the invention relates to a packaging apparatus designed so that a belt - like plastic film is placed over articles being transported on a conveyor , the article being wrapped in the film while the film being stretched widthwise , the film being cut between adjacent articles , the cut ends of the film being folded to and brought in adhesion to the underside of the article . a pair of chains run on both sides of a path of transport of the articles , each of the chains having a number of clamps . as the chains run , the clamps place the film over the articles while clamping both side edge portions and pulling them in the widthwise direction . the distance between the chains is adjustable ; where a stretchable film having a high draw ratio is used , the interchain distance is broadened , whereas in the case of a heat - shrinkable film having a low draw ratio being used , the interchain distance is narrowed .