How to Choose Stretch Film Gauge: A Thickness Guide for Export
Choosing the right stretch film gauge is one of the most common questions we receive from importers, 3PL operators, and e-commerce fulfillment centers. The answer is not simply “thicker is stronger” - it is a balance of load type, pallet size, climate, handling method, and total cost per unit shipped. This guide breaks down the decision so you can specify the correct film before you place a container order.
Understanding Film Gauge (Thickness)
Stretch film gauge is measured in microns (µm) or mils (1 mil = 25.4 µm). Common export grades range from 10 µm (0.4 mil) for light-duty pre-stretch machines to 25 µm (1.0 mil) for heavy hand-stretch. The gauge, combined with the film’s elongation and memory, determines how much tension you can achieve before breakage.
Matching Gauge to Your Application
1. Light pallets (up to 200 kg / 440 lb): 15-17 µm hand-stretch film with 300%+ elongation is sufficient for 20-30 wraps. This keeps the cost per pallet under $0.30 while providing adequate containment.
2. Standard mixed cargo (200-500 kg): 20-23 µm is the sweet spot. It handles mixed carton heights, resists puncture from sharp edges, and works with both hand stretch and 3:1 machine stretch.
3. Heavy or unstable loads (500+ kg, tall stacking): 25 µm or dual-wall film (a composite with a thinner inner layer) provides the puncture resistance and creep resistance needed for multi-tier stacking in a 40-ft container.
Pre-Stretch vs Hand-Stretch: What Changes
Machine pre-stretch (typically 250-300% elongation at the winder) means the film is already thin and high-tension when it wraps the load. You can use a lower gauge (10-13 µm) because the machine adds the tension. Hand-stretch operators need more gauge (17-25 µm) because human arm strength limits achievable tension to about 100-150%.
Climatic Considerations for Sea Freight
During tropical ocean transit, temperatures inside a container can exceed 60°C. Standard LLDPE film begins to lose memory (slough) above 50°C. If your route passes through equatorial waters or you stack containers in port for extended periods, specify a film with a higher LLDPE-to-PE ratio or a dual-density formulation. Our quality control process includes accelerated aging at 65°C to verify creep resistance before release.
Cost per Roll vs Cost per Pallet
A higher-gauge roll costs more per meter, but it covers more pallets per roll because less material stretches out before breakage. A 23 µm roll may cost 20% more than a 17 µm roll but lasts 35% longer per wrapping cycle. When comparing suppliers, always calculate cost per pallet wrapped, not cost per kg.
Customization and Sourcing Tips
For export orders, we can slit to your exact width (500 mm, 500 mm pre-cut, or 510 mm for machine) and wind to your preferred roll length (20 m, 300 m, 500 m). Green-colored film is available at no premium if you want a visible sustainability signal on your shipping pallets. See our OEM Customization page for full options including custom print and logo.
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