Logistics
Cling Film Packaging & Shipping: Export Cartons, Palletization & Damage Prevention
Why Packaging Matters for Cling Film
Cling film is lightweight but compressible — poor packaging results in crushed boxes, deformed rolls, and unsellable inventory. The cost of proper packaging (~2-3% of FOB) is far lower than the cost of returns or customer rejection (10-100% of order value).
Carton Specifications by Product
| Product | Carton Grade | Burst Strength | Carton Size (L×W×H cm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Retail boxed (48/carton) | 5-ply corrugated | 275 lb/in² | 42×32×28 |
| Retail boxed (72/carton) | 5-ply corrugated | 275 lb/in² | 42×32×40 |
| Catering roll (24/carton) | 5-ply corrugated | 300 lb/in² | 50×48×28 |
| Jumbo roll (2/carton) | 7-ply heavy-duty | 400 lb/in² | 48×48×35 |
| Jumbo roll (1/carton) | 5-ply + double-wall | 350 lb/in² | 48×48×50 |
All SUNWRAP export cartons use moisture-resistant adhesive and are sealed with H-tape on all 6 sides.
Palletization for Retail Boxed Cling Film
EUR Pallet (120×80cm):
- Cartons per layer: 6-8 (depending on orientation)
- Layers per pallet: 5-6
- Cartons per pallet: 30-48
- Pallet height: ~170cm
- Pallets per 40’ HQ: 20-22
US Pallet (48×40” / 122×102cm):
- Cartons per layer: 8-10
- Layers per pallet: 5-6
- Cartons per pallet: 40-60
- Pallet height: ~170cm
- Pallets per 40’ HQ: 20-22
Floor-Loaded Container Loading Pattern
For destinations with manual unloading (common in Southeast Asia, Africa):
- Layer 1-3 (floor): Heaviest cartons — jumbo rolls and industrial film
- Layer 4-8 (middle): Standard retail cartons — interlocking pattern for stability
- Layer 9-10 (top): Lightest cartons — smaller format retail
- Dunnage bags: Inflatable bags placed in gaps at top of load to prevent shifting
Moisture Protection
Cling film is sensitive to moisture during sea freight:
- Desiccant: 2× 500g desiccant bags per pallet (or 4-6 per floor-loaded container)
- VCI (Vapor Corrosion Inhibitor): Not needed for plastic film, but recommended if container also carries metal cutters
- Moisture barrier: Kraft paper liner between cartons and container walls
Labeling Requirements
Every master carton must show:
- Product description (type, size, quantity)
- PO number
- Carton number / total (e.g., “CTN 42 of 800”)
- Net weight / gross weight
- Country of origin (Made in China)
- Handling marks (“Keep Dry”, “This Side Up”)
Container Inspection Before Loading
SUNWRAP’s pre-loading checklist: ☐ Container interior clean, dry, odor-free ☐ No holes or light penetration (check with doors closed) ☐ Floor boards intact, no protruding nails ☐ Container seal number recorded ☐ Loading photos taken at 25%, 50%, 75%, 100%
FAQ
Q: What is the damage rate for cling film during shipping? Under 0.5% with proper packaging. Damage typically comes from: water ingress (container leak), crushing (poor stacking), or impact (rough handling). Photo documentation of loading helps with insurance claims if damage occurs.
Q: Can I use my own carton design? Yes. If you have specific carton specs (e.g., your warehouse racking dimensions), provide them during ordering. Custom cartons add $0.02-0.05 per unit.
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