Elongation at break stretch film measures how far a film can be stretched before breaking, defining its usable pre-stretch range, load conformity, and transport durability. Stretchable films improve wrapping efficiency, reduce downtime, and allow thinner gauges without compromising load security. YD PACK Nano multilayer balances stretchability, recovery force, and toughness, providing reliable performance for irregular and long-distance pallet loads.

What Is Stretch Film Elongation?

Ultimate stretch refers to the maximum percentage a stretch film can be elongated from its original length before it breaks.

It defines the film’s usable stretch range, pre-stretch limit on wrapping machines, and ability to conform to irregular pallet loads.

Two stretch films with the same thickness can perform very differently due to differences in film stretchability and stretch film ductility.

A high-tensile film allows:

• higher pre-stretch ratios
• fewer film breaks
• better load conformity
• lower film consumption per pallet

In practice, the stretch limit of the film is one of the most reliable indicators of whether a stretch film will perform efficiently and consistently on the wrapping line.

 

Why Do Stretch Films with the Same Thickness Perform So Differently?

Common scenario:

• Two stretch films have identical thickness specifications
• One breaks frequently during machine pre-stretch
• The other stretches smoothly to 250% and tightly wraps irregular pallet loads

The difference is not thickness.
The difference is stretchability and film ductility.

Maximum stretch before break directly answers the key operational question:

How far can this film be stretched without failure?

 

How to Test the Ultimate Stretch of a Film?

Tensile test for stretch film measures how much the material can stretch before breaking under controlled conditions, following standards such as ASTM D882.

Formula:
(Break length – original length) ÷ original length × 100%

This test provides the theoretical upper limit of film stretchability, but real-world pre-stretch is always lower due to machine and load factors.

Ultimate Stretch vs. Thickness vs. Tensile Strength

These properties describe different performance aspects:

• Thickness → mainly relates to puncture resistance
• Tensile strength → force required to pull the film apart
• Ultimate Stretch → maximum stretch before failure

Thickness alone does not predict stretchability. Maximum stretch before break does.

High-elongation films can outperform thicker, low-elongation films by stretching further and maintaining load containment.

 

Why Ultimate Stretch Matters in Real-World Packaging

Break elogation value is critical for:

• high pre-stretch wrapping machines
• irregular or unstable pallet loads
• long-distance transport

It impacts pre-stretch efficiency, load conformity, transport durability, and overall packaging cost.

1. Defines the Pre-Stretch Limit

High-elongation films enable 200–300% pre-stretch without frequent film breaks.

Benefits:

• increased film yield per roll
• reduced material cost per pallet

2. Improves Wrapping of Irregular Loads

For pallets with gaps, protrusions, or uneven geometry, film stretchability is crucial.

High-elongation films:

• conform to contours
• fill voids
• maintain contact across the load

3. Absorbs Shock, Vibration, and Transport Stress

During transport, pallets experience vibration and impacts.

High strechability films absorb energy elastically, reducing:

• load movement
• product-to-product friction
• transport damage risk

4. Reduces Film Breaks and Downtime

Films with stable elongation provide a wider operating window, reducing:

• film breaks
• line stoppages
• manual interventions

5. Enables Gauge Reduction Without Performance Loss

High stretchability films often allow thinner gauges while maintaining containment.

• Maintain load stability
• Reduce material usage
• Support sustainability initiatives

 

Is Higher Elongation Alone Enough?

No. Extreme elongation may reduce containment force.

Balanced high elongation film must also provide:

• Optimal stretch (memory, film stretched to “sweet point”)
• toughness for long-term load security

 

How YD PACK Nano Optimizes High Stretchable Films

YD PACK Nano 55-layer films achieve a balanced combination of:

• High elongation for pre-stretch
• Strong recovery force for containment
• Toughness to resist tearing and impact

Nano multilayer engineering distributes elastic, cling, and high-strength layers across 55 interfaces to maximize film stretchability without sacrificing durability.

 

Evaluating Maximum Film Stretch for Your Operation

Ask yourself:

• Is your wrapping machine operating near the film’s stretch limit?
• Are you frequently wrapping irregular or unstable loads?
• Do films break or lose tension during transport?

If yes, ultimate stretch should be a priority metric.

Request comprehensive performance data including:

• elongation at break
• tensile strength
• recovery force
• application-specific test results

 

Conclusion: From Thickness-Based Purchasing to Performance Control

Understanding break elogation limit allows packaging engineers to:

• select high stretchable films efficiently
• improve pre-stretch utilization
• reduce downtime and material costs
• maintain long-term load containment

 

Work with YD PACK to Optimize Stretch Film Performance

YD PACK helps operations teams evaluate ultimate stretch in real wrapping conditions.

We provide:

• performance analysis under your machine and load conditions
• Nano stretch film samples with complete mechanical data
• one-on-one technical consultations to optimize film selection

Contact YD PACK today to explore how Nano stretch film can improve your packaging efficiency, reliability, and cost-effectiveness.