Agricultural Stretch Film

What is agricultural stretch film?

Agricultural stretch film (also known as silage film) is a thin, multi-layered film produced using a special blend of polyethylene (PE) and specific adhesives. This film is applied using specialised machines, known as wrapping machines, which enable it to mould tightly around pressed bales. Harvested crops, such as silage or haylage, are processed into silage bales using round bale netting or baler twine, and are then wrapped to create an oxygen-tight seal, extending the shelf life of the feed.

During the wrapping process, agricultural stretch film is subjected to significant stress. It also faces considerable strain during transport, storage, and exposure to external environmental conditions. For this reason, only high-quality raw materials are used in its production.

What is agricultural stretch film used for?

Agricultural stretch film is primarily used to preserve silage in square, round, and mini bales, helping to retain important nutrients in the feed. The film is also employed in the waste management industry, where waste materials are wrapped for safe outdoor storage. Additionally, agricultural stretch film serves as protective packaging for items like chopped straw during transportation.

What are the advantages of agricultural stretch film?

Unlike bunker silos, agricultural stretch film offers the advantage of flexibility, allowing work to be carried out in smaller stages. The bales can be wrapped immediately in the field or after transport. This method also requires less space and represents a significantly lower capital investment compared to using a bunker silo.

How is agricultural stretch film processed?

It is essential that the bales are well compressed before wrapping. For silage, at least six layers of film must be applied to ensure good feed quality, while at least eight layers are necessary for haylage.

Proper storage is crucial for maintaining the quality of the bales. The bales should be stored or stacked on their front side to ensure stability and protection. Additionally, steps must be taken to protect the bales from rodents and birds. Our silo protection grids provide an excellent solution for this.

What colours are available for stretch film?

Agricultural wrapping film comes in several colours, with the most common being green, olive green, light green, or field green. The choice of green is primarily for aesthetic reasons, as it blends in well with the landscape.

In many health-conscious areas, regulations now require the use of green bale film. Experts, however, recommend using white or at least light green film in southern or sunny regions. Dark-coloured films, such as black or dark green, can absorb heat, which may cause the upper layers of the fodder to burn or lose nutrients. In regions with less sunlight, black or dark green stretch film can still be used without significant issues.

Clear or transparent wrapping film has been available for around three years. The key advantage of clear film is that it allows you to monitor the condition of the silage at all times, making it easier to spot any signs of malnutrition. Additionally, bird infestations are significantly lower with clear film compared to white, black, or green films.

It’s important to note that clear or transparent wrapping film is a specialised, patented product designed for use with silage bales. Under no circumstances should you use general industrial packaging film, as it lacks UV stabilisers or UV absorbers. The only approved ‘transparent’ film for this purpose is branded as ‘Crystal’. Using standard packaging film could put your silage at great risk.

Although less common, there are also colourful films such as pink, violet, or purple. These colours are primarily for novelty purposes and do not offer any functional benefit in silage bale wrapping.

What widths are available for bale wrap film?

The most popular width of silage wrapping film today is 750 mm (75 cm). This width is versatile and can be used for both round and square bales. The primary advantage of 750 mm wide film is that it allows for faster processing and provides larger film overlaps on the bale. These larger overlaps ensure better oxygen tightness, enhancing the preservation of the silage. Square bales can only be wrapped with 750 mm wide film.

The 500 mm width is used exclusively for round bales and remains relatively common.

Less common film widths, such as 250 mm, 360 mm, and 375 mm, are used for smaller or "mini" round bales. Some contractors or farmers may also use these narrower films to wrap high-pressure bales. Additionally, mini bale films and narrow rolls of round bale netting for mini bales are available. We are proud to stock the best selection of round bale netting in Germany.

What roll lengths are common for silage wrap film?

