Stretch wrapping is an increasingly popular unitizing option. According to industry consultants AMI and their report “Pallet Stretch Film Goes Global” (December 2007). The worldwide global market for pallet stretch film” is currently using almost 3 million tonnes of polyethylene and is growing at a rate of 7% per year. Research findings forecast that by 2011, the global pallet stretch film market will be a 4 million tonne business, representing 9% of the worldwide demand for polyethylene.

Stretch wrap packaging operations around the world, can accomplish more from their stretch film budgets by simply applying and maintaining efficient materials, processes and systems. The following pallet wrapping efficiency list, provides packaging operations five steps to achieve more with their stretch wrap budget.

1. All stretch wrap is not equal. Know your requirements.
   It is essential that the correct film for the required application and stretch wrap system be used. There are many types and grades of stretch wrap, that range in quality and performance. It is these characteristics that determine films suitability for a particular application. Choosing the right stretch wrap will result in increased performance, greater cost efficiency and ultimately improving your bottom line. Some important criteria to consider in choosing the optimal stretch film for your needs and application, include:

   Optics Cling Tear/Puncture resistance Thickness Consistency Noise Gloss Storage location (ex: exposure to weather, UV radiation, extreme temperatures, humidity, pilferage risks )

   Load profile & height Load weight Production speed Stacking pattern Product value Transport distance & method Equipment type Labelling & bar coding Cost

2. Be wary of the least expensive stretch film.
   It is very easy to buy the least expensive stretch film available. However this may cost you more in the long run. Poor quality stretch film will likely reduce your stretch wrap machine’s performance. To achieve secure containment, low performance stretch film will usually require more wrap cycles and/ or offer lower pre-stretch capability, resulting in more film used and potentially slower process throughputs. In addition many important film quality requirements will likely be lost. When factoring in these effects, the ‘value film’ maybe costing a lot more that you expect.
3. Find a professional pallet stretch film supply source.
   “Discount” packaging distributors offering very cheap pricing and are frequently only looking for the quick sale. These suppliers are unable and or unwilling to provide reliable and professional after sales customer service. A quality supplier is able to show their customers how to reduce operation costs, with best value materials, supplies and or systems as they become available. Ultimately sourcing from a quality supplier will provide the greatest return for your buck.
4. Buy the right stretch wrapping system.
   When buying a new stretch wrapper, avoid the temptation to buy the cheapest based on just the upfront costs. Instead, choose one that meets your present packaging operation requirements and is capable of scaling to accommodate future growth. Getting the right stretch wrapper, may cost a little more initially but will give the best return on investment.
5. Maintain your equipment
   Many operations assume that if their stretch wrap machine is running it must be working. Have you been increasing the amount of stretch film used to secure your loads? Would you know if your stretch wrap machine is no longer pre-stretching your film or if performance levels had decreased? It is estimated that 40% of all stretch wrappers are not performing at acceptable pre-stretch levels. Properly maintained equipment can significantly lower stretch wrapping costs and help prevent untimely breakdowns.

Implementing the above five steps to improve pallet stretch film unitization efficiency will assist pallet stretch film operations worldwide achieve more with their stretch wrap budget, enable higher quality output, reduced waste and will enable a greater return on processing materials and systems investment.

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Provincial Paper & Packaging is a supply solutions company providing wholesale packaging, shipping and industrial supplies and systems. They are located in the Greater Toronto Area, Ontario, Canada. For more information on product lines and services available, visit their website: www.provincialpaper.com

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