ASTM D4649-03(2009)

Standard Guide for Selection and Use of Stretch Wrap Films

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
This guide is for user evaluation, selection, specification, and application of stretch wrap materials. It may be used between the buyer and seller to arrive at purchase specifications. Specific methods are contained within the body of the guide for material evaluation, user performance, and quality assurance testing.
Care must be exercised in extrapolating test values obtained by use of the test methods outlined in this guide, to actual field performance.
SCOPE
1.1 This guide covers recommended guidelines and test methods for the selection, specification, and use of stretch wrap films for unitizing, reinforcing, and palletizing for indoor environments. This can include storage or transport, or both, in warehouses, closed containers such as truck trailers or rail boxcars, and associated transfer terminals. This guide does not cover the performance issues associated with outdoor exposure.
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
A1.1.1 This test method is intended to be used as a means of comparing the wrapping performance of stretch wrap films.

General Information

• Status: Historical
• Publication Date: 28-Feb-2009
• ICS: 55.040 - Packaging materials and accessories
• Technical Committee: D10 - Packaging
• Drafting Committee: D10.25 - Palletizing and Unitizing of Loads

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM D4649-03 - Standard Guide for Selection and Use of Stretch Wrap Films
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2009
• Referred By: ASTM A700-14(2019) - Standard Guide for Packaging, Marking, and Loading Methods for Steel Products for Shipment
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2009
• Referred By: ASTM D8505/D8505M-23 - Standard Specification for Basalt and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) Bars for Concrete Reinforcement
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2009
• Referred By: ASTM D8314-20 - Standard Guide for Performance Testing of Applied Stretch Films and Stretch Wrapping
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2009

Standards Content (Sample)

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
Designation: D4649 − 03 (Reapproved 2009)
Standard Guide for
Selection and Use of Stretch Wrap Films
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D4649; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision.Anumber in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope D1898Practice for Sampling of Plastics (Withdrawn 1998)
D1922Test Method for Propagation Tear Resistance of
1.1 This guide covers recommended guidelines and test
Plastic Film and Thin Sheeting by Pendulum Method
methodsfortheselection,specification,anduseofstretchwrap
D2103Specification for Polyethylene Film and Sheeting
films for unitizing, reinforcing, and palletizing for indoor
D2457Test Method for Specular Gloss of Plastic Films and
environments.Thiscanincludestorageortransport,orboth,in
Solid Plastics
warehouses, closed containers such as truck trailers or rail
D2578TestMethodforWettingTensionofPolyethyleneand
boxcars, and associated transfer terminals.This guide does not
Polypropylene Films
cover the performance issues associated with outdoor expo-
D2863Test Method for Measuring the Minimum Oxygen
sure.
Concentration to Support Candle-Like Combustion of
1.2 Thevaluesstatedininch-poundunitsaretoberegarded
Plastics (Oxygen Index)
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
D3951Practice for Commercial Packaging
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
D4321Test Method for Package Yield of Plastic Film
and are not considered standard.
D4470Test Method for Static Electrification
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
D5331Test Method for Evaluation of Mechanical Handling
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the of Unitized Loads Secured with Stretch Wrap Films
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
D5414Test Method for Evaluation of Horizontal Impact
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica- Performance of Load Unitizing Stretch Wrap Films
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
D5415Test Method for Evaluating Load Containment Per-
formance of Stretch Wrap Films by Vibration Testing
2. Referenced Documents
D5416Test Method for Evaluating Abrasion Resistance of
Stretch Wrap Films by Vibration Testing
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D5458Test Method for Peel Cling of Stretch Wrap Film
D882Test Method for Tensile Properties of Thin Plastic
D5459TestMethodforMachineDirectionElasticRecovery
Sheeting
and Permanent Deformation and Stress Retention of
D907Terminology of Adhesives
Stretch Wrap Film
D996Terminology of Packaging and Distribution Environ-
E96/E96MTest Methods for Water Vapor Transmission of
ments
Materials
D1003Test Method for Haze and Luminous Transmittance
E284Terminology of Appearance
of Transparent Plastics
D1505Test Method for Density of Plastics by the Density-
3. Terminology
Gradient Technique
3.1 Definitions—Terminology found in Terminology D996
D1746Test Method for Transparency of Plastic Sheeting
shall apply.
