We help guide you through selecting the proper stretch wrap film gauge for wrapping pallets and packages. Load type and Load weight can help determine the right thickness of stretch film you should be using in your packaging applications.

1. What is “gauge” and how do I know what
gauge I need for Stretch Wrap Film?
Gauge is the most common measure of the thickness of stretch wrap film (sometimes also
measured in microns). For example 100 gauge = 25.4 microns = .0254mm = .001in. The
higher the gauge number, the thicker the film. So for example a 100 gauge stretch wrap is
thicker than 80 gauge, 60 gauge and so on.
Stretch Wrap Partners: Leading Distributor of Stretch Wrap and Plastic Films: www.stretchwrappartners.com
Copyright 2015 Stretch Wrap Partners. All Rights Reserved.

2. Load Type Can Be A Determining Factor in Stretch Wrap
Gauge
Lighter gauge (40-80 Gauge) Stretch
Wrap Films are typically required for:
 Lighter loads, such as foam products,
or light food products (snack foods like
chips, etc)
 Even, square loads (also known as A-
loads)
 Little to no puncture potential
Heavier gauge (90-135 Gauge)
Stretch Wrap Films are typically required
for:
 Heavy loads, such as fasteners, machine
parts, bags of mortar or mulch, etc.
 Uneven loads with more corners and
angles (also known as B- or C-loads)
 Greater puncture potential
Stretch Wrap Partners: Leading Distributor of Stretch Wrap and Plastic Films: www.stretchwrappartners.com
Copyright 2015 Stretch Wrap Partners. All Rights Reserved.

3. Load Weight Can Be A Determining Factor in Stretch Wrap
Gauge
For loads up to 1,600 lbs:
Recommended Stretch
Wrap Gauge: 40-60
Gauge
For loads up to 2,000 lbs:
Recommended Stretch
Wrap Gauge: 70 Gauge
For loads up to 2,500 lbs:
Recommended Stretch
Wrap Gauge: 80 Gauge
For loads up to 3,000 lbs:
Recommended Stretch
Wrap Gauge: 90 Gauge
For loads over 4,000 lbs:
Recommended Stretch
Wrap Gauge: 120-150
Gauge
Stretch Wrap Partners: Leading Distributor of Stretch Wrap and Plastic Films: www.stretchwrappartners.com
Copyright 2015 Stretch Wrap Partners. All Rights Reserved.

4. An Alternative to the Standard 80
Gauge Stretch Wrap
Gauge Equivalent stretch wrap is the next generation in cast
stretch film extrusion technology. The U.S. market is seeing
a shift in the stretch film industry to lighter, stronger pallet
wrap in both hand and machine grade film. Many top
manufacturers have indicated that within 3 - 5 years the 80
gauge will no longer be sold in the market place because of
current soaring cost to produce film. We offer and
alternative the E-Maxx. This line will give you a break from
high priced (me too 80 gauge) standard hand and machine
stretch wrap.
E-Maxx (hand stretch wrap) and ECO80 (
machine pallet stretch wrap) is a multi-layered cast film
with a metallocene additive that has a high resistance to
stretch for superior load retention that will perform as well as
an 80 gauge film. It’s sold in a range of 20% -30%+ savings
under conventional 80 gauge wrap.
Stretch Wrap Partners: Leading Distributor of Stretch Wrap and Plastic Films: www.stretchwrappartners.com
Copyright 2015 Stretch Wrap Partners. All Rights Reserved.
Hand Stretch Wrap Gauge Equivalent
Machine Stretch Wrap Gauge Equivalent

5. Conclusion
Ultimately, the thickness needed is subjective. Samples film, when available, is
ideal to determine what works best for your needs. Stretch Wrap is typically
available in gauges ranging from 40ga - 150ga. Whether you are looking for
commodity packaging stretch films or value added specialty film, we are eager to
exceed your expectations. Our knowledge staff will help you select the right plastic
film at the lowest possible cost.

6. Conclusion
Ultimately, the thickness needed is subjective. Samples film, when available, is
ideal to determine what works best for your needs. Stretch Wrap is typically
available in gauges ranging from 40ga - 150ga. Whether you are looking for
commodity packaging stretch films or value added specialty film, we are eager to
exceed your expectations. Our knowledge staff will help you select the right plastic
film at the lowest possible cost.