If you’ve found this page and are curious about microns, then it’s likely you’re wondering why all pallet wraps are measured in them, and what their significance is in achieving optimal load stability. Well, in this insight, we aim to give you the answer, breaking down exactly what they are and how they affect film performance.
Understanding Microns
Definition
Put simply, a micron is a unit of measurement that is equal to one-millionth of a meter, or 1/1000 of a mm. It’s symbolised as μm and in the world of packaging, microns are the principal method used to measure the thickness of pallet wrap.
To put it in perspective, a human hair is roughly 70 microns thick, so when we talk about film thickness, we’re dealing with incredibly thin materials, with most types typically between 10 and 24 microns thick.
Importance
Film thickness plays a critical role in packaging. Naturally, it affects the film’s strength, durability, and ability to protect the products that it wraps. Thicker films generally provide more protection, but do come at higher costs, not to mention greater plastic usage too. That’s why it’s important to find the right balance and achieve optimum warehouse efficiency.
The Role of Microns in Film Performance
Strength and Durability
As we’ve just covered, thicker films (those with higher micron counts) offer greater strength and durability. They are less likely to tear and provide better protection against punctures and abrasions. Commonly, they’re used for more unorthodox pallets, or those with bulkier loads.
Stretchability
Micron levels also impact a film’s stretch as those with higher counts might not stretch as much as thinner films. This is crucial for heavy or irregularly shaped loads that need more secure wrapping to stay intact and upright during transit.
Choosing the Right Micron Thickness
Load Characteristics
When choosing film thickness, it’s important to consider the type of load. Light, stable loads might only need a thinner film (around 12-15 microns, possibly less), while heavy or irregular loads are more suited to thicker films (20 microns or more).
Environmental Factors
Temperature, humidity, and transport conditions can also influence film selection. In humid or extreme temperature environments, thicker films often perform better, maintaining their integrity where thinner films might fail.
Cost Considerations
While thicker films are more expensive per roll, they can save money in the long run by preventing product damage and reducing the amount of film needed per pallet. This is different for businesses of all shapes and sizes because of the variables, which is why we offer a load stability audit to help you optimise your operations and find that sweet spot.
Common Micron Levels and Their Applications
Standard Micron Ranges
Here are some common micron levels and their typical applications:
12-15 Microns: Suitable for light, stable loads that don’t require much stretch or strength.
17-20 Microns: Ideal for moderate loads, offering a balance between stretch and strength.
20+ Microns: Best for heavy, irregular, or high-stress loads requiring maximum protection.
Specific Use Cases
Light Loads: For light loads, such as small boxes of goods, a 12-15 micron film provides adequate protection without excessive cost.
Heavy Loads: Heavy loads like industrial equipment or bulk goods benefit from 20+ micron films, which offer the necessary durability and hold.
Irregular Shapes: Loads with irregular shapes or sharp edges need thicker films (20 microns or more) to prevent tearing and ensure stability.
Best Practices for Using Film Wrap
Application Techniques
Applying film wrap correctly is vital to maintaining your load stability and reducing the dreaded dangers of damage costs. Ensure the film is stretched evenly and wrapped tightly around the load. Using an automatic or semi-automatic wrapper can help with this and help you to achieve more consistent results.
Training and Safety
Training staff on proper wrapping techniques is crucial. Proper training reduces film waste, guarantees load stability, and enhances the overall safety of loads. In our experience of performing load stability audits, alongside material choice, training has the biggest impact on reducing plastic use.
Quality Control
Regular quality checks help maintain wrapping standards. Inspect wrapped loads for any signs of film failure, such as tears or slippage, and adjust your wrapping techniques or film selection as needed.
Nano film
The best of both worlds
Made from top-grade polymers, nano stretch film is a high-quality, high-performance pallet wrap that offers superior strength at a lower micron count. This potentially enables the user to reduce plastic usage, upgrade stability and in a lot of cases, reduce their cost per pallet wrapped.
If you’d like to learn more about this fascinating product, and the benefits it could bring to your business, be sure to book your appointment with one of our load stability specialists by giving our team a call or, using the contact form here to get in touch.
Conclusion
Understanding microns and their impact on film performance can significantly enhance your packaging efficiency, load stability, and cost savings. Be sure to evaluate your current film usage and consider whether you are using the optimal micron thickness for your needs. The right film can make a world of difference in your operations.
Call 01524 734040 
Email sales@castleindustrial.com 
We're here Monday to Friday 7am - 5pm