How is pallet wrap manufactured?

Pallet wrap, also known as stretch wrap or stretch film, is manufactured through a process that involves several key steps. Here is an overview of the manufacturing process:

1. Material Selection:

The primary material used in pallet wrap is linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), although other materials can be used depending on specific requirements.

2. Extrusion:

Blown Film Extrusion:
- In this process, polyethylene pellets are melted and extruded through a circular die to form a continuous tube of plastic.
- Air is blown into the tube to create a bubble, which stretches the film and controls its thickness.
- The bubble is cooled by air rings and then collapsed and wound onto rolls.
Cast Film Extrusion:
- Polyethylene pellets are melted and extruded through a flat die.
- The molten film is then cooled on a chill roll, which solidifies the film.
- The film is stretched (oriented) in both machine and transverse directions to achieve desired properties and then wound onto rolls.

3. Orientation:

During the cooling process, the film can be stretched (oriented) in one or both directions. This orientation improves the film’s strength, clarity, and stretch properties.

4. Slitting and Rewinding:

The large rolls of film are then slit into narrower widths as required.
The film is rewound onto smaller rolls suitable for end-users.

5. Quality Control:

Throughout the manufacturing process, the film is tested for thickness, strength, clarity, and other properties to ensure it meets specified standards.