Have you ever found yourself looking for a wrap to seal leftovers in the fridge or wrap a pallet of products? If yes, you might have come across two popular types of wrapping materials: stretch film and cling wrap. While these terms are usually used interchangeably, they are used for different purposes.
At Terramar Essentials, we specialize in providing the best quality plastic packaging materials like shrink wrap, Poly Bags Wholesale, and more. In this post, we’ll discuss the difference between stretch film vs cling wrap, explore their uses, and help you know which material suits your needs.
Stretch film, also called stretch wrap, is a clear and elastic plastic film designed to secure products during storage or shipping. It stretches tightly around pallets or boxes, keeping them protected from moisture, dirt, and movement during transport.
Stretch wrap is commonly used across distribution centers, warehouses, and shipping departments for:
There are different types of stretch film available to suit different packaging environments:
It is suitable for high-volume operations. It is applied using automatic wrapping machines, offering better load retention and material savings.
It is ideal for small businesses or low-volume packaging and is applied manually without the need for investment in machines.
It is already stretched to its maximum limit and needs less force during application, making it easy to use while still offering a strong hold.
It contains UV inhibitors to protect loads stored outdoors from sun damage, and it is ideal for farms, construction sites, and long-term storage.
Cling wrap, also known as plastic wrap, Saran wrap, or cling film, is a thin plastic film used for sealing food containers. It clings to itself and smooth surfaces.
There are several varieties of cling wrap, especially useful in both home and commercial kitchens:
It is common in residential use and comes in a box with a serrated metal cutter.
It is a safer option with a sliding mechanism that ensures a clean cut, popular in bakeries and commercial kitchens.
It allows for easy tearing at pre-marked sections. It is commonly used in beauty salons, food service, and the printing industries.
Yes, cling wrap and plastic wrap are essentially the same product. The term “cling wrap” emphasizes its self-adhering quality, while “plastic wrap” is a broader descriptor. Both are types of film wrap for food. Moreover, if you are looking to buy shrink wrap, you can contact Terramar Essentials, your trusted Shrink Wrap Suppliers.
Here’s a quick comparison to clarify:
| Feature | Stretch Film | Cling Wrap (Plastic Wrap) |
| Primary Use | Securing products/pallets for shipping | Preserving food and sealing containers |
| Elasticity | Highly stretchable and durable | Light cling, not designed for heavy loads |
| Application | Industrial use (manual or machine) | Kitchen and food prep use |
| Thickness | Thicker and stronger | Thin, lightweight |
| Adhesive Properties | Clings through tension | Clings to smooth surfaces via static |
| Visibility | Transparent or colored options | Usually clear |
Conclusion
Understanding the difference between cling wrap vs plastic wrap, and stretch wrap vs cling film, is key to using the right material for the job. You can use stretch film for securing and transporting goods, and use cling wrap for preserving food freshness.
Still not sure which one fits your business? Contact Terramar Essentials, your trusted partner in plastic packaging supplies, from corn husks to paper cups, and more.
Learn More About:
