Start with the packing outcome
Describe whether you need an individual product presented in film, several items combined into a multipack, or a pallet load contained for handling. Identify the finished pack that the customer receives and the outer packaging used for transport. These are separate layers of the brief. A general request to wrap products does not establish the film process, presentation standard or dispatch arrangement required.
Assess heat exposure for a shrink-wrapped pack
Provide representative products, existing packaging and any tray, insert or sleeve used in the bundle. Highlight heat-sensitive components, printed surfaces and features that must remain usable. Discuss the proposed film and handling conditions, then assess an actual sample before approving the presentation. Do not assume all products tolerate the same process or that film appearance alone establishes suitability for storage and onward handling.
Define how a multipack is held together
State the number of units, arrangement and orientation in one bundle. Describe any support tray or component that keeps products in place before wrapping. Mark labels, barcodes and product information that need to remain visible or accessible. Include the required finish and any open areas. A two-product sample does not automatically establish the best arrangement for a larger bundle with a different shape or weight.
Keep product presentation separate from pallet containment
A shrink-wrapped retail bundle still needs an agreed case and pallet arrangement where these are part of the job. Stretch film around a pallet does not create the same individual presentation as shrink film around a product. If both layers are needed, describe them separately and ask which work is included. Confirm the handling and transport requirements with the parties responsible for those stages.
Use a trial pack to settle the quotation brief
Supply dimensions, quantities by variant, materials responsibility and the intended completion date. Review a representative wrapped sample for fit, presentation, readable information and the agreed handling checks. Record outstanding assessments and who approves the pack. The quote and production confirmation should identify the actual process, materials, checks and dates; a requested deadline or photographed example is a starting point for review, not a confirmed run.
Information to include in your enquiry
- Individual product or bundle dimensions
- Number and arrangement of units per pack
- Existing pack and heat-sensitive features
- Film and presentation requirements
- Visible label and barcode positions
- Finished case, pallet and handover scope
Send the information you have and identify any details still awaiting confirmation. The team can review the outline and explain what else is needed to assess the actual project.
Discuss this requirementCompare the wrapping tasks
| Comparison | Product shrink wrapping | Pallet stretch wrapping |
|---|---|---|
| Main task | Product or multipack presentation | Load containment, often on a pallet |
| Film behaviour | Film responds to applied heat | Film is applied under stretch |
| Brief reference | Representative finished product bundle | Representative pallet and load arrangement |
| Key checks | Pack fit, heat response and presentation | Load, film application and handling needs |
| Scope decision | Confirm product-wrapping work | Confirm pallet-wrapping work separately |
Common questions
Is shrink wrapping the same as pallet wrapping?
Usually they refer to different tasks. Product shrink wrapping uses heat-responsive film, while pallet stretch wrapping applies stretched film around a load. Describe both layers if your project requires a finished multipack and a pallet handover.
Can several products be shrink wrapped as one promotional pack?
Submit the actual products, grouping, dimensions and presentation requirement for review. A support tray, insert or other material may affect the proposed pack. Confirm suitability through the agreed sample and process checks.
Does shrink film replace outer transit packaging?
Do not assume it does. Identify the handling, case and pallet requirements for the finished goods and ask which stages are in scope. Product presentation and transport protection need their own assessment.