Resources · Stretch film

Cardboard edge protectors: choosing the right size

How to choose cardboard edge protectors: profile, length and wall thickness, plus how they work with strapping and stretch film.

2 min read

Cardboard edge protectors on a strapped pallet

Cardboard edge protectors are a small part of a pallet, but choose the wrong size and straps crush corners, film tears and loads arrive damaged. Here’s how to get the profile, length and wall thickness right.

What do edge protectors do?

Strapping and stretch film work by applying force, and that force has to go somewhere. Edge protectors sit between the strap and the load and spread that force along the whole edge instead of loading one corner, so you can tension properly first time.

Choosing the profile

The profile is the width of each side of the angle. We stock 35 × 35mm, 50 × 50mm and 75 × 75mm profiles. As a rule, the heavier the load and the tighter the strapping, the larger the profile you’ll want, so the force is spread over a wider area.

Choosing the length

Edge protectors typically run from 1000mm to 2000mm. Match the length to the edge you’re protecting, usually the full height of the load, so the force is spread along the whole edge.

Choosing the wall thickness

3mm is the usual choice for palletised loads under strapping or film. 2mm suits lighter cartons, short runs and loads that are stacked rather than strapped tight.

Edge protectors and stretch film

Edge protectors and film work together: the protectors take the pressure at the corners, and the film holds the load together. A high-containment film such as FiberFilm or Nanofilm applies strong holding force with less film, and protecting the corners lets you get the full benefit without damaging the load.

Made from recycled board

Our cardboard edge protectors are made from 100% recycled Testliner paper, with over 10 size combinations in stock.

Compare all our machine stretch film ranges side by side: Nanofilm, FiberFilm and 250%.

Not sure which size?

Tell us the load and we’ll advise, or request samples to test. For a full look at how your pallets are secured, book a free benchmark.

See what we’d change on your pallets.

Book a free benchmark. We’ll measure what every pallet costs to wrap today, on your own pallets, and show you where the savings are.