D1894Test Method for Static and Kinetic Coefficients of
Friction of Plastic Film and Sheeting
3.2 Definitions of Terms:
3.2.1 blocking—an undesirable adhesion between touching
layers of a material, such as occurs under moderate pressure
ThisguideisunderthejurisdictionofASTMCommitteeD10onPackagingand during storage or use. (See Terminology D907.)
is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D10.25 on Palletizing and Unitizing of
3.2.2 clarity—the characteristic of a transparent body
Loads.
whereby distinct high-contrast images or high-contrast objects
Current edition approved March 1, 2009. Published March 2009. Originally
approved in 1987. Last previous edition approved in 2003 as D4649–03. DOI:
(separated by some distance from the body) are observable
10.1520/D4649-03R09.
through the body. (See Terminology E284.)
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contactASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. ForAnnual Book ofASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
the ASTM website. www.astm.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D4649 − 03 (2009)
3.2.3 cling—the ability of one surface of a material to specifications. Specific methods are contained within the body
adhere to itself or another surface. of the guide for material evaluation, user performance, and
quality assurance testing.
3.2.4 elastic recovery—the extent that a material returns to
its original length after being subjected to an extension.
4.2 Care must be exercised in extrapolating test values
obtained by use of the test methods outlined in this guide, to
3.2.5 elongation—increaseinlength(expressedasapercent
actual field performance.
of original length).
3.2.6 thickness (caliper, gage)— the perpendicular distance
5. Stretch Film Classification
between opposite surface of a material.
5.1 Stretch wrap films may have the following types:
3.3 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
5.1.1 Hand applied film versus machine applied film,
3.3.1 conventional braking—a mode of stretch wrap ma-
5.1.2 Fabrication (blown, cast),
chinery operation in which wrap material elongation is
5.1.3 Cling Mechanism (two side, one side, no cling,
achieved by relative load motion and supply roll tension.
migratory, non-migratory, one side slip, differentiated), and
3.3.2 core extension—the length to which the core extends
5.1.4 Layer (monolayer, co-extruded).
beyond the edge of the wrap material.
5.2 Grade:
3.3.3 cut growth resistance—the ability of a wrap material
5.2.1 Colors, (clear, tints, opaque).
to resist nick or cut propagation.
5.3 Class:
3.3.4 film force to load—the amount of force applied by the
5.3.1 Food Contact, and
film to a load in providing load containment.
5.3.2 Non-food Contact.
3.3.5 film tail—that portion of wrap material that is applied
to the load after relative load motion ceases.
6. Raw Materials and Fabrication
3.3.6 food wrap material—a material designed for use in
6.1 Typical materials covered by this guide are as follows:
direct food contact.
6.1.1 Low-density polyethylene (LDPE),
3.3.7 load containment—the utilization and protection, or
6.1.2 Medium-density polyethylene (MDPE),
both, of product(s) for distribution and storage or both.
6.1.3 Linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE),
6.1.4 Metallocene/mlinearlowdensitypolyethylene(mLL-
3.3.8 marking wheel—a device that makes repetitive marks
DPE):
indicating a known distance.
6.1.5 Ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA),
3.3.9 measured stretch—see elongation.
6.1.6 Poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC),
3.3.10 mechanical prestretch—a mode of stretch wrap ma-
6.1.7 Polypropylene (PP),
chinery operation in which wrap material elongation is
6.1.8 Other polymeric materials or blends that meet the
achieved through the use of a prestretch device and relative
requirementsofthisguide.Highdensitypolyethylene(HDPE),
load motion.
6.1.9 Ethylene methyl acrylate copolymer (EMA),
3.3.11 nonfood wrap material—a material not for direct 6.1.10 Very low density polyethylene (VLDPE),
food contact.
6.1.11 Ethylene metallocene plastomers, and
6.1.12 Additives, modifiers and pigments.
3.3.12 overlap—the width of wrap material that covers a
previous layer of wrap material.
