Stretch Film vs. Shrink Wrap: Which Is Better for Your Packaging Needs?

When it comes to protecting and securing your products, choosing the right packaging material can make all the difference. Two of the most common options—stretch film and shrink wrap—may look similar at first glance, but they serve very different purposes. Whether you're shipping pallets across the country or preparing retail-ready packaging, understanding the strengths of each material is key.

Let’s break down the differences and help you decide which is best for your business, with a spotlight on trusted solutions from IPG.

What is Stretch Film?

Stretch film is a highly elastic plastic film that wraps around products to hold them tightly together. It’s most commonly used for palletizing goods and securing them during transport or storage.

How it Works: The film is stretched as it’s applied, and its elastic recovery keeps the load tightly bound. No heat is required—just tension. 

Best For:

• Palletized loads
• Warehousing and logistics
• Irregularly shaped items

Featured IPG Products:

• Genesys® Ultra Plus: A high-performance machine-grade stretch film designed for heavy or unstable loads.
• Orbit Air B: A pre-stretched hand film that reduces worker fatigue and increases efficiency.
• ProLite®: A lightweight, eco-friendly hand wrap that delivers strong containment with less material.

What is Shrink Wrap?

Shrink wrap is a plastic film that shrinks tightly around a product when heat is applied. It’s ideal for creating a tamper-evident seal and protecting items from dust, moisture, and handling.

How it works: The film is loosely placed over the product and then heated using a heat gun or shrink tunnel. As it cools, it conforms tightly to the shape of the item.

Best For:

• Retail packaging
• Bundling smaller items
• Tamper-evident protection

IPG Shrink Film Options: Day-to-day refinishing work, masking off panels, and protecting surfaces during multi-day projects.

Stretch Film vs. Shrink Wrap: A Side-by-Side Comparison

Final Thoughts: Which One Should You Choose?

• Choose stretch film if you're looking for a cost-effective, efficient way to secure palletized goods for shipping or storage. It’s fast, safe, and doesn’t require special equipment.
• Choose shrink wrap if your priority is presentation, tamper evidence, or bundling smaller items for retail.

Both materials serve essential roles in the packaging world, and with IPG’s wide range of solutions, you’re sure to find the perfect fit for your needs.