Stretch film is a plastic film applied around palletized loads to secure and stabilize them during shipping and storage. It helps prevent shifting, tipping and damage while improving handling and protection from dust or moisture.

Stretch film works by applying consistent tension that holds items tightly together, forming a secure unit load. This ensures products remain stable throughout transport and storage. Available in both hand and machine varieties, it allows businesses to match performance with operational needs. Millwood’s stretch film solutions are validated through ISTA-certified testing to deliver consistent containment, reduce product damage and improve overall supply chain efficiency for customers across various industries.

Hand stretch wrap is applied manually for low-volume or irregular loads, while machine stretch wrap is used in automated systems for higher speed, consistency and reduced material waste.

Hand stretch film is ideal for smaller operations, warehouses without automation or unstable pallets that can’t be machine-wrapped. Machine stretch film is designed for automated or semi-automated wrapping systems, ensuring consistent tension, faster throughput and less operator strain. Choosing between them depends on load volume, equipment and labor resources. Millwood helps customers identify the best fit, providing both options to ensure efficiency, stability and cost-effectiveness across operations of any size or complexity.

Choose blown film for heavy, sharp or irregular loads requiring higher tear resistance; select cast film for clear visibility, quieter unwinding and cost efficiency.

Blown stretch film is manufactured through a blown extrusion process, resulting in higher strength and puncture resistance. It performs best in demanding environments with uneven or heavy loads. Cast stretch film, produced by a flat die process, provides exceptional clarity for barcode visibility and smooth application. It’s ideal for lighter or uniform loads where noise reduction and cost efficiency are priorities. Millwood offers both types to help customers match film performance, clarity and load profile requirements while balancing strength, stretch and sustainability goals.

Yes. Stretch film applies even containment force across the load, reducing shifting and damage in transit while improving safety and efficiency.

Properly applied stretch film ensures that items remain tightly bound, locking them into a single, cohesive unit. This stability minimizes load movement, tipping or collapse during shipping and handling. Machine-applied stretch film further enhances consistency by maintaining uniform tension throughout each wrap cycle, while hand-applied film offers flexibility for irregular loads. Millwood tests all film types under real-world vibration and handling simulations, ensuring performance standards meet or exceed industry requirements — ultimately protecting your products, lowering freight claims and improving overall operational reliability.

Yes. Millwood offers recyclable film options designed to reduce waste and support sustainability initiatives across your packaging process.

Many stretch films are made from recyclable materials and can be reused or processed through approved recycling programs. Millwood’s sustainability approach, guided by our Perfect Stewardship philosophy, emphasizes efficiency without environmental compromise. Our eco-friendly films minimize plastic waste by improving pre-stretch performance and reducing product damage. Combined with our recycling and pallet recovery programs, Millwood helps customers reach environmental goals while maintaining cost efficiency. Choosing the right film not only protects your products but also supports a greener, more sustainable supply chain.

Yes. Millwood provides stretch film across North America through its extensive manufacturing and distribution network.

With more than 37 facilities and over 250 partner locations nationwide, Millwood ensures reliable product availability and short lead times. This scale allows customers to consolidate vendors and maintain consistent packaging quality across multiple sites. Whether you need hand wrap for low-volume operations or machine film for automated systems, our national footprint and integrated supply chain mean you’ll always have dependable access to the products and expertise you need. Millwood delivers performance, reliability and partnership wherever your business operates.