What is wrapping?

Pallet wrapping is a technique in which a thin layer of plastic (film) is wrapped around a pallet or product. This can be done by hand or with a machine. Various words are used for film wrapping, such as stretch wrapping and pallet wrapping, but they all mean the same thing.

With wrapping, products are bundled, secured and / or protected against, for example, sliding or falling over. In addition, a well-wrapped pallet also ensures that your cargo is well protected during transport and storage.
The purpose of stretch wrapping is to transport products from A to B properly and undamaged. This at the lowest possible (total) costs.

Why pallet wrapping?

Wrapping is an inexpensive and simple way to secure loads. It is suitable for both uniform and irregular loading. Other advantages of pallet wrapping are:

• The cargo is packed tightly
• The load is protected against dirt and damage
• Vulnerable products can also be wrapped undamaged
• The bundling function: It keeps various types of products together
• Wrapping is flexible: the film tension and the amount of film are adjustable
• It is suitable for various products: from cardboard boxes to wooden doors
• Prevention of theft: when a colored film is chosen, it is not possible to see what has been packed

How does stretch wrapping work?

Layers of thin plastic film are ‘stretched’ around the load by hand or using a pallet wrapping machine. In this way, the wrapping film provides stabilization and protection.

There are different types of pallet wrapping machines: the turntable wrapper, the arm wrapping machine, the ring wrapper, the robot wrapper and the horizontal or orbital pallet wrapper. Each type of stretch wrapping machine has its specific properties. Click here for an overview of our pallet wrappers.

What is a good wrapping?

A good wrapping is as tight as possible around the load, without damaging the product. In addition, the stability is good, there is a connection to the pallet, there is no ‘film-string’, it looks neat and customer-friendly and at the lowest packaging costs per packaging unit. That is a good wrapping.

A good “wrap” result is achieved by carefully aligning different elements:

• What is being packed?
• Which pre-stretch is needed?
• What is the optimal film tension?
• Which wrapping pattern is used?
• How is the load secured to the pallet?

Which pallet wrapping machine is most suitable?

When selecting the best pallet wrapper, it is important that you know why you pack your pallets; you want your goods to arrive at the (final) destination in the same condition as they left your warehouse. And of course at the lowest possible cost.

Do you want to save on your film consumption?

Do you already have a pallet wrapper? Then it may be wise to take a closer look at the settings. It often happens that the correct wrapping film is not used or that not all possibilities of a machine are used. As a result, it is possible that your costs per pallet are too high, the load is not stable or that the environment is burdened unnecessarily.

Based on an expert analysis, we are happy to give you film wrapping advice.

Would you like tailor-made wrapping advice? Then do not hesitate to contact us!