The length of silage film is generally less important for the end user, but the following standard film dimensions are commonly available on the global market:

• 750 mm width typically comes in lengths of 1500 metres. Special silage stretch films, such as those with reduced strength, may be offered in lengths of 1650 metres or even 2000 metres.
• The 500 mm width is exclusively available in lengths of 1800 metres.
• The 250 mm width is also offered in lengths of 1800 metres, while the 360 mm and 375 mm widths are typically available in 1500 metre lengths.

What is the thickness of agricultural film?

The standard thickness for agricultural stretch film has traditionally been 25 microns (µm), a thickness that has been successfully used for around 30 years. However, due to recent advancements in polymer engineering and innovations in polyethylene (PE) raw materials, it is now possible to reduce the film thickness by approximately 5–15% (to 19–22 microns) while maintaining the same performance characteristics of the wrapping film. Key properties such as tear resistance, puncture resistance, and oxygen permeability are still guaranteed by reputable film suppliers.

Thinner or reduced-strength films offer several advantages for the consumer:

• Longer roll lengths result in fewer roll changes, saving time during application.
• Cost savings due to reduced film usage.
• Less waste and lower disposal costs, as less film is used overall.

If you're interested in trying thinner or reduced-strength agricultural film, we recommend a trial purchase with a sample roll or a few sample rolls. This will allow you to assess whether the wrapping film performs smoothly on your machine and whether it remains stable and tear-resistant. We are happy to assist with trial runs and can offer special pricing, even for smaller orders.

What is the weight of agricultural stretch film?

Since the film industry can sometimes be less than transparent with 'all dimensions', it is advisable for contractors to occasionally check the roll weights. Your rolls should match the following weights:

If you notice a significant difference (over 2-5%) during the check, it's recommended to contact your supplier politely.

Number of layers – what does that mean?

Many suppliers often highlight the number of layers in their wrapping films. To provide some clarity, we would like to explain the significance of the number of layers and address some common sales arguments. Generally speaking, the number of layers in bale wrap film is not a key factor for consumers.

For instance, if the film thickness is 25 microns (µm), all films will have this same total thickness. A 3-layer bale wrap film consists of three layers, each 8.33 microns thick, whereas a 5-layer film consists of five layers, each 5 microns thick. Similarly, a 7-layer film will have layers of approximately 3.57 microns each. In practical terms, you are unlikely to notice any difference in performance between them. As a result, a higher number of layers typically does not justify a higher price.

However, we strongly advise against single-layer silage wrap films. These films rely on adhesive being applied manually, which can lead to significant variations in quality, particularly in adhesive strength.

When purchasing silage film, it is more important to focus on the manufacturing process (such as cast and blown film) rather than the number of layers.

Cast or blown process?

There are two distinct manufacturing processes used in the production of agricultural wrapping film: blown extrusion and cast extrusion. It is estimated that approximately 90% of the film available on the market is blown silage film, while around 10% is cast silage film.

Blown stretch film offers slight advantages in terms of certain technical properties, particularly in transverse tear resistance. However, many consumers are highly satisfied with cast wrapping film. We recommend that our customers conduct thorough processing tests before switching from blown to cast film.

The primary reason for testing cast bale film (also known as rolled film) is its cost-effectiveness, as significant savings can be made.

Price difference between blown film and cast film

Cast extrusion is considerably faster and more cost-efficient, which results in a lower price for cast films. The price difference can range from €2 to €6 per roll (depending on the brand and product). Given the competitive pricing pressures in the wrapping market, testing cast stretch film makes sense, especially for customers processing large quantities.

Adhesive for agricultural stretch film

Almost all agricultural wrapping films contain an adhesive. This adhesive ensures a strong bond between the individual layers of film, making the silage bale highly impermeable to gases.

In modern production methods, the adhesive is integrated into the inner layer of the film, and it is activated when the film is pre-stretched. As a general rule, the more adhesive a film contains, the more securely the bale is wrapped. In our experience, adhesive-free wrapping films, or those without any adhesive, offer no advantages other than reduced noise levels during processing.