7. Ordering Information
3.3.13 powered prestretch—amodeofstretchwrapmachin-
7.1 The inquiry and order for materials shall indicate the
ery operation in which wrap material elongation is achieved
following where applicable:
through use of a power assist prestretch device and relative
7.1.1 Grade and class required,
load motion.
7.1.2 Thickness,
3.3.14 protrusion puncture resistance—the ability of a wrap
7.1.3 Material length per roll,
material to withstand the force exerted by a protrusion.
7.1.4 Outside roll diameter,
3.3.15 stretch wrap material—amaterialusedforoverwrap-
7.1.5 Material width,
ping that elongates when applied under tension and, through
7.1.6 Core dimension (inside diameter and extension), and
elastic recovery conforms to the item(s) packaged.
7.1.7 ASTM designation, including revision date.
3.3.16 wrap cycle—the series of operations used to wrap a
7.2 Where necessary, ordering information may be ex-
load.
panded or modified for special uses or materials, such as
3.3.17 yield (coverage)—area per unit weight.
method of stretch and stretch percentage expected.
3.3.18 zipper (tear)—a self-propagating tear.
8. Stretch Film and Additives’ Characteristics
4. Significance and Use
8.1 Physical and Mechanical Properties:
4.1 This guide is for user evaluation, selection, 8.1.1 The properties and test methods in Table 1 shall be
specification, and application of stretch wrap materials. It may used when describing the physical and mechanical character-
be used between the buyer and seller to arrive at purchase istics of wrap materials as manufactured.
D4649 − 03 (2009)
TABLE 1 Physical and Mechanical Properties of Materials
9.1.1 Thickness (caliper, gage) is expressed in fractions of
Common SI ASTM Test aninchormils.Forexample,thenominalthicknessof80-gage
Property
Unit Unit Method
wrap material is 80/100000, 0.00080 in., or 0.8 mils,
Breaking factor 1 lbf/in. kN/m D882
9.1.1.1 As determined by Specification D2103, and
Clarity % % D1746
9.1.1.2 The actual wrap material thickness shall not vary
Cling (peel) gm N D5458
Coefficient of friction at . . D1894 more than 625% of the nominal gage thickness in any one
approximately 72 and 100°F
pointacrossthewidthnor20%fromthenominalthicknessfor
(22 and 38°C)
3 3
the average of five consecutive points across the web, mea-
Density lb/in. g/cm D1505
Elastic recovery % % D5459 sured in a minimum of 1-in. or 25-mm increments.
Elongation at break % % D882
9.1.2 Roll Weight or Yield—See Table 3.
Flammability % 0 % 0 D2863
9.1.2.1 Gross weight of hand wrap films generally under 12
Force at elongation (50, 100, lbf/in. kN/m D882
150, 200 %)
lb.
Gloss . . D2457
9.1.3 Thefilmrollwidthtoleranceforwrapmaterialsis 6 ⁄4
Haze % % D1003
A
in. (6 mm) unless otherwise agreed upon between the buyer
Protrusion puncture in./lb M/kg
Static electrification V V D4470
and the seller.
Stress retention % % D5459
9.1.3.1 Standard widths are 10 to 80 in. (254 to 2032 mm)
Tear resistance (Elmendorf) gm N D1922
plus 10 to 20 in. (254 to 508 mm) on hand wrap applications.
Ultimate tensile strength lb/in. Pa D882
Water vapor transmission rate g/24 h-100 g/h-m E96/E96M,
Nonstandard widths are also available.
in. Procedure E
9.1.3.2 Roll width, measured by a steel tape having an
Wetting tension dyne/cm dyne/cm D2578
2 2
accuracy of 6 ⁄8 in. (3 mm).
Yield (coverage) in. /lb m /Kg D4321
A 9.1.4 The roll diameter tolerance is 65% of nominal out-
New Standard Test Method for Protrusion Puncture Resistance of Stretch-Wrap
Materials is under development. side diameter.
9.1.5 The length per roll of film wrap materials shall be
within+4−0% of the length as marked, or as otherwise
8.1.2 The practices listed in Table 2 can be an aid when
agreed between the buyer and the seller, as measured by a
describing performance characteristics of wrap materials, as
tapeless measure.
used for unitizing, reinforcing, and palletizing.
