Stretch Film vs. Packaging Tape: How to know What's Best for Your Company

If you run a warehouse, moving company, or logistics team, you know packaging isn’t one-size-fits-all. Choosing between stretch film and packaging tape depends on what you’re securing, how far it’s traveling, and how much cost matters. At PrimeWrap Supply, we help businesses choose smarter so they save money without risking damage.

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The Different Types of Stretch Film

Not all film is created equal. Each type is designed for specific jobs:
    •    Hand Film – Applied manually with a dispenser. Perfect for small warehouses, moving jobs, or businesses with lighter loads.
    •    Machine Film – Designed for stretch wrap machines. Provides consistent wrap and tight loads for high-volume operations.
    •    Pre-Stretch Film – Film that’s already stretched during production. Lighter, easier to apply, and reduces worker fatigue while cutting down material use.
    •    Blown Film – Stronger with higher puncture resistance, ideal for heavy or irregular loads, but has a tackier feel.
    •    Cast Film – Clear, smooth, and quiet during application. Great for uniform loads where clarity and presentation matter.

👉 PrimeWrap Option: 18” x 1500’ hand film rolls (80 gauge)  — reliable and affordable for daily use.

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The Different Types of Packaging Tape

Tape also comes in variations, and choosing the right one matters:
    •    Acrylic Tape – Long-lasting, resistant to temperature changes, and great for storage. Perfect for warehouses and e-commerce.
    •    Hot Melt Tape – Strong, sticky hold for shipping cartons. Handles rough handling and quick sealing.
    •    Natural Rubber Tape – The strongest adhesive option, sticks to almost any surface (even dusty or recycled boxes).
    •    Specialty Tapes – Colored tape, fragile labels, or water-activated gummed tape for extra security and branding.

👉 PrimeWrap Options:
    •    2” Clear Acrylic Tape – Strong adhesive with reliable hold, perfect for cartons, cases, and general shipping.
    •    3” Clear Tape – Heavy-duty, all-purpose sealing tape designed for larger cartons, bulk loads, and high-volume shipping.

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How to Decide What’s Best
    •    For stability and pallet loads → Use stretch film.
    •    For carton sealing and smaller items → Use packaging tape.
    •    For most businesses → You’ll need both. Film keeps pallets tight, while tape secures the boxes inside.

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Why PrimeWrap?

Unlike big-box suppliers, we focus on local businesses first. That means:
    •    Better bulk pricing.
    •    Faster delivery across Metro Detroit.
    •    A growing catalog that scales with your needs.

We’re here to help movers, warehouses, and logistics teams save money without sacrificing quality.