Packaging methods and equipment

4. Stretch and shrink film wrappers

Stretch wrap or stretch film is a plastic wrap applied by hand or machine to contain boxes and products on pallets to keep them safe during shipping. Stretch wrap comes in many lengths, widths, colors, gauges, and types, depending on your need. Stretch film is applied by hand (hand film) or by equipment (machine film). Machine wrappers can automatically wrap various pallet loads and sizes. Some machine wrappers have an “arm” that rotates around the pallet, while others require the pallet to sit on a platform that spins while the stretch film is applied.

Shrink film is the tight plastic packaging that surrounds consumer goods like water bottles or soda cans which are sold in bundles. This film gets its name from the literal shrinking of the plastic film to package a product. It allows for bundles of products to be sold in one package. Shrink film also allows for increased security and protection, because it is easy to tell when a shrink-wrapped package has been tampered with. It can be printed and branded. Shrink film typically used in the food industry is Polyolefin.

Watch a hooded shrink wrapping machine in action

Source: https://youtu.be/azS1TqVIYoA

Simple handoperated cling film or food wrap dispensers can be used to wrap fresh produce, meat or cheese on food trays. The wrapper ensures that the film does not get entangled. A heated blade cuts the film and the film gets sealed on a heated non-stick plate.

Image source: https://www.getpacked.com.au/assets/full/5-Food-Film-Dispensers.jpg?20210427124037