4 Advice to Choose a stretch hood film

10 Mar.,2025

 

Top 10 FAQ about Stretch Hood System and their answers

The Stretch Hood pallet stretch hooding system is an innovative packaging technology that is becoming an increasingly popular end-of-line technology for many companies. Even so, many of its benefits and features are still unknown and many companies that decide to switch to Stretch Hood have questions and doubts about the suitability of Stretch Hood for their product. In addition to knowing the differences concerning other systems such as stretch wrapping or shrink hooding, many questions are raised about the Stretch Hood process itself, the film and its properties, the working dimensions, and the installation itself, among others.

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In today's article, we will answer the most common questions, following our series of articles on the Top 10 FAQ (Frequent Asked Questions) of end-of-line packaging systems.

Top 10 FAQ about Stretch Hood:

  1. What is Stretch Hood wrapping and how does it work?
  2. How does it differ from heat shrink?
  3. What type of film does Stretch Hood use? What characteristics must the film have?
  4. How can Stretch Hood ensure total impermeability?
  5. Does Stretch Hood hold the load?
  6. How high can Stretch Hood wrap a load?
  7. Which pallet formats can Stretch Hood work with?
  8. What are the dimensions of the machine?
  9. Can the Stretch Hooder be integrated into an existing packaging line?
  10. What communication and PLC systems is the Stretch Hood compatible with?

1. What is Stretch Hood wrapping and how does it work?

Stretch Hood is a unique pallet packaging system, as it protects the pallet using a hood that adapts to the load without the need to apply heat. Stretch Hood uses a tubular stretch film (Stretch Hood film) which stretches and applies to the load, covering it completely and protecting it on all sides. Unlike other systems, it only uses the exact amount of film needed to protect the load, resulting in a better-protected package with less film usage.

2. How does it differ from heat shrink?

Stretch Hood and shrink hood pallet wrapping systems are similar only in that they both use tubular film to protect the load. But unlike shrink hooding, the Stretch Hooder stretches the film and adjusts it to the load without the use of heat ( most commonly by gas combustion ). The hooding process works this way:

  • With the heat shrink system, the machine applies a tubular film containing shrink properties. When heat is applied using combustion burners, the film shrinks until it is practically 'glued' to the load. Therefore, this system uses more energy for combustion and a greater quantity of film (in dimensions and thickness of the plastic required).
  • With the Stretch Hood system, the machine applies a tubular film that stretches on the spot to fit the load. The dimensions of the film are slightly smaller than the load so that it can compact and hold the load as it is stretched on it. With this system there is no need for heat shrink and much less film is used for protection.

3. What type of film does Stretch Hood use? What characteristics must the film have?

Stretch Hood film is an advanced packaging film under continuous development and improvement to offer different gripping and protection results. It is a multilayer tubular film composed of Linear Low-Density Polyethylene (mLLDPE) and to a lesser extent EVA polymer, with properties for impermeability, stretchability, and elasticity.

Its multilayer structure normally used contains inner layers that offer mechanical strength and stretch (usually composed with some EVA), while its outer layers contain additives that offer resistance to puncturing and friction, as well as sealing and waterproofing (which are those composed with LLDPE).

When choosing a film to protect cargo, it is important to know the objectives of securing, protection, visibility, etc. to determine the necessary thickness, stretch properties, or protection additives (e.g. anti-UV filters).

At Innova, our technical team can advise you in choosing the type of Stretch Hood film that best suits your load. Our Stretch hood system is certified by most commercial film manufacturers in the market with different formats and types of film.

4. How can Stretch Hood ensure total impermeability?

Stretch Hood is the packaging system that offers the best protection and sealing performance due to two factors: the stretch hooding process and the properties of the film.

During the stretch hooding process the machine stretches and applies the film so that it is sealed from the top to the bottom of the pallet. It can also perform a special type of wrapping with extra protection at the base so that the wooden pallet does not get wet in extremely rainy conditions.

In addition, Stretch Hood film has waterproof properties in the composition of the film. As it is a Low-Density Linear Polyethylene material, puncture and friction resistance is added to the film itself, so that it does not permit the stage of humidity and rain.

In contrast, other solutions such as the shrink wrapper can leak moisture or raindrops between the wrapping layers. In the case of the heat shrink system, the application of heat itself can generate cracks or perforate the plastic.

5. Does Stretch Hood hold the load?

Depending on the type of load, the Stretch Hood provides total support for transport and handling. This is the case for stable pallets (e.g. for sack loads) or light pallets (e.g. for logistics or pharmaceuticals). However, in the case of heavy and light loads (e.g. ceramics or building materials), it is advisable to use an additional securing solution such as strapping systems or stretch wrapping with a roping application.

Nevertheless, due to advances in the development of Stretch Hood films, there are more and more films on the market with increased strength and hold-down that allow the load to be secured with a single hood. The key to securing lies in the properties of the film combined with the correct stretch application by the Stretch Hood machine.

6. How high can Stretch Hood wrap a load?

The Stretch Hood system usually adapts to various heights required by the customer and common commercial formats. For example, Innova's system usually wraps pallets up to 2,500 mm (8 ft), and even pallets that can be towed (as in the case of bulk / FIBC bags). Thanks to the modularity of our Stretch Hooder system, the machine can be adapted to higher loads.

With the adaptability of the Stretch Hood, unstable and high pallets can be protected with a single cover from head to toe, using much less film than a stretch wrapper for the same type of pallet.

7. Which pallet formats can Stretch Hood work with?

The Stretch Hood System is famous for being able to adapt to different pallet sizes and shapes. Stretch Hood film has a high stretch capacity and there are films on the market that can stretch up to 120% for adaptability to different load sizes, in the case of multi-format production. In addition, most Stretch Hood systems offer a 2-3 reel holder capacity to accommodate these formats.

