Quick Answer
Strapping secures and bundles loads under tension with a band (PET or PP), while stretch wrapping stabilises a whole pallet by wrapping film around it. Use strapping to bundle, secure heavy items, or hold loads to a pallet; use stretch film to unitise and stabilise mixed or stacked loads. Many operations use both. Greenstrix supplies both from one certified source.
Two different jobs
Strapping and stretch wrapping are often confused but solve different problems. Strapping applies a band - PET or PP - under tension to bundle items together or secure them firmly, ideal for heavy, rigid or pre-stacked loads and for holding a load to a pallet. Stretch wrapping applies film around an entire pallet under tension to unitise and stabilise it, ideal for mixed, stacked or lighter loads that need to be held together as one unit. One bundles and secures; the other unitises and stabilises.
When to use strapping
Choose strapping when you need to bundle items (boxes, profiles, timber), secure heavy loads that film alone cannot hold (steel, brick packs, machinery - using PET or cord strap), or anchor a load to a pallet. PET strapping handles heavy loads up to 1,400 Kgf as a steel alternative; PP strapping handles light-to-medium bundling economically.
When to use stretch wrapping
Choose stretch film when you need to stabilise a whole pallet for transit, especially mixed or stacked loads, protect against dust and moisture, and unitise many items into one stable load. High pre-stretch film does this efficiently with minimal plastic per pallet.
Often, use both
Many operations combine the two: strap a heavy or bundled load for securing, then stretch-wrap the pallet for stability and protection. This delivers maximum load integrity. Greenstrix supplies PET/PP strapping, cord strap and LLDPE stretch film from one certified, documented source - so you can match the right method (or both) to each load, with samples to validate on your own equipment.
| Key | Detail |
|---|---|
| Strapping | Bundles & secures heavy/rigid loads |
| Stretch wrapping | Unitises & stabilises whole pallets |
| Best practice | Often use both together |
| Greenstrix fit | Both from one certified source |
Related Guides
Not sure which method your loads need? Contact Greenstrix at sales@greenstrix.com or WhatsApp +49 176 85614141 - request a sample, a bulk quote, or talk to an expert.