10. Workmanship, Finish, and Appearance
8.1.3 Some of the test methods described in Table 1 may be
applied to multiple wraps or stretched specimens, or both, to
10.1 Wrapmaterialsshallbegenerallyfreefromdefectsthat
aid in assessing their performance characteristics.
may affect the serviceability such as wrinkles, fold-over
8.1.4 Other tests that may be of value for evaluating actual
creases, soft spongy areas, and gels.
performance are given in Annex A1.
10.1.1 No splices are allowed.
8.2 Other Properties—Food contact stretch films must con-
11. Sampling
form to FDA or other governmental regulations, or both, as
11.1 Sampling shall be in accordance with Practice D1898.
applicable.
8.3 Recyclability/Disposability —Stretch film should be re-
12. Test Methods
cycledwheneverpossible.Disposabilityshallbeinaccordance
12.1 The test methods in Annex A1 are not ASTM
with local, state, and federal regulations.
standards, however these procedures are a necessary part of
8.4 Static Discharge— Some plastic packaging wrap mate-
this guide.
rials may build up static electrical charge. Care should be
13. Preparation for Delivery
exercised in using these materials especially where potential
flammable air vapor or air dust mixtures can exist.
13.1 Lotorserialnumbermustappearontheindividualroll,
pallet or case.
9. Dimensions, Mass, and Permissible Variations
13.2 Shippingcontainerorindividualrolls,orboth,shallbe
9.1 The material dimensions and their permissible varia-
labeled in accordance with Practice D3951 with the following
tionsshallconformtothefollowing,unlessotherwisespecified
additional markings:
by the user:
13.2.1 Product name,
13.2.2 Thickness,
TABLE 2 Test Methods Related to Performance
13.2.3 Material width in inches or millimetres,
Procedure ASTM Test Method
13.2.4 Material length per roll in feet or meters,
Test Method for Evaluating Abrasion Resistance of D5416
13.2.5 Material weight per roll in pounds or kilograms, and
Stretch Wrap Material
Test Method for Evaluating Load Containment D5415
Performance of Stretch Wrap Material by Vibration
TABLE 3 Average Weight/Yield Tolerances for Stretch Wrap
Testing
Material
Test Method for Evaluation of Horizontal Impact D5414
Performance of Stretch Wrap Materials Number of Rolls Tolerance, %
Test Method for Evaluation of Mechanical Handling of D5331 Any one roll ±7
Unitized Loads Secured with Stretch Wrap Materials Lots over 25 ±5
D4649 − 03 (2009)
13.2.6 Manufacturer’s or seller’s name. 15.6.2 Wrap-Scale-In Method—A strain gauge such as a
bathroom type scale is attached to the load and the stretch film
13.3 Where necessary, labeling information may be ex-
is applied to the load. The strain gauge is used to record the
panded or modified for special uses or materials.
pounds (kilograms) of force applied to the gauge by the film
and is recorded.
14. General Uses
15.6.3 Effects of Time and Temperature on the Film Forces
14.1 Tensioned stretch film may be used to secure a han-
Applied to the Load—It is important to conduct the film test at
dling base (skids, platforms, pallets, slip sheets, etc.) to a unit
the same amount of time after the load is wrapped, and at the
load to expedite handling (tertiary package).
same temperature and the same stretch percentages,
...

This document is not anASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of anASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation:D4649–00 Designation: D 4649 – 03 (Reapproved 2009)
Standard Guide for
Selection and Use of Stretch Wrap Films
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D4649; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision.Anumber in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope
1.1 This guide covers recommended guidelines and test methods for the selection, specification, and use of stretch wrap films
for unitizing, reinforcing, and palletizing for indoor environments. This can include storage or transport, or both, in warehouses,
closedcontainerssuchastrucktrailersorrailboxcars,andassociatedtransferterminals.Thisguidedoesnotcovertheperformance
issues associated with outdoor exposure.
1.2Thevaluesstatedininch-poundunitsaretoberegardedasthestandard.TheSIunitsgiveninparenthesesareforinformation
only.
