Stretch wrap looks simple until you're standing in front of a dozen options wondering why one roll costs half as much as another. Pick a film that's too light and your pallets arrive collapsed; too heavy and you're paying for strength you don't need. This guide breaks down how stretch wrap is measured, how to match it to your loads, and where hand and machine film differ — so you can order with confidence.
What “gauge” actually means
In New Zealand, stretch film is usually measured in microns (mu) — one micron is a thousandth of a millimetre. The higher the number, the thicker and stronger the film. You may also see the American term “gauge” on imported products; as a rough guide, 20 micron is around 80 gauge, 23 micron around 90 gauge, and 30 micron around 120 gauge. Thickness isn't the whole story — film quality, cling and stretch capacity all matter — but microns are the quickest way to compare like-for-like.
Matching micron to your load
The right thickness depends on how heavy, sharp and stable your pallets are:
- Light loads (up to ~400 kg), stable and regular shaped — boxed goods and light cartons. A lighter cast film such as the Hand Pallet Wrap, 500mm x 400m, 12mu Cast Film holds these securely and keeps costs down.
- Medium loads (~400–800 kg) — mixed pallets and heavier cartons. Step up to a 23 micron film like the Heavy Duty Hand Pallet Wrap, 500mm x 300m x 23mu for extra puncture resistance and load retention.
- Heavy, awkward or sharp loads (800 kg+) — machinery parts, timber, edges that can pierce film. Reach for a 30 micron film such as the Cast Hand Pallet Wrap, 500mm x 250m x 30mu, and consider corner protection to stop tears starting.
If your pallets routinely arrive loose or the film splits during wrapping, that's your cue to move up a micron grade rather than simply adding more layers.
Hand film vs machine film
Hand stretch film is wrapped manually on a handheld dispenser. It's ideal for lower volumes — a few pallets a day — and for businesses that don't want the outlay of a wrapping machine. Browse the full hand stretch film range.
Machine stretch film runs on a semi- or fully-automatic pallet wrapper. If you're wrapping high volumes, machine film delivers more consistent tension, less waste and faster throughput — for example the Machine Wrap Stretch Film, 500mm x 1630m x 20mu for general use, or the heavier Machine Pallet Wrap, 500mm x 1420m x 23mu for tougher loads. See all machine stretch film options.
For bundling smaller items rather than full pallets, narrow film like the Bundling Film, 100mm x 150m, 23mu is the tool for the job — see the bundling film range.
Cast vs blown film
You'll also see cast and blown film. Cast film unwinds quietly, is clearer, and offers good cling — nice for hand wrapping and for seeing your product through the wrap. Blown film is tougher and more tear-resistant for heavy or sharp loads, but it's noisier to unwind and less transparent. Many NZ businesses keep cast film for everyday pallets and a heavier blown or high-micron film for the difficult loads.
Don't forget pre-stretch
Higher-performance films are “pre-stretched” during manufacturing, meaning a thinner film can do the work of a thicker one — cutting cost and plastic per pallet. The Machine Wrap Nano Stretch Film, 500mm x 2500m x 12mu is a good example, delivering strong retention from a thin, high-yield film. If sustainability matters to your business, biodegradable options like the Biogone Hand Pallet Wrap, 20mu and Biogone Machine Wrap, 23mu reduce material impact without sacrificing load stability.
The quick answer
If you just want a starting point: light cast film (around 12–20 micron) for light, regular loads; 23 micron for mixed medium loads; 30 micron or more for heavy or sharp pallets. When in doubt, size up one grade — a slightly heavier film costs far less than a damaged shipment.
Still unsure which film suits your operation? Browse the full stretch wrap range or get in touch — our team can help you spec the right gauge, and trade accounts get tiered pricing on the film your warehouse goes through every week.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most common stretch wrap thickness?
For general pallet wrapping in New Zealand, 20–23 micron hand film covers the majority of loads. Heavier or sharp loads step up to 30 micron or more.
Is machine film thinner than hand film?
Often, yes. Machine film is applied under controlled tension and is frequently pre-stretched, so a thinner film can achieve strong load retention with less waste.
Can I use one stretch wrap for everything?
You can, but it's rarely the most economical choice. Matching micron to load — lighter film for stable pallets, heavier for awkward ones — reduces both breakages and cost.
