Tips on How to Use Stretch Wrap Film Efficiently

Stretch wrap film is widely used in numerous industries. It helps secure bundles of palettes together and reduce damage that may occur when the boxes fall out of place while in transport. It also keeps the package free of dust, dirt, and moisture; and shields the products from UV rays. When properly used, it can effectively protect shipments and deliver them in good condition.

Many shippers now see that minimizing packaging materials is one way to abate cost in their supply chains, and reduce the volume of waste forwarded to landfill. To optimize its use and function, here are some important factors to consider in using a stretch wrap film more efficiently:

Containment force. Containment force is the function of the force applied as the load is rotated and the amount of the film used. It’s one of the most important factors in shipping, as it can spell the difference between your cargo arriving safely at its destination, and not surviving shipping. Cost-efficient shipping entails stretching the film so the appropriate containment force is reached without unnecessarily increasing the amount of film used.

Palette size. The size of your palette should determine the size of the stretch wrap film. For smaller loads, or loads that only need support at the top and bottom, a stretch film 12 – 18 inches in width may suffice. For loads measuring 90 gauge and up, a stretch film at least 18 inches thick would be ideal.

Palette shape. For loads that are uniform in shape and easy to wrap, a lower-gauge film will do. For loads with irregular corners or with varying sizes, medium-grade thickness is needed. The rule of thumb is: the harder it is to wrap the loads together, the thicker the stretch film should be. The same rule applies for the amount of time the shipment would take.

Wrap machine. For businesses which wrap a minimum of 15-20 palettes a day, a stretch wrap machine will not only increase productivity but also help save money on material costs. Stretch wrap machines, with their fast wrapping capabilities, work for both small scale operations and high production environments. They allow the operator to control the amount of film used for different loads, reducing film wastage. For more logistics tips, check out Logisticsmgmt.com.

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