Blown vs. Cast Film: A Stretch Wrap Explainer

If you've ever stood staring at a pallet wondering how to best secure it, you know stretch wrap is a lifesaver. But all those rolls on the shelf aren't created equal. There are actually two main types – blown and cast – and figuring out the difference can make a world of difference for your goods (and your sanity!). 
 
How It's Made (Yes, This Matters!) 
 
Cast Film: Imagine those super quick chefs, flipping a thin, flat pancake onto a plate. That's kind of like cast film. Molten plastic is spread out, then rapidly cooled on a roller – think super-fast pancake making. This makes a thin film that's super clear and unwraps without making too much fuss. 

 
Blown Film: Picture a giant bubble getting blown upwards. That's the idea behind blown film. The plastic is extruded up, cooled by air, and forms a thicker, tougher wrap. It's a little clingier, too. 
 

So, What Does This Mean for You? 
 
Clear as Day: Need to scan barcodes or see what's inside the pallet? Cast film is your winner, hands down. Blown film is a little cloudier. 

Tough Stuff: If you're wrapping stuff with pointy corners or heavy loads, blown film has your back. It's great at resisting those frustrating punctures. 
 

Shhh... It's Warehouse Time: Cast film unrolls a lot more quietly. If you've got a busy warehouse, this can make a difference in the noise levels. 
 

Pounds and Pence: In general, blown film costs a smidge more to make, so the price tag might be a little higher. 
 

The Bottom Line 
 
There's no clear "best" here. It's all about what your priorities are: 
 
Protection is King: Blown film 
Clarity Matters: Cast film 
Need to Save Noise and Money: Cast film might be the way to go 
 
Confused about which way to go? Our team of experts is here to help! We've got all the wrap knowledge you could need and can get you set up with the perfect solution for your business. Reach out at sales@pluspkg.com or give us a call on +44 151 486 4800 to get started.