How Much Does Stretch Film Cost?

Gauge, Width, & Volume Explained

If you’re buying stretch film for the first time — or re-evaluating your current supplier — the pricing can feel opaque. One roll might look similar to another, yet the cost per pallet varies significantly depending on gauge, width, roll length, and volume purchased.

This guide breaks down what actually drives stretch film pricing so you can make informed purchasing decisions.

What Determines the Cost of Stretch Film?

Stretch film pricing typically depends on five core variables:

  1. Gauge (film thickness)

  2. Roll width

  3. Roll length (linear feet per roll)

  4. Hand wrap vs. machine wrap

  5. Order volume

Each affects not just the roll price — but your true cost per pallet wrapped.

Gauge: Why Thickness Matters

“Gauge” refers to the thickness of the film. The higher the gauge, the thicker (and stronger) the film.

Common Gauges

  • 60–70 gauge – Light loads, small cartons, lighter pallet weights

  • 80 gauge – Industry standard for most pallet loads

  • 90–120+ gauge – Heavy, irregular, or sharp-edged loads


How Gauge Impacts Cost

Higher gauge film costs more per roll because it uses more resin. However:

  • Using a stronger film may allow fewer wraps per pallet.

  • Thinner high-performance films may outperform thicker commodity films.

  • Downgrading gauge without testing can lead to load failures and damage claims.

Bottom line: The cheapest roll is not always the lowest total cost.

Width: More Coverage vs. More Control

Standard widths include:

  • 12”–15” (hand film)

  • 18”–20” (most common hand wrap size)

  • 20”–30”+ (machine wrap)

Wider rolls:

  • Cover more surface area per pass

  • May reduce wrapping time

  • Increase roll weight and operator fatigue (for hand film)

Machine applications often justify wider film due to speed and consistency.

Roll Length: Linear Feet Per Roll

Stretch film is sold by roll, but what matters is:

  • Total linear feet

  • How many pallets each roll can wrap

Two rolls may look similar but differ significantly in footage. A roll with 1,500 feet vs. 1,000 feet may cost more upfront — but less per pallet.

Always compare cost per roll ÷ estimated pallets wrapped per roll.

Hand Wrap vs. Machine Wrap Pricing

Hand Stretch Film

  • Lower upfront cost

  • Ideal for small operations

  • More labor-intensive

  • More variation in wrap consistency


Machine Stretch Film

  • Higher cost per roll

  • More consistent containment force

  • Lower labor cost per pallet

  • Better for higher-volume operations

If you’re wrapping more than 20–30 pallets per day, it may be worth evaluating a stretch wrapper.

Volume: Why Bulk Orders Cost Less Per Roll

Like most warehouse supplies, stretch film pricing improves with volume.

  • Small orders (10–20 rolls): Higher per-roll pricing

  • Pallet quantities: Noticeable savings

  • Truckload quantities: Best per-unit pricing

If you wrap consistently each month, locking in larger scheduled deliveries often reduces overall cost.

Typical Stretch Film Price Ranges

Prices fluctuate based on resin markets and supply conditions, but as a general guideline:

  • Hand stretch film (80 gauge, 18”)

    Often falls in a moderate per-roll range depending on footage and order size.

  • Machine stretch film (80 gauge, 20”)

    Typically priced higher per roll but lower per pallet when used efficiently.

Rather than focusing on a single roll price, it’s better to evaluate:

  • Cost per pallet wrapped

  • Load security performance

  • Damage reduction impact

  • Labor efficiency

How to Lower Your Stretch Film Costs

  1. Right-size the gauge for your load type

  2. Test high-performance films that allow gauge reduction

  3. Evaluate containment force, not just thickness

  4. Purchase in predictable volume increments

  5. Match film type to application (hand vs machine)

Often, a short consultation and load evaluation can reduce film usage by 10–25% without sacrificing load integrity.

When Stretch Film Becomes a System Decision

If you’re also evaluating:

  • Pallet strength and load stability

  • Racking systems and storage configuration

  • Export compliance and heat-treated pallets

Stretch film performance should align with your broader warehouse setup.

Get Pricing Based on Your Actual Usage

There’s no universal “per roll” answer — because the right film depends on:

  • Load weight

  • Pallet dimensions

  • Shipping method

  • Wrapping process

  • Monthly volume

If you’d like a straightforward quote based on your operation, we’re happy to review your application and provide clear, competitive pricing.

Request a Quote

Or give us a call at (630) 765-5476.