Pallet Wrap: Microns, Cores and How to Wrap a Pallet
The DiscountTillRolls.ie TeamFor hand wrapping everyday pallets, a 400mm wide roll of around 17 micron film is a common choice. The micron number is the film's thickness, so higher numbers are thicker and tougher. An extended core sticks out of each end of the roll and works as a handle, which makes wrapping easier on the hands. Wrap the base firmly first, spiral up with an overlap, then come back down.
A badly wrapped pallet is how a delivery turns into an insurance claim. Five minutes of good wrapping avoids that.
In this guide
What does micron mean?
A micron is a thousandth of a millimetre, and it describes how thick the film is. Thicker film resists tears and punctures better, while thinner film stretches more easily and goes further. For boxed goods on a standard pallet, 17 micron hand film is a sensible everyday option. Heavy, sharp or awkward loads may need a tougher film.
17 micron hand film with an extended core.
What is an extended core?
The cardboard core runs a few centimetres past each end of the film. You hold the core ends instead of the film itself, so the roll spins freely and your hands don't burn or cramp. It is the simplest upgrade for anyone wrapping by hand every day.
| Spec | Our roll |
|---|---|
| Width | 400mm |
| Length | 250m |
| Thickness | 17 micron |
| Core | Extended |
| Pack | 6 rolls |
How to wrap a pallet
- Tie on. Tuck the film end into the pallet base or twist it around a corner block.
- Lock the base. Wrap the bottom three or four times, including a little of the pallet itself, so the load is tied to the pallet.
- Spiral up. Walk around the pallet, raising the roll slowly so each layer overlaps the last by about half.
- Cap the top. Wrap the top two or three times. On uneven loads, a sheet of card on top helps.
- Come back down with a second spiral, then tear and press the end flat.
Tips
- Keep the tension even. Stretch the film as you go, but not so much it tears or crushes boxes.
- Stack square first. Heavy boxes at the bottom and nothing overhanging the pallet edge.
- Label the pallet after wrapping, with a 4x6 shipping label on at least two sides.
Frequently asked questions
What micron pallet wrap should I use?
For everyday boxed loads, 17 micron hand film is a common choice. Heavier or sharper loads may need thicker film.
What is extended core pallet wrap?
Film on a core that sticks out each end, used as a handle so the roll spins easily.
How much pallet wrap does one pallet use?
It depends on the load height and how many layers you use. Our 250m rolls wrap several standard pallets each.
How wide is hand pallet wrap?
Our hand pallet wrap is 400mm wide.
Pallets that arrive as they left.
Extended core pallet wrap, dispatched from Dublin 12.
Shop pallet wrap →Order before 1pm for same-day dispatch. Call 01 443 3964 for bulk pricing.