Stretch Hood Films

Stretch hood

A stretch hood is an advanced pallet packaging method using elastic, tubular plastic film that stretches and conforms tightly around a load, offering superior stability, protection from elements (dirt, water), and often greater material efficiency than traditional shrink wrap, with no heat needed, making it energy-saving and ideal for diverse industries like beverages, chemicals, and building materials for secure, fast transport.

Key Features & Benefits:

• Load Stability:High elasticity and holding force lock goods to the pallet, preventing shifting during transport.
• Full Protection:Creates a seamless, six-sided package, shielding contents from moisture, dust, and UV rays.
• Efficiency:Faster application than shrink wrap and uses less film (down-gauging), leading to material savings.
• No Heat Required:Eliminates energy use and risk to heat-sensitive products, unlike shrink systems.
• Versatility:Adapts to mixed, uneven, or tall loads, with films available for heavy-duty or light-duty needs.
• Sustainability:Modern films often use recycled content and are fully recyclable, supporting circular economy goals.

How it Works:

• A machine measures the pallet load’s dimensions.
• It takes a pre-made, tubular film sleeve, stretches it using clamping and stretching mechanisms.
• The stretched film is released around the pallet, contracting to form a tight, secure, and transparent layer. 

 

Common Applications:

• Beverages & Food (bottles, cans)
• Building Materials (bricks, tiles, cement bags)
• Petrochemicals & Fertilizers
• Whitegoods & Electronics

How are the dimensions of a shrink hood determined ?

https://www.polymersynthese.com/en/home/faqs/dimensions-hood

In order to determine the dimensions of a shrink hood or box hood, it is important to calculate the optimal height.

How are the dimensions determined correctly?

Since material is lost through the side folds of the hood, you must take this into account beforehand.
You also need an undershrinkage of about 250 mm.
Therefore, please use the following formula for the appropriate shrink hood height:
A+D+E+ 1/2 C = gives the height of the shrink hood or gusseted hood.

Sample calculation:

Euro pallet 1,200 x 800 mm, loaded with goods at a height of 1,000 mm.

Calculation:

1,250 mm (50 mm tolerance) + 850 mm (50 mm tolerance) x 1,675 mm (1,000 mm goods + half width 425 mm + 250 mm undershrink)

Dimensions of the shrink hood/flat hood:

1,250 + 850 x 1,675 mm
In this way, your products on the pallet are optimally protected from dust, dirt and moisture.
Depending on the packaged goods, we recommend a film thickness of 100 my | 125my or 150my.

While the formulas give you the base dimensions, you must also provide the supplier with the context of your machine, which affects the film’s required performance:

1. Machine Stretch Ratio:What is the maximum pre-stretch your specific machine (e.g., brand and model) is designed for? Knowing this helps the supplier select a film with the right elastic properties.
2. Load Stability / Puncture Risk:Is the load stable (e.g., square boxes) or unstable (e.g., sacks or uneven products)? Does it have sharp edges? This dictates the required film thickness (gauge) and puncture/tear resistance.
3. Environment:Is the pallet stored outdoors? If so, you need to specify a UV stabilization duration (e.g., 6 months of UV protection).

 

Downloads:
TDS file