How to Choose Stretch Film Gauge for Pallet Stability

Quick answer

Choose stretch-film gauge from the pallet's weight, corners, load shape, and wrapping equipment, then prove containment force in trials. A thicker film is not automatically safer: the right pre-stretch, wrap pattern, and puncture resistance often outperform excessive gauge at lower cost.

Describe the pallet, not only the film

Provide pallet footprint, height, gross weight, carton surface, overhang, sharp corners, top-load condition, and route. Mixed-SKU or irregular loads usually need different film behavior than square, uniform carton stacks. Photograph the worst load, not only the ideal pallet.

Gauge and resin performance

State target gauge or micron range with tolerance, but also request tensile, elongation, puncture, cling, and tear-resistance data. Pre-stretched films can reduce consumption on compatible machines. Compare kilograms and meters per stable pallet rather than price per roll.

Set the wrapping recipe

Define bottom/top wraps, overlap, carriage speed, pre-stretch percentage, film force, and roping if used. Machine settings can tear a good film or leave a weak load. Hand wrapping needs practical roll weight and operator-consistent instructions.

Check critical failure points

Test film at carton corners, edge boards, and pallet deck transitions. Verify that labels and barcodes remain readable and that film does not relax after dwell time. Cold storage, heat, and dusty cartons can change cling and puncture behavior.

Trial and receiving control

Run pallet stability, fork movement, and vibration trials using production film rolls. At receiving, check roll net weight, width, gauge, core, and actual meterage. Record approved machine recipe by SKU family so settings do not drift.

RFQ fields

Hand or machine use; wrapper model and pre-stretch range

Roll width, gauge tolerance, length/net weight, core

Pallet dimensions, weight, height, and load photos

Puncture/cling targets; route and temperature range

Trial rolls, monthly usage, packing, and Incoterms

Related PackTrades Knowledge

How to Source Stretch Film from China, PP Strapping from China, Edge Board Buying Guide, Combining Edge Boards, Slip Sheets, and Dunnage Air Bags.