In the case of Innova's Stretch Hood system, the standard pallet sizes are x mm (52 x 49 inches), but we also have the option of Stretch Hood large formats for loads of x mm (130 x 55 inch).

8. What are the dimensions of the machine?

There are several sizes of Stretch Hood machines on the market depending on the manufacturer and customer needs. In Innova's case, the Stretch Hood machine measures x mm (length x width) ' 212 x 256 inches ' with a height of mm (193 inches) and can be extended in height according to the customer's wrapping needs (even with high loads). The Innova Stretch Hood system has been designed taking into account the modularity of the system itself, the safety requirements for the handling of the machine, the standard dimensions of the loads, and the standard dimensions of the production plants.

Our Stretch hood has a 4-pillar frame to provide more safety and stability in wrapping, compared to other manufacturers that only use two columns in their Stretch hoods. It also has an upper safety stop for hood carriage maintenance and the possibility of adapting to different safety requirements for access to the hooding carriage.

9. Can the Stretch Hooder be integrated into an existing packaging line?

Yes, Innova's Stretch Hood system can be integrated into any automatic packaging line that requires it. Although the other systems should be of the same brand, the Innova Stretch Hood system can be retrofitted to lines with existing strapping or stretch wrapping systems to offer the advantages of stretch hooding.

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In the case of such integration, our engineering team adapts both the conveyor line and the communication systems to ensure a smooth packaging process.

10. What communication and PLC systems are the Stretch Hood compatible with?

At Innova, we connect with the most commonly used communication and PLC systems in the packaging and end-of-line industry. We offer integrations and compatibility with Omron, Siemens, Rockwell, or Schneider systems among others.

Consult without obligation the compatibility of Stretch Hood with the system of your factory.

In short, there are many generic questions about the Stretch Hood system and other more specific questions about the system manufactured by Innova. Whether they are issues of mechanics, electronics, components, film consumption, or system integrations' our Engineering and Technical and Commercial Consulting teams can solve them without obligation.

Do not hesitate to contact us with any questions regarding the Stretch Hood system or any other Innova packaging solution, we will be happy to assist you.

How to choose the optimal pallet wrapping film for your load stability

When it comes to selecting the optimal wrap film for your packaging needs, understanding the differences and benefits of each type is crucial. This article will help you make a suitable decision by yourselves.

Hand Film

Overview

Hand stretch film is a versatile and user-friendly solution ideal for smaller operations or environments. It can be used on products of any shape or size. Furthermore, Hand wrap which manually applied using a dispenser make it flexible and convenient for applications.

Best for

  • Cost-Effective: Hand film is designed to be applied by people, decreasing the investment in equipment.

  • Flexibility: Easy to use in various settings and environment, provided that a person can walk around the pallet.

  • Control: Operators can adjust the right amount of tension and wrap at all times according to the specific needs of each pallet.

Machine Wrap

Overview

Machine wrap is made from a special formula, utilizing automatic or semi-automatic wrapping machines to speed up the wrapping process. Compared with hand film, advanced machine wrapping can save time, especially for big product volumes. Moreover, this method ensures a consistent and efficient wrapping process, saving labor costs.

Best for

  • Efficiency: Faster wrapping process, ideal for large-scale operations with high throughput.
  • Consistency: Uniform wrap of film ensures secure and stable loads, but it is not convenient for adjusting the winding strength during the opened machine.
  • Reduced Labor Costs: Less manual labor is required, freeing up workers for other tasks.

Folded Stretch Film

Overview

Folded edge stretch film, when compared to normal hand stretch film, offers several advantages. The folded edges provide added strength and tear resistance, ensuring greater stability and security during transit or storage. This feature makes it less prone to tearing or unraveling at the edges, offering better protection to the packaged items. While Standard hand stretch films might be more susceptible to edge damage, which can compromise the integrity of the wrapped pallet or goods. The folded edges in this specialized film help mitigate the risk of damage, enhancing the overall durability of the film.

Best for

  • Enhanced Film Edge Strength and Easy Rope Making: Enhance film edge strength reduces the risk of tears and easy rope making when wrapping pallets.
  • Optimal Stretch and Plastic Consumption Reduction: 50%-100% optimal stretch, easy to pull up to the max holding force and reduces plastic consumption.
  • Cost Savings and Environmental Benefits: Our folded edge stretch film saves considerable cost and supports eco-friendly packaging solutions.

Stretch Hood Film

Overview

Stretch hood film is a specialized wrap used with stretch hood machines to create a secure, weatherproof cover for pallets. Instead of wrapping rectangular-shaped film around a pallet's sides, this film stretches the products and shrinks to form a tight fit, which is an excellent application in that the products are not damaged by rain or other outdoor elements.

Best for

  • Protection: Stretch hood offers superior protection against moisture, dust, and UV light and protection for outdoor storage or shipping.

  • Cost saving: The use of film requires the purchase of a machine, but in the long run, it still reduces costs.

  • Large-scale: Stretch hood owns high barrier in applications involving high-value or sensitive goods.

Conclusion

Choosing the best wrap film for your needs involves evaluating the specific requirements of your operation, the nature of your products, and your volume of packaging.

Hand Film: Ideal for smaller operations, hand stretch film is cost-effective, flexible, and provides control over tension and wrapping.

Machine Wrap: Suitable for large-scale operations, machine wrap ensures efficient and consistent wrapping, reducing labor costs and speeding up the process.

Stretch Hood Film: This specialized wrap makes it ideal for outdoor storage or shipping of high-value goods especially anti-radiation products.

Folded Stretch Film: Engineered to prevent edge break, durable, providing reinforced protection with less material needed.

For more information, please visit stretch hood film.