Should You Use Stretch Film or Strapping Material for Heavy Loads?
2025-09-05Understanding Stretch Film and Strapping Material
What is Stretch Film
PE stretch wrap is made of high-quality LLDPE as a raw material. It is divided into machine-made film and handmade film. It has the characteristics of high tensile strength, large elongation, good self-adhesion, high transparency, excellent tear resistance, etc. This versatile packaging material wraps around items to secure and protect them during storage and transportation. After wrapping with stretch film, it prevents the goods from scattering during loading and unloading and transportation, and plays a role in dustproof, moisture-proof, and damage-proof.
What is Strapping Material
Strapping material encompasses various types of bands used to secure packages and palletized goods. For example, PP strapping tape primarily made of drawn-grade polypropylene resin, is one of the lighter plastics. Due to its excellent plasticity, high breaking strength, bending resistance, light weight, and ease of use, it has become widely used in various fields. Meanwhile, plastic-steel strapping tape, also known as PET strapping tape, is a new, high-strength alternative to steel strapping and is widely used in industries such as ceramics, papermaking, chemical fiber, cotton spinning, tobacco, and wood.
Key Differences Between the Two
The fundamental distinction lies in their application methods and load-bearing capabilities. Stretch film provides wrap-around protection through elastic containment, while strapping material offers structural reinforcement through tensioned bands. PET strapping has the same tensile strength as steel strapping, maintains 5% tightening force for a long time without loosening, and has a 5% buffer extension when hit by a strong external force to keep the goods safe.
Advantages of Using Stretch Film
Flexibility in Wrapping Various Shapes
Strong self-adhesion, tight wrapping, and preventing goods from falling off make stretch film ideal for irregularly shaped items. Weide Chuangyi Packaging’s Machine Stretch Film, Stretch Film, and Hand Stretch Film accommodate diverse packaging requirements with their conforming properties.
Protection Against Dust and Moisture
The film creates a protective barrier that shields products from environmental contaminants. Standard Width:100-1400mm Standard Thickness:0.018-0.050mm specifications from Weide Chuangyi ensure comprehensive coverage for various load sizes.
Cost-Effective for Light to Medium Loads
Stretch film offers economical packaging solutions for lighter shipments where maximum tensile strength isn’t critical. The material’s efficiency in covering large surface areas with minimal waste makes it particularly cost-effective for volume packaging operations.
Benefits of Strapping Material for Heavy Loads
High Tensile Strength and Load Stability
High-quality PET raw materials, the texture and tensile strength of the strapping tape are better than those produced from recycled materials. Weide Chuangyi’s PET strapping belt/Heavy Duty Packing Belt delivers superior holding power for demanding applications. PET strapping tape is resistant to bending and deformation, and can be punctured.
Suitable for Long-Distance Transport
It has good tension retention ability. It will not relax for a long time after being packed, thus ensuring that the goods have excellent impact resistance during long-distance transportation. This reliability makes strapping material indispensable for international shipping and extended logistics chains.
Ideal for Palletizing Uniform Products
Strapping excels in securing uniformly shaped items on pallets. Double-sided embossing, clear texture, and good anti-slip performance. Ensures packages maintain their position throughout handling and transport processes.
Choosing the Right Option Based on Load Type
When to Use Stretch Film
Stretch film proves optimal for lightweight packages, oddly shaped items, and situations requiring dustproof protection. LLDPE composition provides the necessary elasticity for conforming to irregular surfaces while maintaining secure containment.
When to Use Strapping Material
Heavy-duty applications require strapping material’s superior strength. The specifications and materials of the strapping tape will affect the tensile strength. The tensile strength of the hand strapping tape is 50KG, the tensile strength of the general strapping tape is 70-100 kg, the lightweight strapping tape is 100-120 kg, and the transparent strapping tape is 120-150 kg. This range accommodates various load requirements from manual operations to automated systems.
Combining Both for Maximum Security
Maximum protection combines both materials’ strengths. Stretch film provides environmental protection, while strapping adds structural integrity. Weide Chuangyi’s comprehensive product range enables this integrated approach through their PP strapping belt, Polypropylene straps, and stretch film offerings.
Comparing Cost and Efficiency Factors
Material Costs Over Time
The length of 1 ton of plastic-steel belt is equivalent to the length of 6 tons of steel belt, which greatly reduces industrial and application costs. This efficiency advantage makes PET strapping particularly attractive for cost-conscious operations requiring high strength.
Labor and Equipment Requirements
From an economic point of view, a manual strapping machine is the most cost-effective option. If you only plan to strap a small amount, then you can buy one. Weide Chuangyi offers a Packing pliers manual and Strap tensioner for wide strapping bands 12 to 19 mm for various operational scales.
Packaging Speed and Workflow Impact
Automated systems significantly impact throughput. Now, our production line uses an automated assembly line. In the iron cans packaging process, we can use a fully automatic baler and machine-use strapping tape, which can strap 4 cans at a time, demonstrating efficiency gains from proper equipment selection.
Environmental Considerations and Disposal
Recyclability of Stretch Film vs Strapping Material
Beautiful appearance, environmentally friendly, and recyclable. Both materials offer recycling options, though processing requirements differ. PET strapping provides particularly strong environmental credentials.
Reducing Waste with Proper Usage
Proper material selection minimizes waste generation. Good quality strapping tape has strong tensile strength, is easy to bond, is light in weight, and weighs a lot per meter. High-quality materials from Weide Chuangyi maximize usage efficiency while reducing environmental impact.
Product Offerings from Weide Chuangyi Packaging
Weide Chuangyi Stretch Films Overview
Product Name: Stretch Film/Stretch Film Roll
Material: LLDPE represents the company’s commitment to quality materials.
Core Size:76mm ensures compatibility with standard dispensing equipment.
Weide Chuangyi Strapping Materials Overview
The comprehensive strapping portfolio includes fully automatic PP strapping tape and Common specifications such as 1206,1208,1507,1508,1510(customizable) for PP options. Meanwhile, common specifications such as 1508,1608,1609,1910(customizable) accommodate PET strapping requirements. We also provide personalized customization, color customization, size customization, and logo customization to ensure precise specification matching.
FAQ
Q: Which material works better for outdoor storage?
A: PET strapping excels in outdoor conditions, while stretch film provides superior moisture protection for covered storage. Both they can adapt to various weather changes, high temperature resistance, moisture resistance, and no rust.
Q: How do I determine the right thickness for my application?
A: Consider load weight and handling requirements. Weide Chuangyi’s range, from Standard Thickness:0.018-0.050mm, accommodates various protection levels.
Q: Can both materials be used together safely?
A: Absolutely! Combining stretch film’s environmental protection with strapping’s structural strength provides comprehensive packaging security for demanding applications.