What Is Pre-Stretch in Stretch Film Wrapping?

Quick answer

Pre-stretch is how much a stretch film is elongated before or as it is applied to a pallet. It changes film consumption, containment force, and tear risk. A micron number without stretch settings is not a complete wrap specification.

Machine pre-stretch vs hand film

Powered wrappers can deliver high, controlled pre-stretch with film designed for that duty. Hand rolls are usually lower stretch and thicker in use. Do not compare hand-roll quotes to machine-film quotes on price per kilogram alone.

Why percentage matters

Higher pre-stretch can cut film use if the film and load allow it. Too much stretch on sharp corners or unstable loads causes breaks and under-wrapped pallets. Ask for demonstrated stretch settings on your load type.

Link stretch to containment

Buyers should specify the required pallet stability outcome—containment force, wrap pattern, and number of layers—then choose film gauge and stretch that achieve it. Film grade is a means, not the goal.

Write usable RFQ language

State machine brand/model if known, target pre-stretch window, film gauge or equivalent yield, corner boards if used, and whether loads are refrigerated or export-container bound.

RFQ

Wrapper type; target pre-stretch %; wrap pattern

Load footprint/weight; sharp-corner risk

Film gauge or yield target; break tolerance

Trial pallets; monthly volume; Incoterms

Related PackTrades Knowledge

How to Choose Stretch Film Gauge for Pallet Stability, How to Source Stretch Film from China, Why Stretch Film Tears on Sharp Carton Corners, Export Pallet Stretch-Wrap Spec Checklist.