Stretch Film Thickness vs Containment Force: What Really Matters?

Stretch Film Thickness vs Load Containment Force: What Really Matters?

Introduction

When choosing stretch film, many buyers focus almost exclusively on film thickness. While thickness (gauge) is important, it is only one part of a much larger equation. In real-world pallet wrapping, what truly determines load stability is load containment force.

Misunderstanding the relationship between stretch film thickness and containment force often leads to overwrapping, wasted material, and unnecessary packaging costs. Thicker film does not automatically mean stronger loads—and in many cases, it performs worse than properly selected high-performance film.

This article explains the difference between thickness and containment force, how they work together, and what factors actually matter when selecting stretch film for industrial and warehouse applications.

👉 View industrial stretch film options:
Browse Stretch Film Products

What Is Stretch Film Thickness (Gauge)?

Stretch film thickness is measured in gauge, with common options including 60, 70, 80, and 90 gauge. Thickness indicates how much material is present in the film, but it does not fully describe how the film behaves under tension.

Traditionally, thicker films were used to compensate for poor stretch performance. However, modern manufacturing technologies have significantly improved film strength, allowing thinner films to outperform older, thicker alternatives.

Common Gauge Ranges

• 60–70 gauge: Light loads, bundling, low containment needs
• 80 gauge: Standard pallets, most warehouse applications
• 90 gauge and above: Heavy, irregular, or high-risk loads

What Is Load Containment Force?

Load containment force refers to the inward pressure applied by stretch film that holds a palletized load together. This force resists shifting, tipping, and collapse during handling and transportation.

Containment force is influenced by multiple variables, including:

• Film elasticity and recovery
• Stretch ratio
• Wrapping tension
• Number of wraps and overlap
• Application method (hand vs machine)

Unlike thickness, containment force measures actual performance, not just material quantity.

Why Thickness Alone Is a Poor Performance Indicator

Many warehouses assume that increasing film thickness automatically improves load security. In reality, thicker film may stretch less, reducing the amount of containment force applied to the load.

Common problems caused by relying solely on thickness include:

• Excessive film usage per pallet
• Inconsistent wrapping tension
• Higher labor fatigue during hand wrapping
• No measurable improvement in load stability

Modern stretch films are engineered to generate containment force through controlled stretch and recovery, not just bulk.

How Stretch Ratio Affects Containment Force

Stretch ratio measures how much a film can elongate while maintaining strength. A higher stretch ratio allows the film to be applied under greater tension, increasing containment force without additional material.

For example, a high-quality 70–80 gauge film with superior stretch properties can outperform a low-quality 90 gauge film that lacks elasticity.

This is why professional operations focus on performance-based film selection rather than thickness alone.

Film Width, Application Method, and Their Impact

Hand Stretch Wrap

Hand wrapping relies heavily on operator consistency. Film thickness may help resist tearing, but containment force is limited by human-applied tension.

• Recommended widths: 18-inch
• Common gauges: 70–80

Machine Stretch Wrap

Machine wrapping provides controlled pre-stretch and consistent force application, maximizing containment force regardless of thickness.

• Recommended widths: 20-inch
• Common gauges: 80–90

Machine-applied film achieves higher containment force with less material.

Thickness vs Containment Force: Practical Comparison

How to Choose the Right Film for Maximum Containment

Instead of asking “What gauge should I use?”, ask:

• What is my pallet weight?
• Is the load uniform or irregular?
• Am I hand wrapping or machine wrapping?
• How much stretch can I safely apply?

You can also reference our related guides:

• How to Choose Stretch Film by Pallet Weight
• 5-inch vs 18-inch vs 20-inch Stretch Film Width Guide

How Better Film Selection Reduces Total Cost

Optimizing for containment force instead of thickness alone can lead to:

• Lower film usage per pallet
• Reduced product damage
• Improved wrapping speed
• Lower long-term packaging costs

Many facilities achieve double-digit savings simply by switching to performance-optimized stretch film.

Final Thoughts

Stretch film thickness matters—but it is not the most important factor. Load containment force is the true measure of performance.

By selecting film based on performance, stretch ratio, and application method, you can improve load stability while reducing waste and cost.

👉 Upgrade your stretch film strategy today:
Shop High-Performance Stretch Film at YXX-Tech