Stretch Wrap & Packing Supplies in Canada
Stretch Wrap & Packing Supplies — Film, Tape, Bubble, Strapping (Canada)
1) What packing supplies do I actually need?
- Stretch film (hand or machine) to contain pallets/boxes.
- Packing tape for carton sealing and reinforcement.
- Void fill/protection — bubble, foam, kraft paper, edge guards.
- Strapping (PP/PET/steel) with buckles or seals for heavy loads.
- Tools — dispensers, tape guns, strapping tensioners/sealers, safety knives.
2) Hand wrap vs machine wrap — when to use each?
Hand wrap: up to ~30 pallets/day or irregular shapes. Use extended-core or dispenser to reduce strain.
Machine wrap: consistent loads, 30+ pallets/day, better containment and lower film usage with pre-stretch carriages.
3) Film types: cast, blown, pre-stretch — what’s the difference?
| Type | Pros | Watch-outs | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cast | Clear/quiet, good cling, cheaper | Lower puncture vs blown | General warehousing |
| Blown | High puncture/tear resistance, grip in cold | Noisier, cloudier | Irregular/abrasive loads, outdoors |
| Pre-stretch | Less effort, uniform gauge, uses less film | Can “neck down” on sharp edges | Hand wrap, sustainability goals |
4) How do I pick film thickness/gauge?
- Light boxes / smooth loads: 12–15 μm (47–60 ga) hand or equivalent.
- Mixed / moderate loads: 15–20 μm (60–80 ga).
- Heavy / sharp loads: 20–30 μm (80–120 ga) blown film or reinforced.
- Machine wrap: match film to pre-stretch % (typ. 200–250%).
5) Best wrap patterns for stable pallets.
- Bottom lock: 2–3 turns around pallet base to “tie” film to deck.
- Upward spiral: 50% overlap as you climb; cap with 2–3 top wraps.
- Top cover / rope banding: for tall unstable loads, use a film rope around the centre.
- Keep labels visible; don’t crush corners — use edge guards/boards if needed.
6) Packing tape: acrylic vs hot-melt vs rubber — which sticks best?
| Adhesive | Strengths | Watch-outs | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acrylic | UV stable, clear, good in cold once cured | Lower initial tack | Long-storage cartons, refrigerated |
| Hot-melt (synthetic rubber) | High initial tack, fast grab | UV aging; can lift on dusty boxes | High-throughput shipping |
| Natural rubber | Excellent adhesion to recycled cardboard | Higher cost | Heavy cartons, tough substrates |
7) Void fill & protection: bubble, foam, paper — which to choose?
- Bubble wrap: great for fragile items; choose large bubble for void fill, small bubble for surface protection.
- Foam rolls/sheets: abrasion protection for finished surfaces.
- Kraft paper: recyclable void fill; crumple to lock items.
- Edge/corner guards: stabilize stacked goods.
- Mailers & bags: bubble or poly for small parcels.
- Tape + labels: “FRAGILE / FRAGILE” (EN/FR) for clarity.
8) Strapping basics: PP vs PET vs Steel.
| Strap | Pros | Watch-outs | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| PP (polypropylene) | Economical, light tensioning, hand buckles | Creeps/relaxes over time | Cartons, light pallets |
| PET (polyester) | High retained tension, shock resistant | Needs proper seals/buckles or battery tools | Heavy pallets, bricks, lumber |
| Steel | Highest strength, heat/abrasion resistant | Sharp edges; PPE and training required | Hot/rough loads, industrial coils |
9) Cold rooms & winter shipping — Canadian tips (EN/FR).
- Use blown film or cold-rated cast for sub-zero handling.
- For tape, choose acrylic cold-temp or natural rubber on recycled cartons.
- Pre-condition boxes (dry/ice-free) before sealing; moisture kills adhesion.
- FR/EN: Films et rubans spécial froid pour entrepôts et expéditions hivernales / Use cold-temperature films and tapes for winter shipping.
10) Recycling & safety — simple rules that save money.
- Recycle clean LDPE stretch film where facilities exist; keep it dry and bale if volume allows.
- Use right-sized boxes and switch to pre-stretch film to cut plastic use.
- Training matters: correct wrap posture, tape-gun use, and PPE with steel strapping.
- Safety knives with auto-retract reduce lacerations. Dispose of strap off-cuts immediately.
Important Legal/Compliance Note (Canada)
This page provides general operational guidance, not legal advice. Packaging work in Canada may be subject to provincial Occupational Health & Safety rules (PPE, knife safety, ergonomics), local fire codes (film storage), and recycling by-laws/producer responsibility programs. Where a regulation, standard, or customer spec sets requirements, that document prevails. Consult your safety officer or authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) for site-specific rules.
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The Biri Group is a supplier of building materials that specializes in the production and manufacture of road and traffic safety products, including traffic signs, building materials, and hoses.
At Biri Group, we are dedicated to providing innovative solutions for road and traffic safety. Our portfolio includes a wide range of products, including traffic signs, building materials, and hoses. Our state-of-the-art production and manufacturing unit, Biri Industries, located in RAK, allows us to efficiently produce products to meet the demands of the market.
Our commitment to excellence extends beyond just our products. We believe in building long-lasting relationships with our customers and partners and providing exceptional customer service. Our team of experts is always available to assist with any questions or concerns and provide guidance on selecting the right product for your needs.
At Biri Group, we are constantly striving to improve and offer better, stronger products. We take pride in our ability to adapt to the changing market and provide innovative solutions to meet the evolving needs of our customers.
Thank you for considering Biri Group for your traffic safety needs. We look forward to the opportunity to serve you and help make your roads safer.