The Micron Reduction Revolution: A Guide to High Performance Stretch Film
Many companies are now realising the benefits of high-performance stretch film. This innovative packaging product reduces costs contributes to business sustainability and even effective load containment.
In the world of logistics and supply chain management, efficiency is the name of the game. But pallet wrap might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you are thinking about how to optimise your operation. Enter high performance stretch film…
The right stretch film can often be the key to unlocking improvements. However, the challenge lies in finding the delicate balance between reducing the micron of your pallet wrap and maintaining adequate load containment. In this blog, we will explore high performance stretch wrap including what it is, its advantages and how it can transform your packaging processes.
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What is high performance stretch film?
High performance stretch film is an innovative category of pallet wrap that has a much lower micron (thickness) than traditional film but provides a high level of performance.
Traditionally, thicker stretch films were considered essential to provide sufficient strength and stability for wrapping pallets. However, advances in technology have paved the way for thinner, reduced micron performance films.
Made using a multilayered resin process, high performance stretch films offer better clarity, cling, puncture, and tear resistance than conventional films.
High performance pallet wrap enables businesses to wrap more pallets with less film without sacrificing effective load containment. The micron reduction has lots of other benefits too and can be a game-changer for many businesses…
The cost-saving advantages of using high performance stretch film
One of the primary advantages of reducing micron in stretch wrap is the potential for significant cost savings.
Thinner films, when applied to pallets in the right way, can reduce the overall amount of material required to wrap a pallet. In turn, this helps cut the amount of money you spend on purchasing stretch films.
A stretch wrap review can help reveal these cost-savings. The process involves reviewing the pallet wrap application process and how much it costs to wrap a pallet. Often, a review can deliver up to a 50% reduction in material costs per pallet. Depending on how many pallets shipping per day, this can add up to significant savings over time…
With the right application process, it can also reduce the number of wraps around the pallet. This speeds up the wrapping process and reducing the time taken to pack each pallet. So, it can open the opportunity to reduce labour costs associated with pallet wrapping as well.
The impact of performance stretch film on your sustainability goals
Using a high-performance stretch film with a lower micron can positively impact your sustainability goals. Compared to a conventional film, using a high-performance pallet wrap can remove tonnes of plastic from a supply chain.
The lower micron reduces material consumption and can contribute to a decrease in overall packaging waste. Plus, as the film is thinner and lighter, the overall weight of a palletised load will be less. This can help cut emissions during transport. A win for businesses’ sustainability goals and for the planet.
How high-performance pallet wrap supports effective load containment
Whilst cost savings and sustainability are compelling reasons to explore using a high-performance film, ensuring that load containment is not compromised is critical. After all, the primary purpose of stretch wrap is to secure and protect palletised loads during transportation and storage.
Striking the right balance between micron reduction and load containment is imperative in reducing product damage, maintaining pallet integrity in the supply chain, and reducing incidents of health and safety breaches.
This is why pairing the right high-performance film with the right application method is important. The type of pallet wrapping machine used to apply material plays a pivotal role in achieving the delicate balance required for effective micron reduction. You must match the right stretch wrap material to your machine, ensuring the percentage of stretch applied for each wrap is correct. This controls the amount of “give” in your pallet, ensuring that it neither stretches too much (allowing the contents to move) or snaps if there is a sudden jolt in transit (causing the contents to scatter).
The importance of employee training and awareness of stretch wrap application
The success of any packaging strategy, including using high performance pallet wrap relies on the knowledge and awareness of the employees involved in the process.
Staff wrapping pallets should be trained to understand the nuances of working with thinner films and the machinery used to apply them. Providing clear instructions in the pallet wrapping area can provide a good reminder of correct processes. Plus, building in guidelines to induction training and prove an easy way to upskill future employees.
Summary
Using a high-performance stretch film with a lower micron revolutionise your packing efficiency, reduce costs, lower material use and support your sustainability goals. It is essential that load containment is considered throughout the process and that proper application techniques and employee training are used to make the most of this innovation.
Before using any sort of high-performance pallet wrap, it’s worth carrying out a stretch wrap review. At Macfarlane Packaging, we have load containment experts who can help with this, so why not get in touch?