Noise when processing the wrapping film

When using films with a high adhesive content, some noise is typically generated. These 'positive' and sometimes loud sounds are an indication of strong adhesion, ensuring that the layers of film bond securely around the silage bale. If you don’t hear any rolling noise during processing, it could indicate insufficient adhesion.

What pre-stretch should be applied during processing?

Nearly all manufacturers recommend pre-stretching the silage stretch film by approximately 70%. Deviating from this recommendation, whether by increasing or decreasing the pre-stretch, may introduce certain risks or disadvantages for the user.

Less Pre-Stretch

Reducing the pre-stretch increases consumption and decreases the restoring forces of the agricultural film. This naturally results in higher costs for the installer and reduces the adhesive strength between the individual film layers, which increases the risk of oxygen permeability and moisture ingress. Therefore, reducing the pre-stretch should only be considered in exceptional circumstances, such as when dealing with film tears in extremely high temperatures.

Higher Pre-Stretch

Increasing the pre-stretch significantly raises the risk of film tearing. It’s important to remember that a given mass cannot be made more substantial through stretching—this is a fundamental law of physics. Attempting to save material by increasing pre-stretching is therefore a misguided approach.

When the stretch film is excessively stretched, the film thickness and width are reduced (a phenomenon known as waist formation). The result of over-stretching is a smaller film overlap and a thinner overall film coating. For these reasons, higher pre-stretching is strongly discouraged.

How do I test the pre-stretch of silage wrap film in practice?

There’s a simple method to check the pre-stretch of your silage wrap film. All you need is a felt-tip pen (or Sharpie) and a tape measure. Start by drawing a 10 cm (100 mm) line along the length of the unstretched silage film. Then, wrap a test bale and measure the length of the line on the stretched film. If the line now measures 17 cm (170 mm), your pre-stretch is correctly set.

If the measurement differs from 17 cm, adjustments will be necessary.

If you need assistance, it’s a good idea to contact your agricultural supplier, machinery dealer, or the supplier of your storage or wrapping equipment.

What is the UV resistance of wrapping film?

All reputable specialist dealers and manufacturers guarantee that their bale wrap films are UV-resistant or UV-stable for at least 12 months. During production, these films are blended with additives to ensure adequate UV protection.

If, contrary to expectations, the film layers become brittle or fragile, this indicates a production fault and provides a valid reason for a complaint.

Additionally, silage films are frost-resistant, cold-resistant, and can withstand very low temperatures, which are not typically encountered in Europe.

How many layers should I wrap?

All reputable manufacturers recommend wrapping with six layers as standard. This is not by chance. Polyethylene (PE) is not 100% gas-tight, which is why at least six layers are necessary. With six layers, sufficient gas-tightness is guaranteed, and in the event of damage, should the manufacturer be at fault, the producer’s product liability will cover the cost of the lining damage.

We strongly advise against experimenting with four-layer wrapping, as this will void any insurance cover. Moreover, four layers compromise the (invisible) nutrient content of your silage.

For haylage, we recommend wrapping with at least eight layers. This is due to the higher dry matter content of the feed. Additionally, since haylage is often fed to sensitive horses, opting for a higher level of safety is strongly advised.

Correct storage of silage bales

It is recommended to store wrapped bales on their front side, as this area typically has more layers of film than the round side. This helps reduce the risk of water ingress and provides added protection in the event of minor UV damage, as the thicker film layers offer greater resilience.

Bales should also be stored in as sheltered an environment as possible, away from excessive UV radiation, wild animals, and birds. If you are experiencing issues with animals such as wild birds, crows, or ravens, we recommend using silo protection grids. You could also consider our transparent Crystal stretch film, as it significantly reduces bird infestation, as mentioned earlier.

Additionally, it is highly advisable to always have a special adhesive tape on hand for repairing minor damage. Ensure that the tape is weatherproof and UV-stable. We offer specialised bale repair adhesive tape in our online shop.

