Stretch Hood

Packaging protects a product. But what protects the package? That’s a big question as e-commerce and cargo shipments drive more and more products around the world. Unsaleable or returned goods due to transport damage cost millions of dollars each year. Finding a better way to keep shipments safe and secure benefits the entire value chain.

Stretch hood films and packaging encloses shipping pallets in a single sheath of high-performance film, top to bottom. It offers five-sided protection: The top is closed to ensure products stay dry and to provide protection against ultra-violet radiation. The four side panels are also solid and further reduce the risk of weather damage while providing exceptional stability. The bottom edge of the pallet is tightly wrapped around the bottom edge to secure the load completely. The result? Products stay put on their pallets.

Below you can discover how Dow’s polyethylene resins can produce sustainable stretch hood films that hold up during storage and distribution. 

At Dow, we’ve been working with industry experts and developing films for stretch hood for close to 30 years. We even have our own stretch hood line and transportation packaging test labs at Pack Studios  Freeport in Texas. You can trust our portfolio of resins and our suggestions for how to mix and match them for the best results.

Take for example, ELITE™ AT Enhanced Polyethylene Resins, an ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) free solution for stretch hood films offering unique holding force, elasticity recovery, optics and toughness.

Stretch hood structures must deliver excellent elasticity for films that conform tightly to the contours of the packaged goods. Excellent toughness and puncture resistance are key. Good tear resistance is another advantage. You may even achieve holding force at lower densities and be able to downgauge for lower raw material costs and CO₂ reductions.