Pallet wrap is also known as stretch film and is one of the cheapest and simplest ways to secure and protect your load during storage and transportation.
Benefits of using Pallet Wrap include:
- Increased Product Protection
- Reduced Product Damage
- Improved Shipping and Handling Efficiencies
- Increased Productivity
- Flexibility
- Decreased Pilferage
Below are more detailed explanations:
- Pallet wrap delivers superior protection from dust moisture and dirt
- Stretch wrap is more cost effective than alternatives such as corrugated, shrink film and strapping
- Pallet wrappers use less energy and typically costs less compared to shrink wrap and strapping systems
- Stretch wrap is more efficient compared to shrink wrap and can increase worker productivity and operation efficiency
- Stretch film is fully recyclable – Read more about our view on recycling.
- Pallet wrap is available in many varieties, including clear pallet wrap and black pallet wrap
- Black pallet wrap is opaque and can increase pallet security
- Clear stretch wrap can allow barcodes of goods to be scanned easily.
Cast or Blown Wrap
Pallet wrap is manufactured by two different methods: Cast or Blown. They both bring different benefits depending on your needs.
Cast film, in a molten state, is pressed through a narrow slot die at high speed onto a large chilled roller. The dimension of the die helps control the thickness and thus the stretch of the film. The roll output of cast film is far greater per hour vs Blown film making it a cheaper alternative. Its crystal clear in finish which makes it ideal for scanning items through the plastic, making inventory control easier, plus is quieter to apply.
Blown film is manufactured by extruding molten resin into a bubble vertically, then travelling up a tower for it to cool ready for slitting and rewinding. Blown film is noisier to apply than cast film, due to its higher tack – but it has a higher cling factor. It is sturdy, durable and better suited for irregular shaped and sized pallets.
All film is gauged by thickness (microns or UM) of film and % of stretch achievable.
Machine Wrap or Hand Wrap
The main difference between these two is the difference in weight and length, and % of stretch of the film per roll, but there are also technical differences.
Hand wrap is exactly that – a film that is applied by hand at slow speed, so the roll is lighter allowing for easier handling. Various thicknesses are also available, and range from as thin as 6UM or up to 30UM, based on application. Thicker film does provide higher puncture resistance but also requires more tension by the operator to reach the maximum % stretch.
Machine rolls are heavier than hand wrap and are designed for high speed and precise % stretch to achieve optimum performance and cost effectiveness. Machine films also come in a wide range of thicknesses and widths to suit specific requirements. Machine stretch wrap can be used in conjunction with corner boards to achieve a more stable load during transport.
The types of film being used and the stretch wrap application are the two biggest factors to consider to ensure you have the correct film for the job. Advantage Plastics’ Precision Wrap offers a wide range of pallet wrap films to suit your individual application.
Just make sure you’re using the right wrap for your situation. If you’re using the wrong film or number of wraps, than this leads to over or under-wrapping – and that’s all wasted dollars for your business.
By using the Bunzl Advantage Pallet wrap you will reduce waste, improve efficiencies, significantly improve your Environmental Footprint, reduce costs and provide the best load containment ready for transport. Contact Bunzl’s Industrial Wrap expert and ask for a wrap assessment for your business, email: james.beleno@bunzl.com.au
Download the Advantage Pallet Wrap Flyer for more product information HERE.
