1. Thicker the film the better
Resin and multi-layer technology advancements are happening constantly, meaning that thinner films today are as strong, if not stronger than the thicker films of years gone by. In some instances, down-gauging your stretch film to a thinner UM is a strategy that can result in equitable (or improved) load stability, reduced waste, cost savings, and improved safety.
2. Hand wrapping is cheaper than machine wrapping
With a short-term view that focuses on the initial cost of an automatic or semi-automatic pallet wrapping machine, it is. However, hand wrapping is largely considered more expensive, risky and inconsistent. If your business has a high pallet output, then you should read the next section about pallet wrapping machines.
3. The cheaper the cost per roll, the more money you will save
Cost is an important factor and we will forever bang on about it. When comparing roll price, it is important to ensure that the stretch film rolls you are comparing have the identical meterage, overall roll weight and film thickness, functionality, and are made of the same materials.
Not understanding these elements is a common trap in the industry as not all stretch films are created equally. Once you have found two films to compare, you need to establish the difference between cost per wrapped pallet rather than cost per roll.
Through “cut and weigh testing”, you can calculate how many pallets can be wrapped with one roll of stretch film and avoid unnecessary costs to the business and minimise waste.
Don’t let the roll price alone fool you.
4. Avoid Stretching film otherwise it will snap or tear more easily during transit
Stretch film is supposed to be stretchy, but only to a point. In most cases, a good stretch (or strain) must be applied to the film for it to achieve optimal load stabilizing performance. Stretch film has a “residual memory” which means after it’s stretched, it contracts and tightly holds the load. By not applying an effective stretch or strain, you risk the film loosening and becoming ineffective during transit.
5. Pallet wrapping machines are too expensive
Pallet wrapping machines can be expensive initially, however, the cost has come down considerably over recent years, and have a wealth of benefits versus hand wrapping:
- Delivers a consistently wrapped, stable pallet which means less risk of damage in transit and reduced customer complaints.
- Helps control (or decrease) material waste through consistency.
- Improves efficiency and output.
- Neat and well-presented pallets.
- Increases labour productivity as employees can perform other tasks.
- Improves employee safety by decreasing fatigue, and reduces bending and tripping associated with hand wrapping.
It is important to note that not all machines have the same functions. Talk to your supplier about the best solution for your business.
6. One type of stretch film fits all applications
Certain stretch films are better than others for specific applications. A good place to start is understanding the difference between the 2 main types: blown and cast. Coloured security film, Pre-stretched film, Degradable pallet film, Anti-static film, Ventilated (Air Flow) film and Extra strength UV film are other options made for specific purposes. Doing your research into what you need will improve stability, security, and overall costs.
7. Stretch film costs end up being roughly the same long term, so why bother with all this technical jargon?
It’s about whether you are interested in finding savings in your business. Over the years, we’ve had customers reduce their stretch film costs by up to 50% with the right advice. On one recent site visit, we discovered a customer was using up to 1kg of stretch film per pallet when they could have been using closer to 375g!
At Signet, we are not only a manufacturer but an importer of stretch films and pallet wrapping machine solutions. We also specialise in helping businesses calculate and reduce stretch film wastage.
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