The terms "stretch wrap" and "shrink wrap" are often used interchangeably but are actually completely different products. While they are both clear plastic films used for packaging purposes, they have very different uses.
- Stretch Wrap is essentially a heavy-duty cling wrap. It is most commonly used for bundling and stabilizing items, usually on pallets for shipping purposes. Tension gets applied to the material as it is wrapped several times around the bundled products, causing the wrap to cling to itself. The result is tightly wrapped, secure packaging.
- Shrink Wrap is not stretchy. It is typically used to professionally package retail items, like DVD and CD cases, giving them a tamper-proof and protective barrier. While it is usually used to wrap individual items, it can be used to package multiple items. The material is first cut to fit around the item, and then heat is applied to shrink it to an exact fit.
Title: What's the difference between stretch and shrink wrap?
Description: Comparison of stretch wrap and shrink wrap.
Published: 10/3/2012
Last Edited: 3/21/2025
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