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory
limitations prior to use.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D882 Test MethodsMethod for Tensile Properties of Thin Plastic Sheeting
D907 Terminology of Adhesives
D996 Terminology of Packaging and Distribution Environments
D1003 Test Method for Haze and Luminous Transmittance of Transparent Plastics
D1505 Test Method for Density of Plastics by the Density-Gradient Technique
D1746 Test Method for Transparency of Plastic Sheeting
D1894 Test Method for Static and Kinetic Coefficients of Friction of Plastic Film and Sheeting
D1898 Practice for Sampling of Plastics
D1922 Test Method for Propagation Tear Resistance of Plastic Film and Thin Sheeting by Pendulum Method
D2103 Specification for Polyethylene Film and Sheeting
D2457 Test Method for Specular Gloss of Plastic Films and Solid Plastics
D2578 Test Method for Wetting Tension of Polyethylene and Polypropylene Films
D2863 Test Method for Measuring the Minimum Oxygen Concentration to Support Candle-Like Combustion of Plastics
(Oxygen Index)
D3951 Practice for Commercial Packaging
D4321 Test Method for Package Yield of Plastic Film
D4470 Test Method for Static Electrification
D5331 Test Method for Evaluation of Mechanical Handling of Unitized Loads Secured With Stretch-Wrap with Stretch Wrap
Films
D5414 Test Method for Evaluation of Horizontal Impact Performance of Load Unitizing Stretch Wrap Materials Films
D5415 Test Method for Evaluating Load Containment Performance of Stretch Wrap MaterialsFilms by Vibration Testing
D5416 Test Method for Evaluating Abrasion Resistance of Stretch Wrap MaterialsFilms by Vibration Testing
D5458 Test Method for Peel Cling of Stretch Wrap Film
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D10 on Packaging and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D10.25 on Palletizing and Unitizing of
Loads.
Current edition approved Nov. 10, 2000. Published January 2001. Originally published as D4649–87. Last previous edition D4649–95.
Current edition approved March 1, 2009. Published March 2009. Originally approved in 1987. Last previous edition approved in 2003 as D4649–03.
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 08.01.
ForreferencedASTMstandards,visittheASTMwebsite,www.astm.org,[e-mail]ards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Withdrawn.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
D 4649 – 03 (2009)
D5459 TestMethodforMachineDirectionElasticRecoveryandPermanentDeformationandStressRetentionofStretchWrap
Materials Film
E9696/E96M Test Methods for Water Vapor Transmission of Materials
E284 Terminology of Appearance
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—Terminology found in Terminology D996shall apply.
3.2 Definitions of Terms:
3.2.1 blocking—an undesirable adhesion between touching layers of a material, such as occurs under moderate pressure during
storage or use. (See Terminology D907.)
3.2.2 clarity—thecharacteristicofatransparentbodywherebydistincthigh-contrastimagesorhigh-contrastobjects(separated
by some distance from the body) are observable through the body. (See Terminology E284.)
3.2.3 cling—the ability of one surface of a material to adhere to itself or another surface.
3.2.4 elastic recovery—the extent that a material returns to its original length after being subjected to an extension.
3.2.5 elongation—increase in length (expressed as a percent of original length).
3.2.6 thickness (caliper, gage)— the perpendicular distance between opposite surface of a material.
3.3 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.3.1 conventional braking—a mode of stretch wrap machinery operation in which wrap material elongation is achieved by
relative load motion and supply roll tension.
3.3.2 core extension—the length to which the core extends beyond the edge of the wrap material.
3.3.3 cut growth resistance—the ability of a wrap material to resist nick or cut propagation.
3.3.4 film force to load—the amount of force applied by the film to a load in providing load containment.
3.3.5 film tail—that portion of wrap material that is applied to the load after relative load motion ceases.
3.3.6 food wrap material—a material designed for use in direct food contact.
3.3.7 load containment—the utilization and protection, or both, of product(s) for distribution and storage or both.
3.3.8 marking wheel—a device that makes repetitive marks indicating a known distance.
3.3.9 measured stretch—see elongation.
3.3.10 mechanical prestretch—a mode of stretch wrap machinery operation in which wrap material elongation is achieved
through the use of a prestretch device and relative load motion.
3.3.11 nonfood wrap material—a material not for direct food contact.
3.3.12 overlap—the width of wrap material that covers a previous layer of wrap material.
