A Common Problem You Didn’t See Coming… Imagine this: You’ve just restocked your warehouse. Rolls of film are lined up, ready to go. But when it’s time to wrap the pallets, things don’t go as planned — the film keeps tearing, clings unevenly, or just doesn’t stretch like it used to. The blame? Not the product itself — but the way it’s been stored.
Improper storage can silently ruin even the best packaging materials. And yes, that includes your stretch film.
This blog walks you through everything you need to know to store stretch wrap film correctly and avoid unnecessary waste. It’s a must-read if you’re buying or using stretch wrap film in Ontario — because your film’s condition can directly affect your bottom line.
Why Storage Conditions Matter More Than You Think?
Stretch wrap might seem tough, but it’s more sensitive than it looks. Temperature, humidity, dust, and even roll stacking — everything impacts how well the film will perform when it’s needed.
A stored film remains strong, pliable, and reliable. A poorly stored one? Expect tears, breaks, or wasted time in rewrapping.
If you’re constantly dealing with film that underperforms, your storage method might be the root of the problem — not the product.
- Always Control the Temperature
Plastic stretch film reacts to heat and cold. High temperatures cause it to become brittle or too pliable. Store your rolls in a managed environment — between 15°C and 25°C, if possible.
Avoid:
- Leaving film near heaters or in direct sunlight
- Storing near cold drafts or freezers
Temperature shifts create internal stress in the material. This causes tension loss, wrinkles, and weak points.
- Keep Rolls Dry and Away from Moisture
The silent wrecker is humidity. Once water has penetrated to the center of the roll, it develops mold or warps. Film loses its shape and becomes difficult to apply smoothly.
Store rolls off the ground using shelving like boltless shelving, which allows air circulation and keeps the film dry. Unlike wooden racks that may absorb and release moisture, boltless shelving offers a cleaner, drier solution.
Also, avoid wrapping rolls in plastic covers that trap moisture. Instead, use breathable covers when necessary.
- Store Upright — Not Flat or Tilted
Stretch wrap rolls should be stored vertically. When you lay them flat or lean them against walls, the core can deform under pressure. This makes unrolling uneven and causes tension problems.
Use vertical shelving racks or place rolls inside dedicated slots on pallet racking beams for sale, which keep them aligned and accessible. This also prevents accidental falls or roll damage during handling.
- Protect Against Dust and Debris
Dust may not seem like a big deal — until it sticks to the edges of your film roll. That dirt ends up on your product packaging, making it harder to secure loads and affecting appearance.
Use storage containers with light coverage or store in enclosed racking areas. Keep the film in an active area of your warehouse where floors are cleaned regularly and airborne dust is minimal.
- Don’t Overstock More Than You Need
Stretch film does not go bad overnight, but it does have an expiration date — typically 12 to 18 months, depending on the conditions.
Buying more than you can consume within a couple of months raises the risk of storage damage, age, and loss. Control your stock rotation so that the film is consumed first in and first out. Rotating so that no roll is idle helps to avoid long-term buildup.
When using bulk storage, mark batches with dates received. That little practice prevents significant loss over time.
- Keep Rolls Away from Forklift Paths and Heavy Traffic Areas
This may seem obvious, but putting film in forklift aisles or front entrances is just begging for trouble. A misplaced turn or dropped item can dent, crush, or rip up the rolls.
Assign an out-of-traffic storage area for film. If employing boltless shelving, position it against a wall or in a corner to reduce the risk of contact while maintaining easy access.
- Train Your Team to Handle Film Properly
Lastly, unless your storage is ideal, improper handling will destroy your film. Get your team trained to:
- Never drop or toss rolls
- Use both hands when carrying larger rolls
- Always return unused film to the correct storage spot
Label storage areas clearly so rolls aren’t randomly stashed in the wrong temperature zone or near risky equipment.
The Last Word: Store Smart, Wrap Smarter
It’s easy to overlook how film is stored — until it starts affecting your workflow, costs, and shipping quality. Taking small, intentional steps in storage can extend your film’s life and improve wrapping performance every single day.
Whether you’re using it in warehouses, fulfillment centers, or distribution hubs, handling your stretch wrap film in Ontario with care ensures your investment pays off — roll after roll.
If you’re looking for reliable storage solutions like pallet racking beams or boltless shelving to help protect your stretch film and improve organization, you can trust LSRACK. Our systems are built to support your warehouse flow — from receiving to wrapping — and everything in between.