Pallet stretch wrapping: from introducing new, automated equipment to simply changing the film you’re using, here’s how you could save time and costs

If you haven’t already automated your stretch wrapping process, or paid attention recently to the film you’re using, Mick Carless, Sales and Engineering Manager for the Antalis Packaging Machinery Division, explains why you might want to start giving it some serious thought.

Mick explains: “Automated stretch wrapping offers lots of benefits, but the key one for most businesses is the considerable cost savings it can realise – when it’s being used at its optimum, that is. A client of Antalis who was already using an automated stretch wrapper recently saved over £40,000 a year in film costs simply by switching their stretch film to the correct specification for their machine. It’s surprising how often we come across this issue. For this customer the saving meant they could release capital to purchase a brand-new semi-automated wrapping machine, which would pay for itself within six months.”

There are many advantages of automating the packing process, which Mick urges business to seriously think about:

Health and Safety – Automation eliminates risk associated with employees wrapping by hand. Mick explains: “Employees tripping whilst walking or sometimes even running around a pallet as in a bid to meet deadlines is a very real issue, which can lead to injury and leave the company liable for a personal injury claim.”

Load Containment – It is very difficult for a pallet to be wrapped by hand effectively, with often too much or too little film being used. As well as poor pallet presentation, it can result in inconsistent load containment leading to problems of goods being returned as a result of in-transit damage.

Packaging Waste – Research has shown that wrapping by hand can be wasteful as a result of operators damaging stretch film rolls or using more film than is necessary. Automated wrapping means film is dispensed evenly and consistently with no film wasted.

Film Economy – The unique way that an automated stretch wrapping machine pre-stretches the film being applied to the pallet not only makes the wrap very strong, but it also maximises the yield from the film. For example, Lantech machines  pre-stretch film by up to 300%, thereby increasing a roll of film by up to four times its original length.

“Added together, automation offers many potential benefits that could help a business realise serious savings.” adds Mick. However, Mick estimates that one in five companies distributing pallets is still wrapping by hand, revealing enormous potential for improvement within the industry.

Review your consumables

Mick emphasises: “Often, new equipment isn’t required; instead, simply changing the type of stretch film being used on an existing machine can give better quality wrapping, consistency, load containment – resulting in less wastage and customer rejection - and significant cost savings. We recently helped a client who distributes soft boxes to resolve the problem of ‘corner crushing’ caused by the film being used. After switching to the film we recommended, the problem was resolved.”

Seek the advice of an expert

Antalis Packaging’s Machinery Division is unique to the industry. The 12-strong team of experts including engineers, technical experts and after sales support staff. Mick explains: “We are here to support customers in making the right choice for their business and application. Choosing a partner to work with who can advise on the right combination of machinery and consumables is incredibly important. We strive to understand a company’s current set up; where the pitfalls and bottlenecks might be, and how they could benefit from a change in consumables, a machinery upgrade, or even a complete operation overhaul. We do this by carrying out a full audit of their requirements, from the shop floor up.  Using the information gathered, we are able to supply quotations for fully tailor-made solutions – and can even provide forecasts of the estimated reduction in costs and the timescale within which any investment will have paid for itself.”

What are you waiting for? Contact our Packaging Machinery Team here