Assembling or condensing products into a single unit on a pallet makes both packaging and shipping cost-effective and efficient. This process ensures a streamlined, safer distribution process and protects products from theft and damage. Applying a stretch film is a necessary step to ensure the products that you are shipping will be safe while in transit to their destination.
This packing material seems so small and trivial but choosing the right one for your needs could be the different between the safe arrival of your deliveries and damages that will surely disappoint your customers. The following are several factors you need to consider for choosing the best stretch film for pallet deliveries.
1. Load type and protection
Due to the fragility of some of the items that the stretch wrap has to secure and protect, there are many types of stretch films available. For instance, there are non-toxic, anti-flammable, environmentally friendly, anti-tear, water and moisture proof varieties.
Some stretch wraps have some or all of these qualities. Stretch films are not only used in the transportation of goods and objects, but they are also widely used to secure them in facilities such as warehouses. That is why there are the water-proof and anti-flammable varieties. Therefore, consider your load containment and how well it needs to be protected before choosing certain types of stretch wrap.
2. Standard or high-performance stretch films
Whether you need standard or higher-grade stretch wrap is an important factor to consider. Even though decisions tend to be based on the price, it also needs to be made with job requirements in mind. Before the introduction of highly innovative stretch wraps, thickness or gauge was the only thing that mattered but now it is just one of the many considerations. True-gauged or standard stretch films offer a great amount of strength, stretch, and tear resistance.
Economy stretch wraps are a step down from standard stretch films. They are often stiffer and do not stretch as much as the standard films. However, they are strong, affordable, and produce less waste. Multi-layer or hybrid stretch wraps are commonly used in the place of lighter gauge films. They have more layers, are stiffer, and have less tear resistance when compared to economy stretch films. The more modern high-performance films are ideal for all types of loads and offer superior load retention and high elastic film recovery.
3. Shipping distance
The distance and method of shipment are two very important considerations that one needs to consider when choosing what stretch film to use. Loads being transported long distances may require a different film as compared to those being shipped locally. Loads that will be in transit long distances will need a strong and durable film that will make sure the goods are well-protected and do not shift. Also, the mode of transportation needs to be considered.
Whether your shipments will be transported via truck, rail, ship, or airplane, purchasing the right stretch wrap will ensure that products are not damaged by shifting or falling off the pallet during transport. While it may be tempting to opt for a thick, durable wrap to ensure safe-keeping, this type may not be appropriate for more delicate items that may be damaged by heavy, tight stretch film.
4. Load size and shape
There are three types of loads and remembering what you will be wrapping when choosing your stretch film is essential. Type A loads are uniform in size with a regular shape. They are the easiest to wrap, and few or no sharp points exist. Type B loads are irregular, the pallet size may not match the load size, and there are several sharp points that exist. Type C loads are the most difficult to wrap since there are different shapes and sizes and there is no conformity.
The shape and size of the load will help determine the type of stretch film required. If gauge is matched appropriately to the load type, the stretch film will contain the load effectively.