3.3.13 powered prestretch—amodeofstretchwrapmachineryoperationinwhichwrapmaterialelongationisachievedthrough
use of a power assist prestretch device and relative load motion.
3.3.14 protrusion puncture resistance—the ability of a wrap material to withstand the force exerted by a protrusion.
3.3.15 stretch wrap material—a material used for overwrapping that elongates when applied under tension and, through elastic
recovery conforms to the item(s) packaged.
3.3.16 wrap cycle—the series of operations used to wrap a load.
3.3.17 yield (coverage)—area per unit weight.
3.3.18 zipper (tear)—a self-propagating tear.
4. Significance and Use
4.1 This guide is for user evaluation, selection, specification, and application of stretch wrap materials. It may be used between
the buyer and seller to arrive at purchase specifications. Specific methods are contained within the body of the guide for material
evaluation, user performance, and quality assurance testing.
4.2 Caremustbeexercisedinextrapolatingtestvaluesobtainedbyuseofthetestmethodsoutlinedinthisguide,toactualfield
performance.
5. Stretch Film Classification
5.1 Stretch wrap films may have the following types:
5.1.1 Hand applied film versus machine applied film,
5.1.2 Fabrication (blown, cast),
5.1.3 Cling Mechanism (two side, one side, no cling, migratory, non-migratory, one side slip, differentiated), and
5.1.4 Layer (monolayer, co-extruded).
5.2 Grade:
5.2.1 Colors, (clear, tints, opaque).
5.3 Class:
5.3.1 Food Contact, and
5.3.2 Non-food Contact.
D 4649 – 03 (2009)
6. Raw Materials and Fabrication
6.1 Typical materials covered by this guide are as follows:
6.1.1 Low-density polyethylene (LDPE),
6.1.2 Medium-density polyethylene (MDPE),
6.1.3 Linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE),
6.1.4 Metallocene/m linear low density polyethylene (mLLDPE):
6.1.5 Ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA),
6.1.6 Poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC),
6.1.7 Polypropylene (PP),
6.1.8 Other polymeric materials or blends that meet the requirements of this guide. High density polyethylene (HDPE),
6.1.9 Ethylene methyl acrylate copolymer (EMA),
6.1.10 Very low density polyethylene (VLDPE),
6.1.11 Ethylene metallocene plastomers, and
6.1.12 Additives, modifiers and pigments.
7. Ordering Information
7.1 The inquiry and order for materials shall indicate the following where applicable:
7.1.1 Grade and class required,
7.1.2 Thickness,
7.1.3 Material length per roll,
7.1.4 Outside roll diameter,
7.1.5 Material width,
7.1.6 Core dimension (inside diameter and extension), and
7.1.7 ASTM designation, including revision date.
7.2 Wherenecessary,orderinginformationmaybeexpandedormodifiedforspecialusesormaterials,suchasmethodofstretch
and stretch percentage expected.
8. Stretch Film and Additives’ Characteristics
8.1 Physical and Mechanical Properties :
8.1.1 The properties and test methods in Table 1 shall be used when describing the physical and mechanical characteristics of
wrap materials as manufactured.
8.1.2 The practices listed in Table 2 can be an aid when describing performance characteristics of wrap materials, as used for
unitizing, reinforcing, and palletizing.
8.1.3 Some of the test methods described in Table 1 may be applied to multiple wraps or stretched specimens, or both, to aid
TABLE 1 Physical and Mechanical Properties of Materials
Common SI ASTM Test
Property
Unit Unit Method
Breaking factor 1 lbf/in. kN/m D 882
Clarity % % D 1746
Cling (peel) gm N D 5458
Coefficient of friction at . . D 1894
approximately 72 and 100°F
(22 and 38°C)
3 3
Density lb/in. g/cm D 1505
Elastic recovery % % D 5459
Elongation at break % % D 882
Flammability % 0 % 0 D 2863
Force at elongation (50, 100, lbf/in. kN/m D 882
150, 200 %)
Gloss . . D 2457
Haze % % D 1003
A
Protrusion puncture in./lb M/kg
Static electrification V V D 4470
Stress retention % % D 5459
Tear resistance (Elmendorf) gm N D 1922
Ultimate tensile strength lb/in. Pa D 882
Water vapor transmission rate g/24 h-100 g/h-m E 96,
in. Procedure E
Water vapor transmission rate g/24 h-100 g/h-m E 96/E 96M,
in. Procedure E
Wetting tension dyne/cm dyne/cm D 2578
2 2
Yield (coverage) in. /lb m /Kg D 4321
A
New Standard Test Method for Protrusion Puncture Resistance of Stretch-
Wrap Materials is under development.
