A comprehensive perspective from warehousing and logistics to cost control

I. Why is stretch film so crucial in the US logistics system?

In North America, stretch film is no longer a "low-tech consumable."

For US buyers, it directly impacts transportation safety, labor efficiency, warehousing costs, customer claim rates, and ESG compliance risks.

Stretch film is an irreplaceable basic material, especially in the following scenarios:

• Third-party warehousing (3PL)

• E-commerce fulfillment centers (Amazon/Walmart/Shopify)

• Food and beverage delivery

• Building materials, chemicals, daily necessities, and FMCG transportation

However, the reality is that many US buyers are both dependent on and dissatisfied with stretch film.

2. Price fluctuations are significant; what is a "reasonable price"?

Raw material LLDPE (especially C4/C6/C8) prices are significantly affected by crude oil prices, US resin plant maintenance, and import tariffs.

Buyers often ask:

"Why is the same gauge film $10–20 higher than last quarter?"

We break down the price as follows:

• Resin cost (LLDPE C4/C6/C8)

• Gauge/Micron

• Yield (lbs per roll)

Pricing is adjusted based on the current resin market, not arbitrary markup.

3. Falsely advertised stretch ratios; actual usage is higher than expected.

Many suppliers claim 200%/250%/300% stretch, but in reality, this is impossible to achieve by hand wrapping or semi-automatic machines in the warehouse. These are parameters based on real-world usage scenarios, not laboratory data.

We provide:

• Hand wrap: real stretch 80–120%

• Semi-auto: 150–200%

• Auto machine: 220–250%

4. Incompatible machine membrane leads to high setup costs.

We will first understand three questions:

· Machine brand & model

· Load weight & shape

· Target stretch %

We will then provide specific recommendations for different equipment.

5.Pallet instability during transport leads to frequent claims.

In the United States, shipping claims are a very real cost issue.

Buyers' biggest fears:

• Pallets shifting during long-haul truck transport

• Pallets collapsing during transshipment

• Customers refusing delivery or demanding compensation

Why is choosing the wrong stretch film so costly in North America?

In the North American market, stretch film is not only a packaging material but also a key variable in logistics security and cost control.

Many American buyers, when purchasing stretch film, often only focus on the price per roll, neglecting the following realities:

• Long transportation distances (interstate/international)

• High levels of warehouse automation (requiring higher film performance)

• High labor costs (operational efficiency directly impacts costs)

• Clear liability for damage (packaging issues = direct compensation)

The result is:

"Buying cheap, but using more expensive."

How to choose the right stretch film?

1. Choose according to the usage method: manual or machine use.

Usage Method	Key Indicators	Recommended Solution
Hand Stretch Film	Easy to stretch, good feel	medium stretch ratio, stable adhesion
Machine Stretch Film	High stretch ratio, strong retraction	pre-stretched, high strength

2. Select membrane structure based on cargo weight.

Cargo Weight	Recommended Membrane Type
Lightweight (<500kg)	Standard LLDPE
Medium (500–1000kg)	Reinforced Stretch Membrane
Heavyweight (>1000kg)	High Puncture Resistance, Nano Stretch Membrane

3.Focus on elongation, not just thickness.

Parameter	Their True Meaning
Thickness (Gauge)	Original material thickness
Elongation	Actual material savings
Retraction Force	Pallet stabilization capability

Choosing the right stretch film = a systematic decision

In the North American market, stretch film has never been a "low-tech product."

A truly professional choice should consider:

• Usage scenario

• Cargo structure

• Logistics environment

• Labor and equipment

• Long-term total cost

Choosing the right stretch film is not just about saving materials, but also about:

• Reducing cargo damage

• Improving efficiency

• Lowering overall logistics costs

Unsure which stretch film is right for your operations?

Please provide your pallet weight, wrapping method, and warehouse conditions—our team will recommend a customized stretch film solution to reduce costs and improve cargo stability.