Shrink Wrap Roll Size Chart & Cost

Shrink Wrap Roll Dimensions Decoded: What You Need to Know

Navigating shrink wrap dimensions, AKA Pallet stretch wrap, doesn't have to be complicated. The three most critical factors are width, thickness (measured in microns), and core type. Width determines coverage area per revolution, thickness affects strength and puncture resistance, while core type impacts handling and application efficiency.

When selecting wrap dimensions, consider your load profile first. Heavier loads benefit from wider 500mm films paired with 25 micron heavy-duty thickness for maximum containment. Standard loads with moderate weight can often be adequately secured with 400mm widths and 17 micron standard duty film, providing cost savings without sacrificing protection. 

The height of your typical load also matters-taller pallets require more wrap revolutions, making width selection even more critical for operational efficiency.

Standard Shrink Wrap Width Sizes & Their Applications

400mm Rolls: Ideal for Light to Medium Loads

The 400mm (approximately 16") width represents the most versatile and commonly used pallet stretch wrap size for standard applications. At Globe Packaging, 400mm rolls are available in a standard 17 micron duty, making them ideal for light to medium pallets and parcel wrapping. 

This width strikes an optimal balance between coverage and material usage, suitable for everything from individual boxes to medium-weight palletised goods. For operations handling primarily boxed goods, furniture with protective corners, and other items with regular shapes and moderate weight, the 400mm standard-duty option provides excellent economy without compromising protection.

500mm Rolls: Perfect for Heavy Duty Applications

For heavier loads and larger pallets, 500mm (approximately 20") rolls provide excellent coverage with fewer revolutions. At Globe Packaging, 500mm rolls are available in 25 micron heavy-duty thickness, designed specifically for securing heavy pallets and loads that require maximum containment force. 

The increased width, combined with heavier-gauge film, is particularly effective for wrapping palletized goods with substantial weight. The 500mm heavy-duty option allows operators to secure loads quickly with superior puncture resistance and load stability. This efficiency becomes especially important in high-volume shipping environments where every second counts.

Mini Pallet Wrap: Specialty Applications

On the opposite end of the spectrum, mini pallet wrap serves specialised bundling and small-item applications. These compact rolls are perfect for securing small product groups, bundling items, or providing additional reinforcement at package stress points. Their narrow profile makes them exceptionally easy to handle in manual applications, and they're often used in retail or small business environments.

The manageable size and lighter weight of mini rolls make them ideal for operations where full-sized industrial wrapping isn't practical or necessary. Many distributors use these smaller formats for bundling promotional materials, securing multi-packs, or providing additional protection to items with irregular shapes that standard packaging can't adequately contain.

Film Thickness Guide: Getting the Right Gauge for Your Products

17 Micron Standard Duty: Light to Medium Applications

The 17 micron standard-duty pallet stretch wrap, available in 400mm width, is designed for securing stable loads with minimal sharp edges or protrusions. This film offers excellent economy and is sufficient for many standard applications in controlled environments. 

It's particularly well-suited to wrapping boxed goods, furniture with protective corners, and other items with regular shapes and moderate weight.

25 Micron Heavy Duty: Maximum Protection

For challenging loads with sharp corners, heavy weights, or exposure to harsh handling conditions, the 25 micron heavy-duty pallet stretch wrap provides maximum protection. Available in 500mm width, this premium film offers superior puncture and tear resistance, excellent load containment force, and maximum durability throughout the supply chain. 

Though it uses more material than standard-duty options, its enhanced performance prevents product damage and load failure in demanding applications.

Understanding Core Types & How They Affect Usability 

Standard Core Rolls

Standard core rolls represent the most common configuration, featuring a cardboard tube that extends only to the edges of the film roll. These traditional cores provide adequate structural support during shipping and storage while keeping overall roll weight manageable. 

For occasional use or operations with multiple wrapping stations, standard cores offer a good balance of performance and value without specialised equipment requirements.

Extended Core Rolls for Better Grip

Extended core rolls feature cardboard tubes that extend beyond the film edges, creating natural handles on each side. This ergonomic design significantly improves operator grip and control during manual application, reducing wrist strain and improving wrap tension consistency. 

The extended handles allow operators to maintain proper film tension without gripping the film, resulting in more efficient material use and better load containment. The marginal cost increase for extended cores is easily justified by the ergonomic benefits and improved application quality. 

Many operations report reduced film consumption after switching to extended cores, as operators can maintain more consistent tension throughout the wrapping process. For high-volume hand-wrapping operations, extended cores should be considered the standard option rather than a premium alternative.

Complete Pallet Wrap Size Chart with Application 

Cost Considerations by Roll Specification

Understanding the pricing structure of pallet stretch wrap can help you make cost-effective decisions without sacrificing performance. Generally, prices scale with both width and thickness, but volume discounts can significantly offset these costs for larger operations. 

When calculating the total cost of ownership, consider not just the purchase price but also application time, waste percentage, and potential product damage from inadequate protection.

At Globe Packaging, we offer market-leading prices across the entire pallet wrap range, with next working day delivery on all orders placed by 4 pm. For high-volume operations, bulk purchasing delivers additional savings, reducing per-unit costs compared to individual roll pricing.

Source Your Pallet Stretch Wrap from Globe Packaging

Globe Packaging is one of the UK's leading packaging distributors, offering a comprehensive range of pallet stretch wrap manufactured in Europe using 5-layer co-extruded technology with extra high tack for seamless wrapping. 

Our selection includes standard core rolls, extended-core rolls for improved ergonomics, extra-length rolls for high-volume operations, pre-stretch wrap, mini pallet wrap, and machine pallet wrap-all available in clear, black, and blue.

Whether you're an established warehouse operation or a growing e-commerce business, our range of pallet stretch wrap supports UK SMEs with reliable, cost-effective packaging solutions.

With free next working day delivery on orders over £50 (exc VAT) within the UK Mainland, same-day dispatch on orders placed by 4pm, and market-leading prices across our entire range, Globe Packaging delivers the quality and value that packaging professionals demand. 

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*Note: Product listings, prices, and delivery times shown are approximate and subject to change. Contact Globe Packaging for the latest information.