Standard adhesive tape is unsuitable for repairing bales. When handling bales with bale tongs or moving them to another location, take care to avoid causing any damage to the bales.

Costs & consumption of silage stretch film

With a 6-layer wrap and a pre-stretch of 70%, the estimated film consumption is approximately €3.00 to €3.50 per bale.

Wrapping net for round bales costs around €0.40 to €0.50. The wrapping net is typically calculated at approximately 2.5 to 5 layers/wraps.

Plastic core or cardboard core – which is better?

There is no universal answer to this question. However, we generally favour cardboard cores, as they are easier to dispose of compared to plastic cores. Cardboard cores can be incinerated, making disposal simpler for contractors or farmers.

The argument that cardboard cores are sensitive to moisture is largely outdated, as modern cardboard cores are moisture-resistant and can withstand a certain amount of rain or moisture.

Accessories for bale wrapping film

You should always have the following items on hand:

Repair Tape

Use repair tape to address minor mechanical damage or holes caused by wild animals immediately. Only use specialised adhesive tape with UV protection, ensuring it is both weatherproof and frost-resistant. We strongly advise against using standard packing tape or adhesive tape, as these lose their adhesive strength quickly when exposed to weather conditions (frost, cold, heat, or UV radiation).

Roller Cleaner

To remove adhesive residues, dust, and other impurities from your pre-stretch rollers, use a roller cleaner from time to time. This helps prevent processing issues.

Baler Twine & Round Bale Wrapping Net

You will, of course, need round bale wrapping net, wrapping film, or baler twine to produce bales. Naturally, we offer a full range of round bale nets and baler twine in various designs. We stock everything you could need for wrapping nets, round bale nets, and baler twine.

Protection from Crows, Ravens, and Other Wild Animals

A conventional silo protection grid is ideally suited as a protective net for silo bales, offering protection against damage from wild animals.

Packaging of stretch film

As stretch film is highly sensitive to impact, each roll is typically packaged individually in a sturdy cardboard box. Damaged edges or significant impacts on the roll can compromise the stretch film to such an extent that it becomes unusable or difficult to process.

Some of our rolls (AGRIplus) are additionally packed in a thin plastic bag to protect them from moisture.

Wrapping film is palletised with approximately 24 to 40 rolls per pallet, depending on the product, brand, and size. We place great emphasis on adequate and secure pallet packaging to safeguard these delicate goods from transport damage.

Storage of silage bale film rolls

Storing stretch film is relatively straightforward. It is essential to store the rolls upright in their boxes on a pallet, as this helps them maintain their shape. Laying the rolls or boxes flat and stacking multiple layers on top increases the risk of deformation, which can lead to processing difficulties (e.g., imbalance).

Avoid exposure to extreme temperatures and always follow the instructions on the pallet label or in the instruction leaflets included with individual rolls or cartons.

As a general guideline, the recommended long-term storage temperature range is +15°C to +30°C. Avoid frost and excessively high temperatures at all costs.

The goods should also be protected from moisture and direct sunlight.

Storage duration of silage film

Long-term storage of silage film for several years is not advisable. However, in most cases, it remains usable without significant issues. If prolonged storage can be avoided, it is recommended to do so.

Comparison & test – which agricultural stretch film is the best?

Unfortunately, there is no universal answer to this question. Our 25 years of experience have shown that opinions vary widely on what constitutes the best agricultural film.

Customers consider numerous factors, including the colour of the silage film, the type of core, the manufacturing process, brand, adhesive properties, and more. To meet diverse needs, we offer a selection of six to seven different brands in our range.

The only reliable way to determine the best wrapping film for your specific requirements and machinery is through extensive practical testing. We actively support wrapping film trials by offering special prices and small sample deliveries, as we are committed to ensuring that our customers are fully satisfied with the stretch film we supply.

Which brands are available on the market?

