ASTM D5458 specifies the standard method for measuring the peel cling (surface adhesion) between layers of stretch wrap film.
Peel cling is critical for stretch wrap performance — it helps the layers stick to themselves and maintain load containment during storage and transport without needing adhesives or external fasteners.

This test method provides a quantitative measure of how well one layer of stretch film adheres to another under controlled conditions.

Purpose of ASTM D5458

The main objectives of ASTM D5458 are to:

• Measure the cling strength (peel adhesion) between adjacent layers of stretch film.

• Provide a standardized approach to compare different film formulations and production lots.

• Help manufacturers, packagers, and logistics operators assess the load stability performance of stretch-wrapped goods.

• Predict behavior of stretch film during unwinding, wrapping, and storage.

Good cling performance ensures the film stays tight around a pallet or product, preventing shifting or damage during shipping.

Equipment Required for ASTM D5458 Testing

To properly perform ASTM D5458, you’ll need:

• Universal Testing Machine (UTM):

  • Capable of constant-rate extension testing.

  • Equipped with a suitable load cell (light load cells preferred, often 10–100 Newtons range).

• Specialized ASTM D5458 Cling Test Fixture:

  • Typically includes rollers or guides to help create a consistent overlap of film layers.

  • Holds one layer of film stationary while the other layer is pulled away at a constant rate.

• Specimen Cutting and Preparation Tools:

  • Scissors or cutters for preparing standardized strips of stretch wrap film.

• Environmental Conditioning Chamber (optional but recommended):

  • Stretch film can be sensitive to temperature and humidity, so conditioning the samples at standard laboratory conditions (23°C and 50% RH) improves consistency.

Specimens

• Test specimens are typically film strips cut to a width of 2 inches (50 mm) and a length sufficient to allow good clamping and peel action.

• The overlap area between film layers must be consistent and standardized, usually several inches long.

• Specimens should be free of wrinkles, contamination, or damage.

General Test Procedure for ASTM D5458

1. Specimen Preparation:

   • Cut two strips of stretch wrap film.

   • Overlap them at a standard width (e.g., 2–4 inches) ensuring consistent contact.

2. Mounting:

   • Secure the bottom film strip in a lower grip or fixture.

   • Secure the free end of the upper film strip in the moving crosshead grip.

3. Testing:

   • Peel the two film layers apart at a constant rate, usually 12 inches per minute (300 mm/min) unless otherwise specified.

   • Maintain a peel angle of approximately 180 degrees (straight back).

4. Data Collection:

   • Record the force required to continuously peel the two layers apart.

   • The average peel force over the peeling distance is the peel cling value.

5. Repeat:

   • Multiple specimens (typically at least five) are tested to account for material variability.

Results and Reporting

A proper ASTM D5458 report should include:

• Description of the stretch film (type, thickness, manufacturer, lot number).

• Test conditions (temperature, humidity).

• Width and overlap area of the test specimens.

• Peel speed and angle used.

• Average peel cling strength (typically reported in grams per inch or Newtons per meter).

• Any observations about film behavior (tearing, stretching, separation anomalies).

Related ASTM and Similar Standards

Several other ASTM standards complement ASTM D5458 or are used for broader evaluation of packaging films:

• ASTM D4649 – Guide for Selection and Use of Stretch Wrap Films:
  Provides guidance on selecting stretch films based on application requirements.

• ASTM D882 – Standard Test Method for Tensile Properties of Thin Plastic Sheeting:
  Measures tensile strength, elongation, and modulus of films like stretch wrap.

• ASTM D6193 – Practice for Storing and Handling Stretch Wrap Films:
  Focuses on best practices for preserving film quality during storage and use.

• ASTM F88 / F88M – Standard Test Method for Seal Strength of Flexible Barrier Materials:
  Focuses on seal strength for packaging films but is methodologically similar (peel testing).

• ISO 8295 – Plastics — Film and Sheeting — Determination of Coefficient of Friction:
  While not measuring cling directly, surface friction testing complements cling performance assessments.

Applications of ASTM D5458 Testing

Industries that benefit from ASTM D5458 testing include:

• Logistics and transportation companies (pallet wrapping for load security)

• Food and beverage industry (unitizing products)

• Consumer goods packaging

• Industrial manufacturing (wrapping heavy or irregular loads)

• Retail distribution centers

Testing peel cling helps ensure that products stay securely wrapped through the entire shipping cycle, minimizing damage and returns.

Conclusion

ASTM D5458 provides a standardized, reliable method for measuring the peel cling strength of stretch wrap films.
By ensuring consistent film-to-film adhesion, manufacturers and end users can confidently select films that meet load stability, handling, and packaging performance requirements.
It is often used alongside standards like ASTM D4649 and ASTM D882 for a complete evaluation of stretch film quality.