Quick answer: Breathable stretch film, also called vented or perforated pallet wrap, has small holes or open sections that let air move through the wrap. It’s used for goods that need to breathe or cool down, such as fresh fruit and vegetables, plants, firewood, and products packed while still warm. For almost everything else, including boxed goods, cartons and stock in a dry warehouse, normal solid stretch film is the better choice because it holds the load more firmly and keeps dust and rain out.

Most pallet wrap is a solid sheet of film. That’s what you want for the vast majority of loads, because a continuous film grips the load tightly and seals out dirt and damp. But some goods don’t do well sealed in plastic. For those, there’s breathable film. Here’s what it is, when you need it, and when you don’t.

What breathable stretch film is

Breathable film is stretch film with openings in it. Some types have rows of small punched holes. Others are made with open bands or slits, so the film looks almost like a net once it’s stretched. In each case the idea is the same. The film still stretches and clings to hold the load together, but air can pass through it.

You’ll see it called vented stretch film, perforated pallet wrap, ventilated film or breathable logistics wrap. They all mean the same kind of product.

Why some loads need to breathe

When warm or moist goods are sealed in solid film, the moisture has nowhere to go. It condenses on the inside of the film, the load stays damp, and you can end up with mould, rot, rust or soggy cartons. Breathable film lets the load cool and dry out while it’s still held together.

Typical loads that benefit include:

fresh fruit, vegetables and salad
potatoes, onions and other root crops in sacks or crates
plants, flowers and nursery stock
firewood, logs and fresh-cut timber
goods packed while still warm, such as some bakery products or hot-filled drinks
loads going straight into a chiller or cold store that need cold air to reach the goods

The trade-offs

Breathable film isn’t simply “better”. The openings that let air through also cost you something.

It holds less. With less film in contact with the load, each layer grips less firmly. You usually need more turns, or a heavier film, to get the same stability as solid wrap.

It protects less. Dust, rain and pests can get through the holes. For goods stored outside or travelling in an open vehicle, that can be a problem.

It hides less. Even black vented film won’t fully hide what’s on the pallet.

It usually costs more per pallet, because it’s a more specialised product and you often need more of it.

When solid film is the better choice

If your goods are dry, packed in cartons, and not sensitive to moisture, solid stretch film is the right choice. That covers most warehouse, retail, manufacturing and e-commerce pallets. Solid film holds the load more firmly per turn, keeps out dust and rain, and is simpler to buy.

It’s also fine for most chilled and frozen goods that are already packed and cold when they’re wrapped. Our guide to stretch film for outdoor and cold storage covers how to wrap those loads so the film performs well in the cold.

A middle way for some loads

If you only need a little airflow, you can sometimes get by with solid film and a different wrapping pattern. Wrap the base and top firmly to lock the load to the pallet, and leave a band in the middle with fewer turns. That keeps the load stable while letting some air reach the goods. It won’t suit fresh produce, but it can help with loads that just need to shed a little warmth or damp.

Do we sell breathable film?

Not at the moment. Our range is solid hand stretch film, in 17 and 23 micron, clear and black, on standard and extended cores, with at least 30% post-consumer recycled plastic in every roll. If you’re not sure whether your load needs vented film or will be fine in solid wrap, tell us what you’re wrapping and we’ll give you an honest answer.

FAQs

What is breathable pallet wrap used for?

Loads that need air to reach them, such as fresh produce, plants, firewood and goods packed while still warm. The airflow stops condensation building up under the wrap.

Is breathable film weaker than normal stretch film?

Each layer holds less, because there’s less film touching the load. You usually need more turns or a heavier grade to get the same stability.

Is breathable stretch film food safe?

It depends on the product. If the film will touch food directly, check that it’s certified for food contact. Most pallet wrap, vented or solid, is meant to go round packed goods rather than directly on food. Our guide to food grade stretch film explains the rules.

Can I use normal pallet wrap on fresh produce?

For short trips with cool, dry produce, sometimes. For longer journeys, or anything warm or damp, solid film can trap moisture and cause rot. That’s when vented film is worth using.

Does breathable film keep rain out?

No, not fully. Water can get through the openings. If goods must stay dry, use solid film, or cover the load.

Breathable Stretch Film: What Vented Pallet Wrap Is and When You Need It