How to Choose the Right Pallet Wrap Thickness and Stretch Level
Match your pallet wrap thickness and stretch to your load for secure, cost-effective wrapping.
Understanding thickness
Pallet wrap thickness is measured in microns. Thicker film holds heavier loads and resists puncture better, but costs more per roll and uses more material. The key is choosing the minimum thickness that securely contains your specific load.
Quick answer
17 micron for standard loads under 500kg, 20 micron for medium/heavy loads, 23 micron for heavy or irregular loads. Stretch percentage determines how far the film extends during application: 100-150% for hand wrapping, 200-300% for machine wrapping. Higher pre-stretch means less film used per pallet, reducing cost. Always test your chosen specification with a real pallet before committing to bulk purchase.
Stretch levels explained
Manual application stretches the film 1-1.5x its original length.
Automated wrappers pre-stretch film much further, using less material.
Stretched film has memory that pulls the load tight.
Properly stretched film with fewer layers outperforms loosely applied excess.
More: manual vs machine or complete guide.
Matching to your load
Selection guide0 / 4 checked
Selection tips
Start with the thinnest option that works. Wrap a test pallet with 17 micron and try to shift the load by pushing. If it moves, step up to 20 micron. Factor in transit conditions: rough roads or long journeys need more security than short warehouse transfers.
Pallet wrap in every thickness
17, 20, and 23 micron pallet wrap from ProcuraPack.
Browse pallet wrapFrequently asked questions
17 micron for light loads, 20 for medium, 23 for heavy or demanding conditions.
How far the film extends during application. Higher stretch = better containment with less material.
No, over-specifying wastes money. Choose the minimum that securely holds your load.
Wrap a real pallet and try to shift the load. If it moves, upgrade the thickness.
Yes, higher pre-stretch (200-300%) uses significantly less film per pallet than hand wrapping.
Part of our guide
Product Guide: Pallet Wrap
Expert guides on pallet wrap and stretch film for secure load stabilisation.
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