Hand Stretch Wrap
Hand Stretch Wrap for Low-Volume Operations
Millwood’s hand stretch wrap offers a reliable, cost-effective solution for securing palletized loads in low-volume operations. Lighter and easier to use than machine wrap, hand pallet wrap is perfect for warehouses with limited space, unstable pallets or operations that don’t support automated wrapping. With proper technique, hand wrap stretch film provides dependable stability, clarity and strength for shipping and storage.
When to Use Hand Stretch Wrap
Hand stretch wrap is ideal for loads that are too unstable to move to a machine as well as facilities with low pallet volume. It can also be used in environments where packaging variability is acceptable. It saves space, reduces costs and offers flexibility without compromising protection.
Types of Hand Stretch Wrap
Millwood offers Blown and Cast Hand Stretch Wrap Film. Cast Hand Wrap is economical and provides excellent film clarity, while Blown Hand Wrap offers superior tear resistance and higher load capacity—perfect for sharp or uneven loads. Both options deliver secure containment tailored to your needs.
Complex Packaging Needs? No Problem.
- Corner Defender – Reinforces 90° corners and prevents strapping abrasion.
- Edge Defender – Protects edges and strengthens unitization for better stability.
- Notch Defender – Provides durable corner and edge protection for heavy or high-impact loads.
Custom-made to order and 100% recyclable, the Defender Series delivers the protection, strength, and peace of mind your supply chain demands—because at Millwood, we’ve got every corner covered.
Why Choose Millwood As Your Single Source Provider?
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Customer Centric Approach: We collaborate closely with customers, providing personal service and responsive support to meet your unique needs.
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Industry Expertise Since 1985: With over four decades of experience, Millwood understands the complexities of pallet design and supply chain logistics.
- Innovative Design & Testing: Our in house ISTA certified lab and Pallet Design System (PDS) enable tailored, optimized pallet solutions.
- Manufacturing Experts: From sawmilling, resawing, assembly, heat treating and mold prevention, we have the experience and knowledge to serve you.
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Sustainability Commitment: We are committed to efficiency without compromising our environment.
Proven Solutions that Complement our Hand Stretch Wrap
Millwood Lab
Our ISTA-certified test lab gives customers confidence that their wood pallets and packaging solutions will perform in real-world conditions. By simulating shipping and handling environments, we test, verify, and optimize designs to reduce product damage, minimize waste, and improve supply chain efficiency.
PROVIDING SUPPLY CHAIN SOLUTIONS
We’ve hand-picked these products to create a comprehensive solution that complements your damage prevention needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is hand stretch wrap and when should it be used?
Hand stretch wrap is a manual pallet wrapping film used in low-volume operations, small warehouses and unstable loads, providing reliable containment and load stability without the need for automated stretch wrap equipment.
Hand stretch wrap is ideal for businesses managing limited pallets or handling irregular, unstable loads that can’t easily be wrapped by machine. Millwood’s hand pallet wrap provides strong load containment while saving floor space in smaller warehouses. It’s also cost-effective for operations that don’t justify investing in automatic stretch wrapping systems. With proper wrapping technique, hand stretch wrap film delivers dependable clarity, puncture resistance and load stability for both shipping and storage. Companies benefit from flexibility, space efficiency and reduced equipment expenses, making hand stretch wrap a practical choice for distribution centers, manufacturers and facilities requiring adaptable load securement solutions.
How does hand pallet wrap compare to machine stretch wrap?
Hand pallet wrap is lightweight, flexible and cost-effective for low-volume use, while machine stretch wrap is faster, more consistent and best suited for high-volume packaging operations with automated systems.
The primary difference between hand stretch wrap and machine stretch wrap is efficiency and application method. Hand wrap is applied manually, making it perfect for low-volume environments, smaller warehouses or facilities without automation. It reduces upfront costs while still offering strong load containment when applied correctly. In contrast, machine stretch wrap delivers greater consistency, speed and reduced labor effort—making it the better choice for high-volume operations or facilities seeking uniform pallet wrapping. By choosing the right wrap type, companies can balance cost, labor and throughput while ensuring their loads remain protected throughout shipping and storage.
What is the difference between cast and blown hand wrap stretch film?
Cast hand wrap offers better clarity and quiet application, while blown hand wrap provides superior tear resistance, making it ideal for heavier, sharper or more irregular palletized loads.
Millwood supplies both cast and blown hand stretch wrap films to meet different shipping requirements. Cast stretch wrap is economical, highly transparent and easy to unwind, making it excellent for operations where load visibility is important. Blown stretch wrap is more durable, with excellent puncture and tear resistance, making it ideal for heavy, unstable or sharp-edged loads that require higher holding force. Both options provide strong containment, but the choice depends on load type, handling conditions, and performance needs. By offering both types, Millwood ensures companies can select the right hand stretch film to maximize efficiency and minimize damage risk.
What technique should I use when applying hand stretch wrap?
- Tie stretch wrap to the pallet (preferably in a corner) to secure.
- Create a foundation by walking around the pallet three or more times, overlapping the wrap over both the pallet and the load. Make sure the stretch wrap covers the pallet corners.
- Work your way up the load making sure to overlap each previous layer by 50%. Pull the stretch wrap taut as you go – it’s meant to be stretched.
- At the top of the load, angle the stretch wrap in a way that it pulls the load down towards its center and base. This will minimize the chance of the load shifting in transit.
- Now, work your way back down the load overlapping each previous layer by 50%.
- Re-wrap the foundation at least two more times once you get to that point.
- The stretch wrap will stick to itself. To secure it, cut it from the roll and press it firmly against a previous layer.
Why choose hand stretch wrap for low-volume operations?
Hand stretch wrap is the most practical solution for low-volume facilities, offering cost savings, flexibility and secure load protection without the expense or space requirements of stretch wrap machines.
Low-volume operations often lack the throughput or floor space to justify an automated stretch wrap system. Hand pallet wrap offers these businesses a flexible, lightweight and cost-effective alternative for stabilizing pallets. It provides secure containment for products in storage or transit, protecting them from shifting, punctures and handling damage. Because it’s easy to apply, employees can wrap irregular or unstable loads that might not be machine-compatible. Millwood’s hand stretch wrap also comes in both cast and blown options, so users can match film performance to load requirements. This makes it the smart choice for small to mid-sized operations looking to optimize packaging efficiency without unnecessary capital investment.