Tackling common pallet wrapping issues

Packaging Solutions

Antalis Packaging has updated its stretch film offering to help packaging and logistics companies tackle some of the common pain points of wrapping pallets.

The company conducted a review of its stretch film range after identifying common issues among a variety of customers. Stretch film category manager, Steve Marples, commented: ‘We often visit businesses that are experiencing pallet wrapping and load security issues. More often than not, it is because the wrong film is used for either the pallet wrapper or the load – often both.’

The type of pallet wrapper used – manual, semi-automatic or fully automatic – the machine’s settings and capabilities, plus the kind of film used, all play a critical role in effective and efficient pallet wrapping. Other factors to consider include the type of load being wrapped, the machine's age, and the film's quality.

Stretch film comes in different grades, thicknesses and formulations to suit different applications. High performance films are ideal for heavy or irregular loads and are best used for pallet wrappers equipped with advanced tension control settings. For lightweight or uniform loads, lower grade films will often be sufficient. The key is matching the film’s properties to the capabilities of the pallet wrapper and the nature of the loads being wrapped. Get it right and there can often be significant savings in the volume and cost of film used.

Environmental conditions, such as temperature and humidity, also need to be considered. The Antalis Packaging range includes weather resistant films for goods stored or transported in extreme temperatures.

The new, revamped range caters for all scenarios, with a choice of clear, blue and black films and thicknesses ranging from 10 to 23 micron, plus a selection of films made with 30% post-consumer recycled waste content. The depth of stock products has also been increased. 

Before buying a new film, Steve recommends taking advantage of Antalis Packaging’s free stretchConsult assessment. ‘It can be an eye opening process for customers, especially when they see the savings they can make. Sometimes, there is no need to change the film they are using – once we have got the machine calibrated correctly, the difference in output can be staggering.’