Often the terms stretch wrap and shrink wrap are used interchangeably, but these versatile materials have different purposes and are applied differently. Stretch wrap is an elastic plastic material that can be stretched tightly over material loads to secure the load for shipping. By contrast, shrink wrap is often used to bundle smaller items together. Shrink wrap can be applied loosely and then heated to shrink it down to create a vacuum seal that protects items from environmental forces like weathering or dust. 

Stretch wrap typically comes in continuous rolls of plastic in varying degrees of strength and load capacity. Each type features properties specific to their intended application. For example, some wraps are meant to conceal contents from view for security purposes. Others are specifically designed to protect shipments from moisture, dust or static. Stretch wrap can be applied by hand or machine, depending on the job. 

The gauge is the measure of the wrap's thickness, which varies depending on purpose. Generally the higher the gauge, the higher its resistance to breakage. General-purpose 80-gauge wrap is the industry standard, and can secure loads up to 2,400 lbs. Higher-gauge wraps tend to be a little more expensive, so it's important that you choose the gauge that's right for the load. It's also important to keep in mind that while higher gauge wraps are thicker, and a bit more expensive, the higher strength means you don't need to wrap around loads as many times as a thinner gauge wrap, so you use less and help reduce the incidence of worker fatigue, especially if this is a task that is repeated throughout a worker's day.

Pre-stretched wrap is mechanically stretched almost to the breaking point and offers a lighter-weight option to the industry standard 80-gauge films while providing the same performance for load stability and tension. These wraps can also help to prevent worker fatigue because they require less energy to apply. Some newer options, such as the high-performance technology wraps, now offer better puncture resistance and strength at lower gauges. Here's a quick look at the most common stretch wrap gauges, and their applications.

While many wraps are available in both hand or machine grade, some are meant to be applied by hand only. If your application requires wrapping by hand, there are a variety of tools available to make this process easier, including dispensers, handles, applicators and others. Here's a quick guide to 10 common types of stretch wrap and their applications.

This chart illustrates the most common types of stretch wrap and their uses. However, this overview doesn't include the many variations available to help you find the exact match for the job. Use this chart as a guideline to help you narrow down your choices. If your company depends on stretch wrap as an essential part of doing business, it might be worthwhile to take a little inventory on the types of wrap you're using and why. If you're using the same wrap product for every job, that might not be optimal, If, for example, the gauge is too thick for the load, you may be spending more than you need to. Over a year's time, what may seem insignificant can really add up.

It's wise to re-evaluate your company's day-to-day practices regularly to make sure you're getting the most out of your budget. Grainger offers a wide variety of stretch wraps and packaging materials for all of your shipping needs.