unitizing items and packages for transport. As the name implies, it is an incredibly elastic and far more durable type of plastic wrap compared to the food-grade version you may be more familiar with. These improvements are necessary since stretch films are mainly used for wrapping around various items to keep them secure and tightly bound as they get loaded onto pallets for transit and storage.

Apart from unitizing goods, stretch films also come with protective features, such as blocking harmful UV rays and keeping dust, dirt, and moisture away from the contents within. Lastly, it is a more cost-effective wrapping solution than other alternatives, such as corrugated or heat shrink film or strapping.

How Other Industries Make Use of Stretch Films

The popularity of stretch films has gone well beyond the logistics and shipping sector. Hence, packaging suppliers in Singapore now provide many derivatives to various industries like the ones listed below.

1. Food and beverage (F&B)

The agricultural and F&B industries greatly rely on stretch films since they are critical in preserving food safety and quality by serving as a protective barrier that maintains freshness and extends shelf life. On top of that, it effectively seals many types of food items to keep them away from external factors that could affect their quality.

They also widely use vented stretch film as it is specifically designed for goods that need ventilation to prevent mould and other kinds of damage. The addition of small holes in the film is what allows sufficient airflow to reach the goods inside, making it the best choice for wrapping perishable goods like vegetables.

2. Flooring installation and distribution

Companies in the flooring industry deal with many products that are inherently fragile, such as tiles, porcelain, granite, marble, ceramic concrete, and so on. Protecting these items requires wrapping them in stretch film, particularly blown stretch film or high-quality cast stretch film because of their high durability, load capacity, and resistance to tears and punctures.

3. Moving industry

Moving companies frequently use industrial stretch film during relocation projects because of their practicality and sufficient protective features. Just like in logistics, stretch films allow moving companies to bundle furniture and other various items together instead of packing them individually, which saves a lot of time in organizing a client’s belongings during a move.

4. Banking

Banks and other financial institutions like minting facilities often use stretch films to provide extra protection and keep large sums of money in one place during transport to another bank, storage facility, and so on. On top of that, the stretch films used in these industries can also be designed to offer an extra layer of security with waterproofing and tamper-evident features.

5. Manufacturing

Manufacturing facilities often need some way of distinguishing their products at a glance, which is where coloured stretch films come in handy. This type of stretch film comes in many colours for easier identification and can be a good complement to a facility’s other existing systems, like RFID tagging systems. Moreover, since colour stretch films are opaque, they also serve well to protect products from direct sunlight and keep UV rays from damaging sensitive goods.

Conclusion

Choosing the right type of stretch film largely depends on the specific needs of your business. From the type of product you are working with to its storage conditions and the manner of transportation during shipping, there are many factors to consider to ensure your choice of stretch film works for you and not against you.

Looking for the right solutions for your business to optimise packaging? Then look no further than MOPI, the leading packaging and stretch wrap supplier in Singapore. With at least 40 years of experience under our belt, you can rely on our solutions that are guaranteed to meet your requirements and exceed your expectations.