How to Reduce Stretch Wrap Packaging CostsBy Star Packaging Equipment Ltd.
In 2007 LLDPE Resin prices rose 52% sending stretch film pricing up along with it. Trade sources say; higher stretch wrap prices are still coming as polyethylene producers raise resin prices yet again.
Increasing stretch film material costs impacts the bottom line of stretch wrap packaging operations. Unfortunately, many operations are unaware; there are steps they can take to reduce their stretch wrapping costs, and Star Packaging Equipment, packaging consultants, wants to show you how.
Packaging operations need to review the quality and efficiency of their stretch film products and stretch wrapping systems. It is important to use the right stretch film and system in order to achieve the highest efficiency.
For many operations, reducing costs can be found with reviewing the basics of what you use and how you use it. Advancements in technology continue to improve material and application systems. Operations looking to reduce stretch wrapping costs will need to review the following.
Review Stretch Film Material
Stretch film technology continues to make advancements resulting in stretch film manufacturers producing newer lines of stretch film that are better and at thinner gauges. The newer generations of pre-stretched films enable operations to achieve more with less material, effectively reducing supply costs. Generally speaking, pre-stretched films provide stronger holding force, better load containment, and greater puncture resistance. There are a variety of pre-stretched films for general and specialty applications that are designed for manual and automated packaging operations.
Machine Stretch Film:
Use high performance pre-stretched films. The new generation of these machine films generally range from 100% to %300+. Most applications benefit from using 200% + pre-stretched machine film. If your stretch wrap system is not capable of employing 200% pre-stretched film, it should be reviewed and determined if the system is outdated. If a low performance stretch wrap system is not keeping up with current mainstream performance standards, it is likely costing too much to keep on the floor. Note type of stretch film must be compatible with stretch wrap equipment specifications and / or limitations.Hand Stretch Film:
Use a pre-stretched hand stretch film for hand wrapping and use light and sturdy dispensers that will provide tensioning. Manual pre-stretched pallet wrap have the added benefit of being lighter than regular hand stretch film which makes hand wrapping pallets less labour intensive. Note if operation volumes exceed 12 pallets a day, stretch wrap automation options should be considered as a means to maximizing cost reductions.
Review Stretch Wrapping Process
Stretch wrap packaging operations vary, larger wrapping operations will use stretch wrapping equipment and smaller operations will usually employ hand held stretch film dispensers. Both large and small operations will reduce stretch wrapping costs by using pre-stretched film and choosing a stretch wrap system that can maximize the cost efficiencies available in the pre-stretched film.
Machine Applied Stretch Wrap
For operations using stretch wrap equipment, there is a huge advantage as new stretch wrappers are able to provide greater reduction of stretch film used and superior containment performance that is not achievable in manual applications.Hand Applied Stretch Wrap
Manual pallet wrapping processes can optimize efficiency of the pre-stretched film by using a dispenser that provides tensioning on the pre-stretched film, this will enable the film to be thinner, stronger and provide better load holding force.
Packaging operations that select the right stretch film and wrapping system for a packaging operation will enable it to reduce costs, improve the bottom line and their competitive advantage.
Selecting the right product and system is not the same solution for every operation. Factors such as application, out put volumes, throughput speeds required, floor space available, as well load weights, size, stability and fragility need to be considered to ensure the best solution is in place.
Packaging operations should periodically review technology advancements in packaging materials and packaging systems to ensure process efficiencies and competitive advantage positioning is maintained. What was a high performance film or system in 2004 may be only mediocre in 2008. And for operations with outputs more than 12 pallets a day, a professional review from a packaging systems consultant is recommended to ensure performance standards are still competitive.
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Star Packaging Equipment is a packaging solutions company providing, packaging operation consulting, sales, training and equipment servicing. Packaging production and solution product lines include: stretch wrapping, pallet wrapping, shrink wrapping, case sealing, case erecting, strapping, tape dispensing, conveyors and product identification systems. Star Packaging Equipment is located in the Greater Toronto Area, Ontario, Canada and has been providing industry packaging solution systems across North America and abroad since 1975. For more information on packaging equipment product lines and services available, visit their website: www.starpkg.ca
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