STRETCH FILM 101

We produce a wide variety of both blown and cast films for machine and hand application. In addition, we have specialty agricultural films, as well as UV coated and black stretch films.

Sigma Stretch Film has 5 locations across North America in California, Oklahoma, Kentucky, New Jersey and Ontario, Canada. Having multiple full service manufacturing sites not only reduces lead times, it reduces the amount of emissions our delivery trucks release into the atmosphere.

Yes, all stretch film produced by Sigma is 100% recyclable. Through our partnership with iSustain, the removal and recycling of used stretch film is easy. They pick up the plastic from customers and transport it to us to be recycled into new stretch film.

Reducing the thickness (gauge) of the film being used for any given application. This is usually done when a thinner film can produce equal (or better) containment of the pallet being wrapped.

Only if a thinner gauged film can still offer the same, or better containment and you have the optimal wrapping procedure.

Sigma Rite-Gauging® is a scientific approach to developing a consistent wrap pattern that offer maximum protection while your valuable goods ship from point A to point B. Rite-Gauging® is the foundation of our stretch wrapping solutions that treats each application as a unique situation with its own set of requirements. Assessments are free and offer quantifiable data and testing for optimal load containment. Contact your Sigma Stretch Film sales professional to schedule a FREE Rite-Gaugiing® assessment.

Stretch film produced by Sigma Stretch Film is made using resins under the broad category of low-density polyethylene (LDPE). Since LDPE is an inert product, the film does not change over time due to atmospheric influences. You should see no deterioration in physical properties. However, the thermal stabilizers used in manufacturing the film can begin to discolor over time and cause a yellow or dingy color throughout the roll. Again, there is no loss of physical properties with this color change. In general, we suggest using the stretch film within six months of purchase to avoid this discoloration. Sigma Stretch Film will not ship film over one year old.

Our Packworx University is a 2-day hands on training class offered to any distributer or product representative. Find out more information on Packworx here.

Contact the Sigma Stretch Film Sales Professional in your region, or call 800-672-9727.

A thin, stretchable plastic film used to secure cased goods onto a pallet. As the stretch film is wrapped around the pallet, the film stretches and creates tension. This tension creates force to load (known as containment), transforming the pallet into one unit that will remain intact and protected during storage and transport. Stretch film is used by most companies across the globe.

Stretch film is the lowest cost packaging solution for unitizing a pallet. With proper contaiment, damage is reduced and product is protected throughout its distribution journey. All types of loads (A, B and C) can be unitized using stretch film. Stretch film is available in transparent for easy scanning and opaque varieties to conceal products if desired. Packaging pallets in stretch film also makes tampering immediatly evident.

Cast stretch film is produced by pushing molten plastic through a flat die onto a chilled roller. The resins used and rate of cooling give the film its stretch properties. The film is then wound around a core and ready to use. Cast film is oriented in the machine direction and has a quiet, smooth unwind. It is good for high-speed applications and has consistent machinability. Cast film is generally high-clarity and designed for A and B load types.

Blown stretch film is created when molten plastic is pushed through a round die and inflated with air to create a large hollow cylinder of plastic. The temperature and amount of air gives the film its properties. The cylinder is then cut in half and the individual sheets wound around a core. These rolls spend 5 days in a hot room before they are ready to use. Blown film is biaxially oriented, has great puncture resistance and stretches in both directions. High-cling properties make it ideal for dusty and cold environments. Great for unusual shaped and C-type loads.

Stretch film for hand application that has been stretched and wound around a core. The rolls are very lightweight, high strength and have dynamic tension. When properly applied the film has a built-in "memory" or point of tension it will return to increasing containment force.

Cling identifies a film's ability to stick to itself. Stretch film is available in one-sided cling (OSC) and two-sided cling. One-sided cling is ofter preferred for storage or shipment of pallets in tight spaces to avoid the pallets sticking together.

The process of melting plastic and forming the extrudate (molten plastic) into a desired product.

Force to load measures the holding force of the film to the load. This is affected by the pre-stretch level, force setting, and stiffness of film. Also known as containment.