How to Save Thousands by Using Stretch Film Efficiently
Using stretch film to wrap and secure your products decreases instances of shipping loss, prevents damaged goods, and can even defend against worker injuries. It can also help you save thousands of dollars per year in time and shipping costs. But without knowing the proper size and type of stretch film needed for your palette, it’s easy to end up wasting the product, wrapping items improperly, and increasing the risk of loss or damage.
If you’re using stretch film for storage purposes, choosing the right type of film and learning how to apply it correctly is absolutely essential for preventing damage over time. This handy guide will help you choose the stretch film that’s right for you, and show you how to properly apply it for maximum efficiency and savings. Choosing the right size The size of stretch film is determined by its thickness and width.
The weight of your palette, its shape, its shipping distance, and how you plan on wrapping it will determine which size stretch wrap you should choose. When selecting the width of the stretch film, choose between 12 and 18 inches for smaller loads, or loads that only need to be secured on the top and bottom. For larger loads (90 gauge and above), it’s a good idea to choose stretch film that is at least 18 inches thick.
The shape of your palette is considered to be Type A, B or C depending on its contents and how they’re arranged on the palette. Type A loads are uniform and easy to wrap, meaning a lower-gauge film can be used. Medium-grade thickness will work for Type B loads, which may contain irregular corners or different-sized packages. Type C loads are the most difficult to wrap, and therefore require the thickest-gauge stretch film. For cross country shipping, select the highest-gauge, thickest stretch film available. For shorter distances (cross-town) and lightweight shipments, low-gauge stretch film will suffice. Choose from our wide variety of hand stretch films and machine stretch films to find the size that’s right for you: Weight Gauge Hand Stretch Width Machine Stretch Width 1000 pounds 40 gauge 16” – 18” n/a 1300 pounds 60 gauge 12” – 18” 20” – 30” 1600 pounds 70 gauge 12” – 20” 20” 2200 pounds 80 gauge 12” – 20” 20” – 30” 2400 pounds 90 gauge 18” 30” Man vs. Machine?
If your business is wrapping a minimum of 15-20 palettes per day, investing in a stretch wrap machine will save you tons of money by increasing efficiency and ensuring each load is wrapped swiftly and properly. Wrapping Tips 1. Get an affordable, two-handed stretch wrap dispenser to assist you in making sure that each load is tightly secured. 2. Begin by pulling about three feet of stretch film from the roll and twisting the end foot into a rope-like shape. 3. Attach the rope portion of the film to one of the bottom palette corners by threading it between two boxes or another secure area. 4. Wrap the palette base tightly, working from bottom to top and ensuring that every product stays perfectly packed together. 5. Once you reach the top of the palette, gently attempt to move the top boxes. If you are able to move them separately from the rest of the palette, another wrap is needed. Begin at the top and work your way back down to the bottom.