​Using The Right Stretch Film

Posted by Mike Cunningham on Apr 30th 2024

​Using The Right Stretch Film

If the correct film is dialed in, there are many benefits.

Reduced damage is one. 10% of all shipments arrive damaged. Stretch film works like a tight hug for palletized goods, keeping them securely in place during transportation. It minimizes the risk of shifting and damage that can occur due to bumps or jostling during shipping. Another advantage is the protection it provides against the elements. Stretch film acts as a shield, keeping dirt, dust, and moisture away from your goods. This is especially important when shipping products that are sensitive to environmental factors.

When it comes to sustainability, there are two things that support environmental efforts right now. The first is that manufacturers have made significant inroads in developing stretch wrap with 25% PCR content. And the second is that the technology used in newer high-performance films, when dialed in correctly, do not require as much film to be applied to secure loads.

Reduced film means reduces costs and reduced waste going to landfill.

Stretch film is also known for its cost-effectiveness. Compared to other packaging methods like strapping, stretch film can be a more budget-friendly option. It offers a balance between performance and affordability, making it a popular choice for many businesses.

One of the great things about stretch wrap is its versatility. Its stretch characteristics allow it to conform to various shapes and sizes, making it suitable for wrapping oddly shaped or hard-to-stack loads. It provides flexibility in packaging and can accommodate a wide range of goods.

It’s a good idea to have your packaging specialist perform film testing on your equipment. Call us at: 813 242 6995 or at sales@quickpakinc.com Most stretch wrappers have been in the market for many years and don’t perform at the factory level.

The film testing will help choose the right thickness required of the stretch film for your specific load and cut out unnecessary waste. When testing stretch film, some of the factors considered are load weight, load shape, load fragility, warehousing environment, etc.

When applying the film, find the sweet spot for tension. You don’t want to under-stretch and end up with loose loads or overstretch and risk film breakage. Maintain consistent tension throughout the wrapping process, whether you are using a machine or doing it manually.