At BoldtSmith Packaging, we complete projects exploring all packaging materials. Since we do not manufacture or sell packaging, our goal is to provide our customers the best possible solution.
Stretch film packaging is often overlooked as a technique to reduce damage and costs. All variables must be considered when creating an optimized packaging solution. Below is an overview of stretch film and variables to consider when selecting a film and wrap pattern!
What is stretch film?
Stretch film is a stretchable plastic film that is used to wrap around products and packaging during storage and shipping. The film unitizes the product, packaging and pallet together. There is a large variety of material types, thicknesses and sizes of stretch film. The two most common types of film used are cast and blown. The advancements in stretch film the last 10 years has opened the door to higher performing films allowing companies to decrease film thicknesses while maintaining or increasing performance. The majority of stretch film companies offer these high-performance films with proprietary blends that have additives to add features such as puncture and tear resistance.
Why is stretch film used?
Stretch film is used as a cost effective method of securing a palletized load of product for storage and shipment. The film wraps around the packaging and pallet so they are unitized as one block. The use of stretch film is also applicable for other shipping platforms such as a slipsheet or even floor loaded.
How much film should be used?
The correct amount of film and wrap pattern will vary based on many variables, listed below are a couple common questions to narrow down the options.
- What is the size and weight of the packaging being palletized?
- What type of supply chain will the palletized load ship through?
- How many pallets are being wrapped per day and how many per year?
- Is the film being applied by hand or machine?
- If machine, is it semi-automatic or fully-automatic?
- If hand, does it make financial sense to automate this process?
The answers to these questions will narrow down the film types, thicknesses, wrap patterns and stretch film machine options.
Turn to BoldtSmith to find the right packaging materials
Interested in learning more if your stretch film is optimized to your packaging and supply chain? Contact us today to learn more about what BoldtSmith Packaging does!