Stretch wrap film and cling film (also known as plastic wrap or food wrap) are both plastic films, but they serve different purposes and have distinct properties. Here’s a breakdown of their key differences:
- Material Composition:
Stretch Wrap: Typically made from linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), stretch wrap film is a strong, durable plastic designed to stretch and hold items securely together.
Cling Film: Usually made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or low-density polyethylene (LDPE), cling film is thinner, more flexible, and has a greater ability to stick to itself.
- Primary Use:
Stretch Wrap: Primarily used in industrial and commercial applications to secure products, especially on pallets for storage and transport. It’s designed to stretch and hold loads in place.
Cling Film: Commonly used in household settings for wrapping food items, covering containers, and providing a seal for freshness. It’s designed for short-term use and lighter tasks.
- Stretchability:
Stretch Wrap: This stretchable package film is highly stretchable (up to 300% of its original length), which allows it to tightly wrap around objects and hold them in place, even under pressure.
Cling Film: While it does cling well to surfaces, it generally has less stretch compared to stretch wrap. Its primary property is its ability to cling to itself, not stretch to the same extent as stretch wrap.
- Adhesion:
Stretch Wrap: The film is self-adhesive but primarily relies on tension (stretching) to hold its shape. The adhesive quality is enough to secure the film to the load without using additional glue or fasteners.
Cling Film: Cling film sticks to surfaces and itself due to its molecular properties, which make it cling without needing heat or adhesive. It is primarily used for food storage, where it provides an airtight seal.
- Strength and Durability:
Stretch Wrap: Designed to be strong and durable, stretch packaging wrap film can withstand the demands of securing heavy and bulky loads during shipping and storage. It offers good tear and puncture resistance.
Cling Film: Thinner and less durable, cling film is not as strong as stretch wrap and is not suitable for securing heavy loads or for industrial use. It’s more susceptible to tearing and puncturing under stress.
- Thickness:
Stretch Wrap: Typically thicker than cling film, ranging from 10 to 23 microns in thickness (for commercial applications). The thickness offers durability and strength for heavy-duty use.
Cling Film: Thinner, generally between 8 to 15 microns. This makes it more flexible and ideal for food storage, but less durable for industrial use.
- Applications:
Stretch Wrap:
Palletizing and securing products in warehouses and shipping.
Bundling products or materials together.
Protecting goods from dirt, moisture, and damage during transportation.
Cling Film:
Wrapping food for storage or preservation (e.g., covering bowls or wrapping sandwiches).
Protecting surfaces from dust or debris in household tasks.