D 4649 – 03 (2009)
TABLE 2 Test Methods Related to Performance
Procedure ASTM Test Method
Test Method for Evaluating Abrasion Resistance of D 5416
Stretch Wrap Material
Test Method for Evaluating Load Containment D 5415
Performance of Stretch Wrap Material by Vibration
Testing
Test Method for Evaluation of Horizontal Impact D 5414
Performance of Stretch Wrap Materials
Test Method for Evaluation of Mechanical Handling of D 5331
Unitized Loads Secured with Stretch Wrap Materials
in assessing their performance characteristics.
8.1.4 Other tests that may be of value for evaluating actual performance are given in Annex A1.
8.2 Other Properties— Food contact stretch films must conform to FDA or other governmental regulations, or both, as
applicable.
8.3 Recyclability/Disposability —Stretch film should be recycled whenever possible. Disposability shall be in accordance with
local, state, and federal regulations.
8.4 Static Discharge— Some plastic packaging wrap materials may build up static electrical charge. Care should be exercised
in using these materials especially where potential flammable air vapor or air dust mixtures can exist.
9. Dimensions, Mass, and Permissible Variations
9.1 The material dimensions and their permissible variations shall conform to the following, unless otherwise specified by the
user:
9.1.1 Thickness(caliper,gage)isexpressedinfractionsofaninchormils.Forexample,thenominalthicknessof80-gagewrap
material is 80/100000, 0.00080 in., or 0.8 mils,
9.1.1.1 As determined by Specification D2103, and
9.1.1.2 The actual wrap material thickness shall not vary more than 625% of the nominal gage thickness in any one point
across the width nor 20% from the nominal thickness for the average of five consecutive points across the web, measured in a
minimum of 1-in. or 25-mm increments.
9.1.2 Roll Weight or Yield—See Table 3.
9.1.2.1 Gross weight of hand wrap films generally under 12 lb.
9.1.3 The film roll width tolerance for wrap materials is 6 ⁄4 in. (6 mm) unless otherwise agreed upon between the buyer and
the seller.
9.1.3.1 Standard widths are 10 to 80 in. (254 to 2032 mm) plus 10 to 20 in. (254 to 508 mm) on hand wrap applications.
Nonstandard widths are also available.
9.1.3.2 Roll width, measured by a steel tape having an accuracy of 6 ⁄8 in. (3 mm).
9.1.4 The roll diameter tolerance is 65% of nominal outside diameter.
9.1.5 The length per roll of film wrap materials shall be within+4−0% of the length as marked, or as otherwise agreed
between the buyer and the seller, as measured by a tapeless measure.
10. Workmanship, Finish, and Appearance
10.1 Wrap materials shall be generally free from defects that may affect the serviceability such as wrinkles, fold-over creases,
soft spongy areas, and gels.
10.1.1 No splices are allowed.
11. Sampling
11.1 Sampling shall be in accordance with Practice D1898.
12. Test Methods
12.1 The test methods in Annex A1 are not ASTM standards, however these procedures are a necessary part of this guide.
13. Preparation for Delivery
13.1 Lot or serial number must appear on the individual roll, pallet or case.
TABLE 3 Average Weight/Yield Tolerances for Stretch Wrap
Material
Number of Rolls Tolerance, %
Any one roll 67
Lots over 25 65
D 4649 – 03 (2009)
13.2 Shipping container or individual rolls, or both, shall be labeled in accordance with Practice D3951 with the following
additional markings:
13.2.1 Product name,
13.2.2 Thickness,
13.2.3 Material width in inches or millimetres,
13.2.4 Material length per roll in feet or meters,
13.2.5 Material weight per roll in pounds or kilograms, and
13.2.6 Manufacturer’s or seller’s name.
13.3 Where necessary, labeling information may be expanded o
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