What is stretch film and why is it needed?

Stretch film is a material that is used in a wide variety of areas of human activity. Moreover, each of us deals with this type of film almost every day (for example, in a grocery supermarket, in a hardware store and even at home). Today we will take a closer look at what a stretch film is, what are its distinctive characteristics and features.

As you might guess from the name, stretch film is a material that has the ability to stretch significantly (from English, the word "stretch" is translated as "stretching"). According to GOST, such material should be able to stretch at least 4-5 times.

The distinctive characteristics of the film include:

• the ability to restore its original shape after maximum stretching;
• resistance to mechanical damage (for example, punctures);
• transparent surface (thanks to this, the user can clearly see what is inside the package);
• high protective and barrier properties (meaning the fact that the film does not transmit (both from the inside and from the outside) moisture, odors, etc.);
• resistance to unstable temperatures (thanks to this, you can repeatedly freeze and thaw food that is inside the packaging material), etc.

There are a large number of methods for producing stretch films using dedicated machines and equipment. Let's take a look at some of the most popular techniques.

This method of creation appeared in the 70s of the 20th century. It is considered the cheapest, but at the same time, it is quite effective and efficient. If during the production of the material we use the blowing extrusion technique, it is possible to obtain a film consisting of 2-3 layers. The material that is obtained as a result of applying this method is actively used in the field of agriculture. Blown film is also called hay film, as it is often used to pack hay. In Russia, the material is used on a small scale (in contrast to other countries of the world).

In the process of applying this method (which is also called the cast method), it is possible to obtain a polymer web, which is put into operation on cylindrical bushings. The film itself consists of at least five layers (the maximum possible number of layers is 21). Flat slit film is often referred to as "agriflex". It is used for packing garbage.

Due to the fact that stretch film is a popular and demanded material that is used in numerous spheres of human activity, you can find different types of such packaging on the market. For the convenience of the user, they are classified and divided into several groups.

Depending on the main characteristics of the material, stretch film can be divided into several categories.

• Colored and transparent. First of all, it should be noted that these types of material differ in composition (dyes are included in the opaque film). In this case, the color film can be white, black, yellow, red and any other. Most often, colored material is used if there is a need to hide the contents of the package.

• Primary and secondary. These types of stretch films differ depending on the raw material of manufacture. Packaging made from secondary raw materials (waste) will be much cheaper than packaging made from virgin materials.

Depending on the scope and area of ​​use, the film is divided into several groups.

• Packaging. Such material is used to wrap various objects and goods: for example, furniture, suitcases, building materials, and more. etc. Its main purpose is to secure and protect things from mechanical damage (for example, scratches).

• Technical. Such a film is used for highly specialized purposes (for example, industrial or construction films). In some cases, the material may contain harmful components that can have a negative impact on human health.

• Food grade. Designed for storage and transportation of food. Almost everyone deals with it on a daily basis (most often in the framework of grocery stores or at home). The composition of the material is completely safe for both children and adults.

Thus, you can be sure that today on the market you can find a variety of types of stretch films, so that each person will be able to choose exactly the type that will meet his individual needs and wishes.

The choice of stretch material is an important and responsible task that must be approached with special attention and care. At the same time, experts advise paying attention to several key factors:

• price;
• manufacturer;
• sizes;
• appointment;
• customer reviews.

In addition to other characteristics, the stretch material is divided depending on the type of packaging. There are 2 main groups in total.

• Manual. The material of this type is intended for manual winding and is widely used in everyday life, as well as in small enterprises. Most often, such film is sold in rolls on a core, the total weight of a roll does not exceed 2,500 grams. As for the thickness of the film of the manual type of packaging, this indicator is traditionally at the level of 20 microns.

• Machine. The most important distinguishing feature of such a material is that it stretches well. Compared to a roll of manual packaging film, a roll of machine material weighs more - about 17 kilograms. Very often such material is used for wrapping pallets, therefore, in another way, the film is called "pallet". It is important to note that this material has increased strength properties.

The most important characteristic of a stretch material is its thickness and size. Let's consider in more detail the types of film, depending on its size.

• Kling film Is the material that has the smallest thickness. It is most commonly used to wrap food. It is this material that is actively used in everyday life. With regard to specific dimensional indicators, they are at the level of 5-10 microns.
• Denser varieties that can be up to 30 microns thick, used in agriculture and industry.Accordingly, such a stretch film is used for packaging non-food products. The material is convenient to use when transporting goods on a large scale.
• The thickest film (over 30 microns) has enhanced protective and barrier properties. Its use is important for wrapping especially fragile items.

Due to the fact that stretch material is popular and in demand, a large number of companies are engaged in its production (both from Russia and from abroad). In the process of choosing and purchasing packaging material, it is very important to pay close attention to the manufacturer. Preference should be given only to those firms that have earned respect in the professional community, since only they manufacture their products in accordance with officially established norms and generally accepted standards. Consider several popular and proven domestic and foreign manufacturers of stretch films.

• Stretch film company popular and respected by consumers (both beginners and professionals). Modified polyethylene is usually used as a raw material for packaging.
• Roxor Industry Is a well-known company whose assortment includes not only film, but also a large number of other industrial materials.
• Distinctive characteristic of products from the Vemata brand is that only safe and environmentally friendly materials are used during production. Accordingly, the film can be used for any purpose (including as a film for wrapping food). The material will not harm either adults or children.
• To the assortment of the company "Expo-market" includes a special type of stretch film - vacuum film.
• Cyklop International produces a wide variety of types and types of stretch films.

Also popular in our country are such companies as VarioPack, Regent-Stretch, Regent, Lava and Packing and Service.

Stretch film is a popular and demanded material that cannot be dispensed with in many areas of human activity.

You can find out how the production of stretch pads takes place in the video below.