Consumption of stretch and shrink film is currently in excess of 1.6 bln lbs pa, making it one of the most successful consumers of the flexible packaging industry. Strong demand from consumer industries combined with competitive advantage against other plastics and traditional materials has resulted in rapidly increasing market demand. Stretch and shrink film demand in USA is projected to increase 4.7% pa to US$4.7 bln in 2011, requiring 3.2 bln lbs of resin, as per Freedonia. Film gains will be stimulated by healthy expansion in the manufacturing sector and growing requirements for product packaging and the bundling and protection of goods during warehousing and distribution. Other stimulants include the popularity of mass retailers, which offer an array of bulk-packaged products. Stretch film will remain dominant, accounting for 58% of the total in 2011, with slightly better growth anticipated for shrink film. Demand for stretch film is projected to rise 4.7% pa in 2011. Material improvements in terms of strength and stretch percentages will stimulate gains as greater stretchability lowers costs by enabling pallets and other products to be wrapped with less film. Stretch hoods will exhibit the fastest growth of all products due to their significantly higher throughput compared to other pallet unitization methods. Stretch film demand is expected to reach US$2.7 bln in 2011, stimulated by increased manufacturing activity, and resin and processing improvements that heighten cost competitiveness. A weaker US dollar vis-a-vis other currencies is also stimulating export markets by making US goods more prices competitive in international markets. Best growth is anticipated for stretch hoods, which are elastic film tubes used to wrap stacked pallets. Stretch hoods have higher throughput compared to other unitization methods, as well as energy and machinery cost advantages over shrink hoods. Shrink film demand will expand to nearly US$2 bln in 2011. Shrink film demand will be driven by the continued popularity of bulk purchasing and its rising use in multipacks for mass retailers. Shrink film provides a better seal and moisture barrier than stretch film, and is frequently used in tandem with corrugated trays as a case over wrap, which provides increased product visibility as well as cost savings over corrugated boxes. Further shrink film advances will be constrained by the advantages offered by less energy- and equipment-intensive stretch films. Product packaging will remain the leading market for stretch and shrink film, accounting for 56% of the total in 2011. Stretch and shrink film advances in this area will be predicated on the cost-effectiveness and source reduction capabilities of film compared to corrugated boxes and other types of packaging. However, better growth is anticipated for storage and distribution markets based on increased manufacturing and export activity, and subsequent expanded requirements for the bundling and protection of goods during warehousing and distribution. Linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) will account for 63% of all stretch and shrink film in 2011 due to its high impact strength, elongation properties and downgauging potential. Conventional low density polyethylene (LDPE) dominates shrink film uses due to its better clarity and drawdown capabilities. Best opportunities for polyvinyl chloride (PVC) stretch and shrink film are expected in areas such as labels and sleeves for foods and beverages. Other stretch and shrink film resins include polypropylene (PP), high density polyethylene (HDPE) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Stretch PE film is an important segment for PE film as it is used in bulk. Any saving in material can give tremendous benefit to stretch the limited feedstock of petrochemical and therefore of oil. Sustainability hinges on two strategies of any material, viz: reduction of source (material) and recycling of film/material after its useful service life. Recycling is the most important option for extending non renewable feedstock. Source reduction translates into using lesser material of stretch wrap to do the same job without sacrificing performance. Thinner gauge stretch film is one approach to source reduction. It can provide the added benefit of reduced materials costs for the end user. AEP has developed a 63 gauge LLDPE stretch film to replace 80 gauge films in automatic and semi-automatic stretch wrapping applications. The end users can reduce materials use by 21% by switching from 80 gauge to 63 gauge stretch film, without compromising unitizing performance. Thinner film provides cost saving to the end users by 10-15%. The 63 gauge film incorporates PP and metallocene LLDPE to maintain performance at lower thickness level. Another approach to source reduction is to increase the film’s pre-stretch percentage. This refers to how much the stretch wrapper can stretch the film before applying it to a load. In practice, one meter of film can be pre stretched to a length of 2 or 3 meters, and hypothetically, up to 4 meters. Typically 200% pre stretch is standard, but in this process, pre stretching is up by 225% to as high as 300%. This improves the mechanical properties and thus allows the stretch film to be downgauged. Lantech’s No Film Break stretch wrapping technology was developed to minimize product damage, and it also delivers a sustainability advantage. The technology eliminates twisting action on the load, enabling users to apply greater film force and improve load containment while reducing film use by up to 50%. It is ideal for light loads and display packs because loads are not deformed or destabilized by twisting, and load damage is significantly and consistently reduced. Eco WrapTM is a unique combination of a certified compostable polyester film and a biodegradable cling coating. It is designed to run on existing stretch film equipment by simply adjusting the tension setting. Due to its strength and biodegradability, customers can save money in three different ways: Eco WrapTM at 1.0 mil (25 micron) can replace 1.6 mil (40 micron) palletizing film in most cases thus reducing the amount of product needed, most applications requiring three wraps of standard film can use two wraps without sacrificing strength or protection; and savings in tariffs, fines, etc as it is compostable. This makes Eco WrapTM more than a stretch film alternative; it can also be used for masking applications, mechanical protection and corrosion protection. It uses controlled adhesion to stick firmly to smooth surfaces, and leaves no residue upon removal. IPG stretch films can be achieved with an environmentally responsible oxo biodegradable formulation. The Oxo-biodegradable polyethylene film contains an additive that initiates chemical breakdown more quickly and completely in the presence of oxygen and heat or UV light. Oxo-biodegradable films are available in clear or tinted green. Globe Guard Products, the online sales division of Salazar Packaging, Inc., has added oxo-biodegradable stretch film to its already extensive lineup of eco friendly packaging products that is completely recyclable and highly functional. It is available in an assortment of machine length and hand-held rolls. Other sizes and gauges are readily available upon request.