Top 5 Industries Using Stretch Film: Target Your Customer Base with the Right Products

Different industries have unique shipping and storage requirements, making the selection of appropriate stretch film crucial. Here’s a quick guide to the best stretch films suited for five major U.S. industries.

1. Food & Beverage

Best Film Types: Cast Stretch Film, Cold Storage Stretch Film, Vented Pallet Wrap
The food industry benefits from cast stretch film due to its clarity, essential for product visibility and labeling. In refrigerated or freezing conditions, cold storage stretch film remains flexible and effective. Vented Pallet Wrap offers ventilation through die-cut holes, ensuring airflow to keep products fresh. Approximately 40.9% of the stretch and shrink film market is attributed to this sector¹, driven by the need for packaging perishable goods and ensuring product freshness.

2. Warehousing & Distribution Centers

Best Film Types: Machine Stretch Film, Cast Stretch Film
Contributing to a 28% growth in stretch film demand², this industry relies on stretch films to reduce damage-related costs and enhance supply chain efficiency. These facilities handle high volumes of shipments, making machine-applied stretch film the best choice. Cast stretch film is often used due to its cost-effectiveness and clarity, allowing for easy barcode scanning. 

3. Pharmaceuticals & Medical Supplies

Best Film Types: Anti-Static Stretch Film, High-Clarity Cast Film
Pharmaceutical shipments often require specialized packaging solutions like anti-static stretch film to prevent static buildup, crucial for protecting sensitive electronic medical devices. High-clarity films allow easy identification of medical shipments, ensuring compliance and safety without the need for opening the packages. Representing 20% of the market², the pharmaceutical industry uses stretch films for sterile and protective packaging of medical supplies and equipment.

4. Manufacturing & Industrial

Best Film Types: Blown Stretch Film, High-Performance Stretch Film
Heavy-duty machinery and metal components demand high puncture resistance and robust load containment. Blown stretch film, known for its superior durability and effectiveness with irregularly shaped loads, is particularly beneficial here.

5. Retail & E-Commerce

Best Film Types: Pre-Stretched Film, Bundling Film, Opaque Stretch Film
To reduce worker fatigue while securing shipments, smaller fulfillment centers often use pre-stretched film. Bundling film efficiently secures irregular items or grouped boxes without adhesives. Additionally, opaque stretch film is preferred for its ability to conceal valuable contents, thereby protecting shipments against theft.

Final Thoughts

With stretch film required across a wide array of industries, helping your customers select the right type is more than a packaging decision—it’s a strategic move. Whether it’s protecting delicate pharmaceuticals or securing pallets in high-volume warehouses, each application demands a tailored film solution. Understanding these industry-specific needs ensures not only product safety and efficiency but also enhances supply chain performance.

Looking to expand your stretch film offering or need guidance on the best products for your customers? We’re here to help!

Reach out to your account manager or contact BOX Partners Customer Support Team at 800-806-2636.

Explore our full line of stretch film today!

₁ Grand View Research

₂ Global Growth Insights