There are many brands and manufacturers on the European market. Below is a list of some of the most well-known and notable brands. For those brands we are familiar with, we will provide additional details, such as the number of layers and the manufacturing process:

• AGRIplus blas 3-ply blown film
• AGRIplus blas SUPER 7, 7-ply cast film
• AGRIplus eco 3-ply blown film
• OCTAfol blas 5-ply blown film
• Unterland Xtra Plus 3-ply blown film
• Unterland C5 5-ply cast film
• Unterland TQ 3-ply blown film
• Crystal 5-layer cast film
• Pegasus 3-ply blown film
• Agriflex 5-layer cast film
• Silawrap 3-layer blown film
• Berry Max Tech 3-layer blown film
• Ulith multi 5-ply blown film
• Trio Wrap 3-ply blown film
• Teno Spin 3-ply blown film
• Ecoflex 5-layer cast film
• Rani 5-ply blown film
• Silotite 5-ply blown film
• Visqueen 5-layer blown film
• Duoplast / Harvest blown film
• Agrifol
• Lakufol 3-ply blown film
• Barbier Heritage 5-ply blown film

Disposal & environmental considerations

All agricultural stretch films are made from environmentally friendly, recyclable polyethylene. However, due to the heavy soiling of used agricultural stretch films, recycling can be somewhat challenging. Despite this, many recycling and waste disposal companies accept this film at competitive rates and handle its disposal efficiently.

In most cases, the material is sent to energy recovery facilities. Incineration plants readily accept polyethylene waste, as it is derived from crude oil, contains no toxic substances, and has a high calorific value, making it an efficient energy source.

As a result, polyethylene stretch film does not significantly harm the environment. In fact, polyethylene has a demonstrably lower environmental impact than paper, jute, and biodegradable plastics, despite misleading reports in the media suggesting otherwise.

Who is dm-folien?

We are a large and highly efficient wholesaler specialising in polyethylene products. As a direct importer, we maintain strong relationships with leading manufacturers worldwide. Through close collaborations with wrapping film producers, we manage the nationwide distribution of their products.

All our products are ordered in full truckloads, allowing us to offer highly competitive prices and favourable terms. Our 6,000-square-metre warehouse in Reutlingen enables us to operate with exceptional speed and flexibility—because we understand that efficiency is crucial in the agricultural sector.

We embrace this challenge daily and are committed to continuously improving our customer service to ensure the best possible experience.

How to order from dm-folien?

Ordering from us is a simple and hassle-free process. We strive to make purchasing wrapping film as convenient as possible for our customers.

You can browse and purchase stretch film and many other products directly through our online shop at competitive prices. Alternatively, you can order bale wrapping film via telephone, email, post, contact form, or in person at our office in Reutlingen. Our dedicated sales team is always happy to assist you.

We are confident that you will be impressed by both our quality and pricing. Beyond just supplying products, we place great importance on providing expert advice to ensure you make the best choice for your needs.

Request a quote

We are happy to provide you with a personalised written quotation tailored to your needs.

Delivery options

Your order will be conveniently delivered to your address via a freight carrier or parcel service. From the outset, we ensure our pricing is completely transparent and fair. Alternatively, you are welcome to collect your goods directly from our Reutlingen warehouse, in which case freight costs will not apply.

Delivery time for wrapping film

Need silage wrapping film urgently? No problem! If your order is received on time, we can dispatch the goods on the same day. We also offer express shipping at highly competitive rates to ensure you receive your order as quickly as possible.

Delivery countries

We supply silage wrapping film worldwide. Deliveries to neighbouring countries such as Austria, Switzerland, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Eastern Europe are part of our daily operations. We also offer competitive freight rates for shipments to all destinations.

Payment options

We provide a wide range of payment methods for your convenience, including:

• Invoice payment (for regular customers)
• PayPal
• Bank transfer (prepayment)
• Amazon Pay
• Deposit payment
• Cash on collection

Customs tariff number for stretch film

The customs tariff number for stretch film is 39201024.