What Is Stretch Hooding?

In the packaging, logistics and transportation industry, ensuring the safe and secure delivery of palletised goods is paramount. Among the various packaging methods available, stretch hooding stands out as a highly effective and versatile solution. But what exactly is stretch hooding, and why has it become a preferred choice for many industries? 

This article delves into the intricacies of stretch hooding, exploring how this innovative method uses stretchable plastic film to provide unparalleled stability and protection for palletised loads. Whether you're a logistics professional or simply curious about modern packaging technologies, read on to discover the benefits and applications of stretch hooding in today's fast-paced supply chain environment.

What Is Stretch Hood Film?

Stretch hooding is a packaging method commonly used to secure and protect palletised goods. It involves using a stretchable plastic film, known as stretch hood film, which is applied over a load of goods on a pallet. 

The stretch hood is typically made of linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) and is designed to fit snugly over all 5 sides of the pallet load (leaving no open top side), providing stability and protection during handling and transportation.

Stretch hood film is a popular choice across many different industries because it provides strong, resilient packaging that adapts to different load shapes and sizes, enhancing protection and stability throughout the supply chain. 

Examples include:

• Logistics and distribution
• Food and beverage
• Chemicals and pharmaceuticals
• Construction materials
• Consumer goods
• Agriculture
• Automotive
• Retail and wholesale
• Textiles

Why Use Stretch Hood Film?

There are several advantages of using stretch hood film for your packaging needs, including:

• Improved Load Stability: The tension in the film holds the goods firmly in place, reducing the risk of damage during transit.
• Highly Durable: Due to its ability to stretch, this type of film is incredibly durable, making it resistant to tears and punctures even on odd-shaped products.
• Enhanced Protection: The polythene film acts as a barrier against environmental factors like dust, dirt, and moisture.
• Versatility: It can accommodate various load sizes and shapes, making it a flexible option for different types of products.
• Environmental Benefits: Stretch hood films are often recyclable, contributing to more sustainable packaging practices.
• Cost Efficiency: Stretch hooding can be more cost-effective than other packaging methods like shrink wrapping, often using up to 50% less material!

The Stretch Hood Process

The process of stretch hooding usually involves the following steps:

1. Loading the Pallet: Goods are stacked on a pallet in a stable configuration.
2. Film Application: Stretch hooder machines are used to stretch a plastic film into a particular shape above the load, and then lowered onto it by the machine.
3. Stretching and Sealing: The film is stretched to conform tightly to the shape of the load, creating tension that helps secure the items. The film may be heat-sealed or welded at the bottom to ensure it stays in place.
4. Stabilisation and Protection: Once applied, the stretch hood provides stability to the load, preventing items from shifting or toppling during transport. It also protects the goods from dust, moisture, and other environmental factors.

What Are the Film Requirements for Stretch Hood?

The film used for stretch hooding must meet specific requirements to ensure it effectively secures and protects palletised loads. These requirements include:

• Elasticity and Stretchability: The film must be highly elastic and capable of stretching significantly without tearing. This elasticity allows the film to conform tightly to the load, providing stability.
• Tensile Strength: The film should have high tensile strength to withstand the forces exerted during stretching and transportation. This ensures that the film does not break or tear under stress.
• Tear Resistance: To prevent the film from tearing during application or handling, it should possess excellent tear resistance, especially at the corners and edges where stress is highest.
• Puncture Resistance: Similarly, the film needs to be puncture-resistant to protect the load from potential damage during handling and transport
• Thickness: The film should have an appropriate thickness to balance flexibility and strength. Common thicknesses range from 100 to 150 microns, depending on the load requirements and protection needs.
• Clarity and Transparency: For easy identification of the packaged goods, the film should be clear and transparent. This helps with visual inspections and barcode scanning without removing the film.
• UV Resistance: If the palletized goods are stored outdoors or exposed to sunlight, the film should have UV resistance to prevent degradation from ultraviolet rays.
• Temperature Tolerance: The film should perform well under various temperature conditions, maintaining its integrity in both hot and cold environments.
• Recyclability: Ideally, the film should be recyclable to support sustainable packaging practices and reduce environmental impact.

Stretch Hood Film Vs Stretch Wrap Film

When comparing stretch hood film to stretch wrap film, several key distinctions emerge in their applications and benefits. 

• Stretch hood film is applied as a single, continuous piece over a pallet load, whereas stretch wrap film is wrapped around the load in multiple layers, either manually or with a machine. 
• While stretch hood film excels in providing enhanced stability and a cleaner appearance, stretch wrap film offers flexibility and adjustability.
• Stretch hood film has the greater ability to stretch and then return to the original shape, whereas stretch wrap has less recall to an earlier state
• Stretch hooding requires machinery, whereas stretch wrap can be applied by hand
• Stretch hood film is typically the more suitable option for high-volume operations compared to stretch wrap film, which is more accessible for smaller operations. 

Explore Our Range of Stretch Hood Film Solutions

At Industrial Polythene, we provide stretch hood film to benefit your packaging needs, securing goods through all stages of the supply chain. Get in touch with us today to discuss your stretch hood packaging requirements.

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