Introduction

In logistics and shipping, stretch film plays a critical role in securing palletized goods. However, misconceptions about selection criteria persist. Have you heard that “thicker film stretches further” or been influenced by “ultimate strength” data?

This article provides a science-based analysis of what truly determines stretch film performance.

The Core Mission: What is Stretch Film’s Primary Function?

Before examining technical specifications, we must understand stretch film’s fundamental purpose: preventing load movement during storage and transport.

When a truck accelerates, brakes, or turns, inertia threatens the stability of the pallet. Effective stretch wrapping generates consistent containment force that holds goods firmly in place.

However, if the film experiences what’s known as secondary stretch—stretching again under load stress—then:

• Product movement begins
• Movement accumulates momentum
• This can lead to complete load failure

Conclusion: Therefore, all performance metrics should be evaluated against this primary objective: eliminating secondary stretch.

The Thickness Myth: Does Thicker Film Deliver Better Performance?

Many assume that thicker film guarantees better performance or higher stretch capacity. This belief, while intuitive, doesn’t hold up under scientific testing.

Here’s why:

• Thickness ≠ Strength: A heavier gauge provides more raw material, but it doesn’t necessarily create stronger containment. Once stretched, what really counts is elastic recovery—the film’s ability to snap back and hold tension.
• Resin Quality Matters More: Modern high-performance films depend on resin formulation, not gauge. Advanced resins and molecular layering produce superior stretch memory, allowing thinner films to outperform thick, conventional ones.
• Lab Evidence: Controlled tests show that some films with over 450% stretch capacity actually deliver less holding force, meaning they elongate easily but fail to maintain
• Conclusion: Thickness is a secondary attribute. The real measure of performance is resin engineering and containment force, not film gauge.

 

Ultimate Strength: Does Higher Always Mean Better?

Ultimate Strength measures the maximum force required to rupture film, represented on a force-distance curve. It’s a useful metric—but a misleading one if taken alone.

 

In theory: stretching film close to its ultimate strength range might seem ideal for maximizing containment.

In practice: it can cause more harm than good.

• Films designed for extreme tensile strength often become rigid and brittle.
• Under real-world stress, such as sharp pallet edges or uneven loads, they are more prone to puncture and catastrophic tearing.
• Once a tear begins, the film’s brittleness prevents it from redistributing force, leading to total web failure.

Bottom line: Ultimate strength is valuable—but only if paired with flexibility and toughness. A balanced film with moderate strength and high elasticity consistently outperforms overly rigid alternatives.

Real-World Performance: Insights from ESTL750 Dynamic Testing

At YD Pack, we assess film performance using the ESTL750 Dynamic Testing System, which replicates real-world shipping stresses. Unlike standard tensile tests, this method introduces puncture and tear events while the film is under controlled tension—revealing how it truly behaves during transport.

Our findings define what we call the “Performance Trinity”:

1. Elasticity (Stretch) – Determines how well the film conforms and maintains tension.
2. Puncture Resistance – Protects against sharp corners or irregular surfaces.
3. Tear Resistance – Prevents small tears from propagating into full web failures.

The result: Films engineered for extreme strength often score high in lab tension tests but fail these dynamic evaluations. A superior film balances all three factors to maintain both flexibility and durability.

Clear Conclusion: Ultimate strength proves meaningless if film fractures during application or fails during transit. Genuine performance requires careful balance between strength and durability.

Innovation Breakthrough: How 55-Layer Nano Technology Delivers Better Performance

We overcome the limits of traditional film with a manufacturing breakthrough: Nano-Layer Co-extrusion Technology.

Think of it like this: We combine different polymers (some for strength, some for toughness) into a single film with 55 distinct, ultra-thin layers. This precise, multi-layered architecture solves the old trade-offs for good.

Strength Meets Flexibility

• The structure works like a composite material
• Strong layers handle pulling force
• Tough layers act as shock absorbers
• Result: Top-tier strength AND exceptional tear resistance with no compromise

Superior Puncture & Tear Resistance

• Force spreads across 55 distinct layer boundaries
• Cracks stop when meeting layers with different properties
• Result: Localized damage that prevents total film failure

Efficiency & Sustainability

This precise 55-layer design does more with less material, delivering:

• ✅ Reduced film usage and cost per pallet
• ✅ Less plastic usage, supporting sustainability goals
• ✅ More pallets wrapped per roll, boosting efficiency

Conclusion: Making Informed Stretch Film Decisions

Stretch film selection should transition from simplistic comparisons to comprehensive evaluation based on:

• Scientific dynamic testing
• Advanced material technology

Action Plan:

• Reject Outdated Myths: Move beyond “thicker is better” and “strength is everything”
• Embrace Scientific Validation: Seek solutions verified through rigorous dynamic testing
• Adopt Technical Innovation: 55-layer nano technology represents the future of load containment

In protecting valuable cargo, let scientific evidence—rather than supplier claims—guide your decisions.

See the Difference Yourself

Request a free sample of our 55-layer nano film and the validated ESTL750 test report to conduct your own performance comparison.

📩 Contact us today: [Sales@hsydpac.com]
Or visit our website to explore how YD Pack can enhance your load containment