Which Stretch Film Thickness Offers the Best Value for Money?

When you buy stretch film, you want to get good quality without spending too much. Many people ask: Which thickness is the most cost-effective? The answer depends on what you use the film for, but there are some common rules to help you choose.

First, let’s talk about common thicknesses. Most stretch films on the market are between 8 microns (μm) and 25 microns (μm). Thinner films (8-12 μm) are light and cheap per roll. Thicker films (18-25 μm) are stronger but cost more upfront.

For small or light items—like boxes of clothes, books, or small electronic parts—8-12 μm films are usually the best choice. They are thin, but they still have enough stretch to hold small loads tightly. You won’t waste money on extra thickness you don’t need. For example, if you wrap 10 small boxes, a roll of 10 μm film can do the job well, and it costs less than a thicker roll.

For heavier or larger items—such as big pallets of drinks, furniture parts, or metal products—15-18 μm films work better. These films are stronger, so they won’t tear easily when wrapping heavy things. If you use a too-thin film here, it might break, and you’ll have to wrap again (which wastes time and more film). In the end, 15-18 μm films save you money by avoiding rework.

What about films thicker than 18 μm? They are very strong, but they are often overkill for most daily uses. Only if you wrap extremely heavy or sharp items (like machine parts with edges) should you consider 20-25 μm films. For most people, these thicker films cost too much and aren’t necessary.

Another thing to remember: “value for money” isn’t just about the price of the roll. It’s also about how much you can use from one roll. Thinner films are longer (since they use less material per meter), so one roll can wrap more items. Even if a thick roll seems cheap per roll, a thin roll might let you wrap more things overall.

In short, there’s no “one-size-fits-all” answer, but these tips help:

• Choose 8-12 μm for small, light items.
• Choose 15-18 μm for heavy or large items.
• Avoid thicker films unless you have special needs.

By picking the right thickness for your needs, you’ll get the best value—strong enough to protect your things, and cheap enough to save money.