Hand Pallet Wrapping: All You Need to Know

Hand wrapping has long been an efficient and flexible way to secure pallets for low volume applications. However, despite this being the most common method for businesses, there are many who are unsure of how to wrap their pallet in a safe and effective way. To avoid potential damage to your products and others throughout its journey, we help you discover everything you need to know to efficiently secure your pallet and achieve proper load containment by hand. 

To get started, it’s important to choose a Hand Stretch Film that’s the best fit for your pallet. Signet offers an extensive variety Hand Stretch Films and Pallet Wrapping Accessories.

Although Signet manufacturer and stock a vast range of Hand Stretch Films they can all be narrowed down to two main types, Blown or Cast.

Signet have also innovated a newer type of Stretch Film that is great for hand wrapping, called Ultimate Film. It’s environmentally conscious and uses over 45% less film per pallet than conventional film, while offering the same performance as higher gauge films at a significantly lower cost. Ultimate Film is easily hand stretched with 30-50% tension at the stretching point, so your items will be locked in tight.  It also weighs less than conventional film, making it less strenuous to apply! 

While wrapping a pallet by hand requires a minimal amount of additional resources, there are a few tools that can help you get the job done. Roll Holders are complimentary with all of Signet’s Hand Films and can make wrapping an easier and more comfortable process, but what can really help improve load containment when wrapping by hand is a Pallet Wrap Dispenser. 

Pallet Wrap Dispensers can help improve load containment while hand wrapping pallets as they will help adjust tension and reduce strain. Signet offers a variety to choose from, including our standard Hand Pallet Wrap Dispensers, as well as the Nelson (Long Handle) Pallet Wrapper, OH&S Wrapper and Adjustable Dispenser. 

Cardboard Corners can also help improve load containment as they are for loads that require more stability i.e. that are irregular, soft or that do not nest or stack neatly. They can also help protect the corners of your pallets from damage, or from damage to other products in transit. 

After picking your Hand Film and Dispenser, don't fall short with a poorly stacked pallet. The first factor to consider when loading your pallet is stacking the items close together. This will create a solid structure and help prevent any damages to the items during transit. Secondly, if all items on the pallet are not the same, it's recommended to place the heavier items on the bottom of the pallet and leave the lighter items on top. This will avoid any instability while the pallet’s in transit. There are techniques such as the interlocking brick pattern and column stacking which may also assist in creating a more structured foundation.  

Now that you have chosen the right Hand Film, Dispenser, and loaded your pallet, you are ready to start wrapping! 

Step 1: Secure the film by tying it to the base of your pallet. It’s recommended to do 2-4 revolutions around the base to ensure the products are securely attached and the film will not pull away from the pallet. 

Step 2: Wrap your product from the bottom to the top while making sure to use the correct technique according to the film chosen. There should be resistance but not enough to make the film tear or lose its durability, i.e a pre-stretched film requires minimal stretching but a 23um Blown Film can stretch up to 300%. 

Step 3: Each layer should overlap the previous one by 50%. Once you reach the top, complete one more revolution. 

Step 4: Once your pallet is secure, tear the film and either tuck it under the pallet edge or press it down against the wrap. 

50% of damaged goods in transit are a result of bad pallet wrapping, which is why testing the stability and safety of your pallet is essential. Once your pallet is wrapped you should be able to apply force to the pallet without any of the products shifting or moving. There should also be no dragging film tails or any other aspects that could contribute to potential hazards and dangers. 

Ensuring your pallet is properly wrapped is ensuring the safety of both your products and others. To effectively fulfil your part in the chain of responsibility it’s necessary to know the basics in order to develop a reliable standard of practice — from choosing the right Hand Film to testing the load stability.  

Find the right Hand Film for you by browsing our range online, or get in touch with our customer experience team by calling 13 7446, emailing sales@signet.net.au, or Live Chat with us at www.signet.net.au.