Stretch films are often made from single-origin LLDPE and are therefore very easy to recycle. Stretch film is traditionally made from naphtha, which is obtained from crude oil or natural gas. It is manufactured using the so-called cast or blown film extrusion process:

Blown film extrusion

  • In blown film extrusion, plastic granulate is melted in extruders and blown through a ring die. The film is biaxially stretched in the process.
  • They offer extremely high tear and puncture resistance and ernome holding forces.
  • They often have an extremely smooth film side on one side and comparatively strong adhesion on the opposite side.

Cast film extrusion

  • In cast film extrusion, the granulate is also melted, but applied to a chill roll and drawn monoaxially.
  • They are generally cheaper and faster to produce.
  • Thanks to technical developments in recent years, cast films can hardly be distinguished from blown films in terms of tear and puncture resistance.
  • The majority of stretch films used worldwide are now produced as cast films