The core idea of this page: shrink wrapping and stretch hooding both stabilize a pallet load with film, but they do it differently — shrink wrapping applies a loose bag and heats it to shrink tight, while a stretch hood is stretched over the load and released to grip. Choose by load profile and weather exposure: stretch hooding is stronger for tall or outdoor loads.
Shrink wrapping
A shrink wrapper places a film bag over the load and applies heat to shrink it tight. It produces a clean, tamper-evident wrap for uniform loads. A Sidel EvoFilm runs up to 150 cycles/min on the shrink line, and a Lachenmeier stretch hooder is measured in loads per hour.
Stretch hooding
A stretch hooder stretches a film hood and pulls it over the load, releasing it so the film grips tightly. It needs no heat and holds tall, heavy or irregular loads securely — the Lachenmeier Multi FleX1 reaches 200 pallet loads/hour.
Which to choose
- Uniform, short loads → shrink wrapping.
- Tall, heavy or outdoor loads → stretch hooding.
- Energy cost sensitivity → stretch hooding (no shrink tunnel heat).
- Tamper-evident retail look → shrink wrapping.
Source: Multi FleX1 — Signode
"Capacity up to 200 pallet loads per hour" — stretch-hood throughput reference.
Frequently asked questions
Does stretch hooding need heat?
No — it stretches the film mechanically and releases it to grip, so there is no shrink tunnel energy cost.
Which is better for outdoor storage?
Stretch hooding — the hood grips the load and covers it top-down, giving better weather protection.
Last verified: September 10, 2026.