The question before us may not be an eternal conundrum, but for packaging, palletizing, and other services, it’s an important one! Clear vs. colored: which stretch wrap is best for you? Either type of wrap is excellent for protecting and securing packages, whether individually or stacked on pallets. However, sometimes one serves better than the other. We offer a fine selection of stretch film for packaging, and both do their jobs, but which is right for you and your facility?

The Case for Clear Stretch Film

Clear stretch film, of course, is the standard style. While transparent, this stretch film is strong, holding together packages in extended storage and on long journeys. Transparency is a plus when you need to identify what’s under the wrap.

Labels, codes, and other markings are still visible and scannable, permitting rapid assessments of inventory, shipping status, and the like. Also, transparent stretch wrap protects labels from the elements and other things that can deface written or printed information.

Points in Colored Stretch Wrap’s Favor

Clear stretch film for packaging looks pretty good so far, but it can’t do everything. Colored stretch film is also strong and durable and keeps things together. At the same time, its first benefit is obvious: it comes in many colors. But why should looking cool matter? Well, mainly because of color-coding. If large amounts of material pass through your warehouse, dock, or mail room, it’s a good way to see what you have at a glance.

Color-coding tips you off to what’s on a pallet without cutting the film open. Organization is even easier with colored stretch film, especially if you’re manning a forklift and don’t have time to assess each pallet. Some opaque films can add an extra layer of protection against sunlight and other lights that can fade markings or damage the pallet’s contents.

Which Is Best?

Clear vs. colored: which stretch wrap is best for you? That’s a question only you can answer. It’s not a matter of which is best, but which is the right wrapping for your products and goods. Whether you choose clear or colored, make sure you choose the proper stretch film gauge. The higher the gauge, the stronger the hold. There are different types of stretch film as well, including cast, blown, pre-stretched, high-performance, and others. Contact us for more information, and we’ll see if we can “gauge” what type of stretch film is ideal for you and your needs!