Glossary
Micron
Definition
A unit of thickness equal to one thousandth of a millimetre, used to measure plastic films such as pallet wrap and mailing bags. Higher micron means a thicker, tougher film.
Also known as: Micrometre, um, mu
A micron is one thousandth of a millimetre, and it is the standard way to describe the thickness of plastic films. Pallet wrap, mailing bags, polythene and shrink film are all specified in microns, so a 23-micron pallet wrap is thinner than a 30-micron one.
Thickness is a rough guide to toughness and puncture resistance, but it is not the whole story for stretch films. Modern power pre-stretch and multi-layer films can deliver the holding force of a much thicker conventional film at a lower micron, so gauge alone should not be your only comparison.
Micron is the film equivalent of gsm for paper: use micron when comparing plastic films and gsm when comparing papers. For mailing bags, higher micron gives a sturdier, more tamper-resistant bag; for pallet wrap, it contributes to load stability alongside stretch and film technology.
What to check
- Use micron to compare plastic films, not paper.
- For pallet wrap, consider film technology and stretch, not just micron.
- For mailing bags, higher micron gives a stronger, more secure bag.
- Match micron to load: heavier or sharp-edged goods need thicker film.
- Request the true micron figure, as some films quote nominal averages.
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Micron — FAQs
Is a higher micron pallet wrap always better?
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