Films & Applications
Multilayer (nano) stretch film outperforms standard film on every metric that matters: holding force, puncture resistance, and film consumption. The film you choose, however, only delivers if it matches the brake system on your pallet wrapping machine. This page explains the difference, shows the result it produces in the field, and helps you pick the right film for your line.
The Multilayer Difference
Multilayer stretch film, also known as nano stretch film, is a high-performance film built from dozens of microscopic layers. It is stronger than standard film, thinner than standard film, and as a result you use far less of it for a more stable pallet. We use the terms multilayer and nano interchangeably; the market does the same.
“A 9-micron multilayer film at 250% pre-stretch routinely outperforms the 17-micron “power” film it replaces.”
Higher puncture resistance, higher tear resistance, and a holding force that grips the load tighter. The pallet stays put through cornering, braking, and rough handling.
A 9-micron multilayer at the right pre-stretch routinely outperforms 15- and 17-micron “power” films. Thinner film does not mean a weaker pallet; it means less plastic per pallet.
One metre of multilayer film stretches to as much as five metres on the pallet. You wrap more pallets per roll, with 30–50% lower film consumption. The cost per roll is higher; the cost per pallet is lower.
Real-world result
Annual film cost saved
A DM distribution centre in Hungary wraps roughly 400 pallets a day on automatic lines. Switching from 17-micron standard film at 170% pre-stretch to Nano SE 15-micron at 270% pre-stretch cut film consumption by 42% per pallet. Holding force on the load doubled.
| Metric | Before | After | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Film | 17µm standard | Nano SE 15µm | Multilayer |
| Pre-stretch on pallet | 170% | 270% | +100 pp |
| Film per pallet | 178 g | 104 g | −42% |
| Holding force | 9.5 kg | 19 kg | +100% |
| Cost per pallet | €0.38 | €0.24 | −37% |
Measured on the same line, on the same loads, before and after the switch. Volume: ~400 pallets/day.
Independent stability proof, EUMOS 40509: the multilayer-wrapped pallet stays within tolerance under acceleration. Less than 2% layer displacement, less than 10% flexible deviation.
Match your machine
Every pallet wrapping machine on the market uses one of three brake systems. The brake system determines how much the film is pre-stretched on its way from the roll to the pallet. That, in turn, determines which film will deliver the best result. Identify your brake system, then pick the matched film.
No pre-stretch pre-stretch
How to recognise it
A single brake acts directly on the film core. There is no pre-stretch unit between the roll and the pallet. The film is applied with little or no pre-stretch.
Recommended films
How to pick
Default to Elite 10. Reach for Elite 8 only when puncture resistance is the bottleneck: sharp edges, exposed corners, irregular boxes.
150–250% pre-stretch
How to recognise it
Two brake rollers connected by a fixed pair of gears. The gear ratio sets the pre-stretch: most commonly 200% or 250%, sometimes 300%. To change the pre-stretch you swap the gears.
Recommended films
How to pick
Default to Nano SE 15 for A and B pallets. Move to SP 17 when the load is heavier or the boxes irregular.
200–400% pre-stretch
How to recognise it
Two brake rollers, each with its own motor. The pre-stretch is set on the display, anywhere from 100% to 400%, by changing the speed ratio between the two motors. The most flexible type of machine, and the one where multilayer film delivers the biggest savings.
Recommended films
How to pick
Default to Nano XE 12 for A and B pallets up to 600 kg. Step up to 15 or 17 for heavier or unstable loads.
What goes wrong
Same machine, same film, very different result. The wrong setting almost always follows one of three patterns, one for each type of brake system.
Core / Electronic brake
Many operations on this machine class run a 15- or 17-micron “power” film and assume the thickness compensates. It does not. Without pre-stretch, the film locks out far below its working range.
1-motor with fixed gear ratio
Operators often run the machine at the lowest gear ratio out of habit, even when the film can deliver more. A 250% gear set, with the right film, almost always pays back the change in a few weeks.
2-motor independently driven
The film is rated for 300% but the dial sits at 200%, because that is how the previous film was set. The full multilayer benefit only shows up at 250% and above.
“If the film is rated for 300% pre-stretch and the dial sits at 200%, you’re throwing money out the window every shift.”
Tell me what you run and I will identify it, recommend the right film, and quote a per-pallet cost in writing.
Pick by pallet
Once the brake system has narrowed the family, the pallet itself sets the thickness. The shape of the load (A, B, or C profile) matters, and so does the weight. The two together tell you whether to choose the lighter or heavier micron in the family the brake system points to.
A profile
Lighter micron, fewer wraps.
B profile
Same micron, more revolutions.
C profile
Heavier micron, more wraps.
Weight tells you the micron
The weight band sets the minimum thickness. The brake system sets the film family. Together, they point you to the right product.
The full lineup
Two tables, because the choice works differently for each. Machine-wrap films are picked based on your brake system and load. Hand-wrap films are picked based on the operator and how many pallets you wrap per shift.
| Film | Micron | Brake system | Max pre-stretch | Sweet spot |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elite 8 | 8 µm | Core / Electronic | n/a | Very high puncture resistance, light A pallets |
| Elite 10 | 10 µm | Core / Electronic | n/a | All-round film for machines without pre-stretch |
| Nano SE 12 | 12 µm | 1-motor | 250% | A pallets, lower film weight per pallet |
| Nano SE 15 | 15 µm | 1-motor | 250% | A and B pallets, the SE default |
| Nano SP 15 | 15 µm | 1-motor | 250% | B pallets, higher strength |
| Nano SP 17 | 17 µm | 1-motor | 250% | B and C pallets, heavier loads |
| Nano XE 9 | 9 µm | 2-motor | 300% | The light film that beats heavy ones |
| Nano XE 12 | 12 µm | 2-motor | 330% | A and B pallets up to 600 kg, the default |
| Nano XE 15 | 15 µm | 2-motor | 300% | B pallets, medium-heavy loads |
| Nano XE 17 | 17 µm | 2-motor | 300% | C pallets, heavy or unstable loads |
| Film | Micron | Application | Sweet spot |
|---|---|---|---|
| Extra Strong 4.5 | 4.5 µm | Light hand-wrap | Bundling, light goods, low pallet count |
| Extra Strong 6 | 6 µm | General hand-wrap | Mixed loads, occasional pallets |
| Extra Strong 8 | 8 µm | Standard hand-wrap | Day-to-day pallets, medium throughput |
| Extra Strong 10 | 10 µm | Heavy hand-wrap | Heavier or higher pallets, irregular loads |
Product spotlight
Elite is a stretch film built for machines that have no pre-stretch unit between the roll and the pallet: Core and Electronic brake systems. It locks out at low stretch, so it grips the load even on machines that cannot pre-stretch the film for you. The range covers two films, one for each common job.
High puncture and tear resistance, especially at pallet corners.
Locks out at low stretch, with no pre-stretch unit needed.
Holds the load tight for stable transport.
Less film per pallet than older 23-micron films.
Lighter rolls, easier for the operator to handle.
Replaces 23-micron and heavier films on the same machines.
A 30-minute call is enough for a first recommendation. A free on-site assessment is enough for a guaranteed savings figure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Tell me which machine you run and what you are wrapping. I will recommend the film, the pre-stretch setting, and the expected cost per pallet. In writing, before any visit.