Stretch Hoods vs Stretch Wrap

In this blog we will compare stretch hoods and stretch wrap. We will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each and share our observations from working with a number of companies on this project.

Stretch Hoods

Stretch hooding is a packaging method which uses a stretchable plastic sleeve to tightly cover and protect palletised goods during transport and storage. The film is stretched over the top of the pallet and, in most cases, sealed at the top.

Advantages

• Stretch hoods provide full protection from dust and water ingress. Due to the one-piece design of a stretch hood and providing it has been sealed at the top, it acts as a fully watertight and dust proof barrier which protects the goods for damage. This means it is well suited to situations where pallets are being stored outside or in a difficult environment.
• As stretch hoods also cover the top of a pallet, there is no need for a separate top sheet dispenser. This removes the need for additional machinery which requires further installation and maintenance.
• Stretch hoods are much faster to apply that stretch wrap. This will help speed up your production and increase output.
• Whilst only effective up to a certain level, stretch hoods can also stabilise a pallet. They can suitably secure lightweight and stable goods however they are ineffective when trying to stabilise heavier and more awkward loads.

Disadvantages

• Fully automatic stretch hooding machines are at least two times the cost of a fully automatic pallet wrapper. These means there is a significantly higher initial set up cost.
• Stretch hoods can only be applied in one way. This means there is no flexibility for adjusting holding force or reducing plastic as there is with stretch film.

Stretch Wrap

Stretch wrap is a stretchable plastic film that is used for protecting and unitising pallet loads. The elasticity of the film allows it to stretch and conform to the shape of the pallet, providing a tight and secure layer which prevents the goods from moving during transit.

Advantages

• Stretch wrapping machines are much lower cost that stretch hooding machines which means that there is lower capital expenditure required.
• Stretch wrap is more versatile which allows for much more flexibility in the way that it is applied. For example, more film can be added in certain areas to improve holding force and stability, or the stretch ratio and film used can be optimised to reduce plastic waste.
• Although it has up to a 25% higher material cost in comparison to stretch hoods, it has a 40-45% lower usage which means that it works out around 15% cheaper per pallet.
• Continuing from the point above, this also means that in most cases, stretch wrapping uses significantly less plastic per pallet which makes it a more sustainable solution.

Disadvantages

• Stretch wrapping on its own does not protect the pallet against water and dust ingress. This can be achieved with the addition of an automatic top sheet dispenser however this adds to the cost and is extra work to maintain.
• It is slower to apply that stretch hoods which slows down your production.