Stretch film “not sticky enough” or “too sticky”? Understand the secret of stickiness in this article

Introduction: The impact of stretch film adhesion is more than just packaging effects

In modern logistics and packaging industries, stretch film is widely used for packaging, securing, and protecting goods. However, have you ever encountered situations like these:

• The film starts to "rebound" as soon as it is wrapped, and it simply won't stick;
• Or the film sticks tightly together when pulled apart, making it difficult to unfold;
• Worse yet, during transportation, the film comes loose, the goods tilt, and heavy losses occur?

Behind this, it is likely that the "adhesion" has gone wrong.

The adhesion of stretch film seems simple, but it is actually quite complex. This article, by [Chinafilm Group], comprehensively reveals the principles of stretch film adhesion, the causes of common problems, and provides practical film selection suggestions and solutions to help you accurately select films, reduce losses, and improve efficiency.

I. Three Principles of Stretch Film "Adhesion"

1. Self-Adhesion: "Sticking" to itself through surface molecular adsorption

The "self-adhesion" of stretch film mainly relies on the surface molecular structure of the film, which has a certain adsorption capacity, allowing the film to naturally adhere to itself after wrapping, forming a stable wrapping effect.

Common methods to improve self-adhesion include:

• Adding PIB (polyisobutylene) or its masterbatch;
• Changing the surface tension (such as using co-extrusion layers);
• Using low crystallinity resin to improve surface adhesion.

2. Initial Tackiness: The "grip" at the first contact

Initial tackiness refers to the adhesive ability of two films at the moment of initial contact. It determines whether the film can quickly "grab" and fix itself to the surface of an object, and is an important parameter affecting the wrapping speed and efficiency.

It is usually evaluated using the "touch test method" or specialized equipment (such as an initial tackiness tester).

3. Holding Adhesion: How long the adhesion lasts before detachment

Even if the initial tackiness of the film is good, if the adhesion rapidly decreases after a period of time (especially during transportation), it may cause the goods to shift. Holding adhesion refers to the ability to maintain adhesion under certain pressure and time, and is related to the final stability and reliability of the packaging.

II. Common Cause Analysis of "Too Weak" or "Too Strong" Adhesion

Main causes of insufficient adhesion

Main causes of excessive adhesion

III. How to scientifically evaluate the adhesion of stretch film?

1. Hand feel method: Quick rough measurement

• Lightly touch two sections of the film surface and feel the strength of the adsorption;
• If it can be easily separated after sticking, it is moderate;
• If it does not stick at all, the adhesion is insufficient;
• If it cannot be separated or there is severe drawing, the adhesion is too strong.

2. Actual measurement method: Laboratory test parameters

• Initial tackiness test : Use standard flat glass to test the instantaneous peel strength of film adhesion;
• Holding adhesion test : Determine the long-term adhesion under temperature/pressure/time conditions;
• 180° peel strength : Simulates the force required to remove the film after wrapping in actual use.

IV. Strategies for dealing with different adhesion problems

1. Does not stick: Comprehensive check from film material to operation

2. Too Sticky: Avoid a "glue-like" user experience

V. Film Selection Recommendations for Different Application Scenarios

VI. Case Analysis: Real User Feedback from Chinafilm Group Customers

Case 1: Insufficient Tack in Northern Cold Chain Enterprises Leads to Loose Packaging

Background A large fresh food distribution company located in Shenyang, where the winter storage temperature is often below 0℃. After using a certain brand of stretch film, film rebound and cargo tilting and sliding in the cargo hold frequently occurred.

Solution ：

• It is recommended to use Chinafilm's "Low-Temperature Enhanced Stretch Film".
• Provide a heated air blower for on-site warming.
• Guide workers to increase the initial number of wraps and stretching tension.

Effect Damage rate decreased by 82%, customer satisfaction improved, and subsequent orders increased by 36 tons/month.

Case 2: "Over-Stickiness" Affecting Efficiency in Southern Express Transit Warehouses

Background In a Guangzhou express sorting center, due to high temperature and humidity, the stretch film had "serious stringing", "difficult for workers to unwind", and stuck to labels during unpacking.

Solution ：

• Switch to Chinafilm's "Low-Tack, Moisture-Resistant Stretch Film".
• Guide the cargo area to add dehumidification equipment.
• Add a separating film paper to each roll of film to prevent sticking.

Effect Daily packaging efficiency increased by 22%, and labor costs decreased significantly.

VII. Chinafilm Group Stretch Film Product Recommendations

VIII. Conclusion: Scientific Understanding of Tackiness is Key to Using Stretch Film Effectively

The tackiness of stretch film, while seemingly a detail, is actually a key factor determining packaging safety, transportation stability, and labor efficiency. We hope that through this article, you can systematically understand the true causes of "not sticking" or "too sticky", learn how to scientifically select films, and use them rationally.

Chinafilm Group will continue to provide customized stretch film solutions for customers in various industries. From formulation to process, from packaging suggestions to on-site guidance, we help you achieve efficient, safe, and economical packaging goals.

For sample testing and on-site guidance, please feel free to contact us:

Chinafilm Group - Making every wrap more secure and intelligent.