Shrink wrap and stretch wrap are both plastic films, and people often use the names interchangeably. They work very differently: one shrinks with heat, the other clings under tension. This guide explains shrink wrap vs stretch wrap and where each is used, with our free Shrink Wrap Calculator.
Stretch wrap
- Stretches and clings to itself without heat.
- Made mostly from linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE).
- Used to hold pallet loads together.
Shrink wrap
- Placed loosely around a product and shrunk tightly with heat (heat gun or shrink tunnel).
- Made from polyolefin (POF), PVC or polyethylene (PE).
- Used for retail products, bundles, books, boxes, and also for large items like boats.
Comparison
| Feature | Stretch wrap | Shrink wrap |
|---|---|---|
| Application | Tension | Heat |
| Equipment | By hand or wrapping machine | Sealer plus heat gun or tunnel |
| Main use | Pallets | Retail packs, bundles, display |
| Appearance | Functional | Clear, tight, attractive |
| Tamper evidence | Low | Good |
Types of shrink film
| Film | Properties | Uses |
|---|---|---|
| POF (polyolefin) | Clear, strong, food-safe grades | Retail and food products |
| PVC | Clear, low cost, less flexible | Non-food items |
| PE shrink | Thick, strong | Bundling bottles, pallet shrink hoods |
Choosing
- Stabilising a pallet for transport: stretch wrap.
- Sealing a retail product or multipack neatly: shrink wrap.
Costs
Stretch wrap is usually cheaper per pallet. Shrink wrapping needs heat equipment but gives a premium look. Estimate costs with the Packaging Cost Calculator.
Sizing shrink film
Shrink film or bags must be the right size to shrink evenly; see shrink film size calculation. For pallets, see the Stretch Film Calculator.
Equipment for small businesses
A small business can start shrink wrapping with an I-bar or L-bar sealer and a heat gun, which cost far less than an automatic tunnel. As volume grows, a semi-automatic L-sealer with a shrink tunnel speeds up packing and gives a more even finish.
Recycling
Polyethylene stretch film is recyclable where collection exists, especially as clean, sorted film from warehouses. PVC shrink film is harder to recycle, which is one reason many businesses prefer polyolefin.
Frequently asked questions
Is shrink wrap the same as stretch wrap?
No; shrink wrap needs heat, stretch wrap clings under tension.
What is used to wrap pallets?
Usually stretch wrap.
Which shrink film is food-safe?
Many POF films have food-contact grades; check the supplier’s certification.