Packaging Advice

How to reduce stretch wrap waste & minimise costs

4 mins

Regardless of the industry you operate in, the movement towards reducing waste and using sustainable materials is showing no signs of slowing down. Businesses from all over the world are continually seeking new ways to achieve their environmental objectives and make a real difference to the place we live.

Making use of energy-saving technology, working towards zero waste, and being smart with sustainable packaging, are just a few amongst countless opportunities to reduce your climate impact as a business.

Like many businesses do, the chances are your operation heavily relies on the use of stretch wrap. And rightly so. It provides an effective way to keep your pallets secure, free from any moisture or dust, and even helps improve handling efficiencies – that is, if you’re using it efficiently of course.

In this article, we explore four actionable ways you can reduce your stretch wrap usage to help minimise waste and save on packaging costs.

1. Use a high-performance stretch wrap

In order to reduce the amount of material required (and therefore waste produced) when securing a pallet, high-performance stretch wrap is a must.

By using a stretch wrap that is of high quality, you’ll benefit from optimal stretch and consistency. This allows you to secure a larger volume of pallets using less film, which means fewer stretch wrap cores to dispose of too.

For hand applied stretch wrap applications, there are devices that can be used alongside your stretch wrap to automatically tension the film. Take the Precisionrap system for example. Its high-performance film and ergonomic hand dispenser combine for perfect load containment every time. The solution has been engineered to maximise containment and yield, meaning average users will see total film consumption drop by a minimum of 35% in weight – all achieved through automatic film tensioning and a film that is second to none.

When it comes to machine applied applications, our Mwrap range utilises that latest nano technology for a stronger yet thinner wrap. The advanced Mwrap range of films are uniquely formulated top optimise material usage, with up to 400% stretch capability. For more on machine applied stretch wrap, visit our Mwrap product page.

2. Invest in the right stretch wrap machinery

Stretch wrap machines can pull plastic stretch wrap film to 200-300% of their original size. If you’re palletising a large quantity of units per day, investing in an automatic stretch wrap machine will increase your efficiency and reduce film waste.

Wrapping pallets by hand simply cannot meet the consistency and efficiency of a machine. It’s also slower, which is costly from a business point of view. When wrapping in excess of 15 pallets per day, an investment in a stretch wrap machine is typically recommended. Offer faster wrap times, reduced materials costs, and a safer application, you really can’t go wrong.

Stretch wrap calculator

3. Optimise your pallet loads

Pallet load configurations play a big part in how efficient you can be when it comes to stretch wrapping. A pallet that is uniform and compact can be easily wrapped. However, pallet loads that are uneven with gaps and puncture points, not so much.

That’s why it’s important to maximise your pallet load and space whenever you can. Even out separate stacks from top to bottom. Big and evenly stacked pallets require less stretch wrap than if they’re broken down into smaller and irregularly arranged ones. Remember, fills those gaps where you can.

4. Conduct a stretch wrap audit with Swiftpak

Prefer to leave it to the experts? Then a stretch wrap audit will give all the insight you need to reduce waste and save on costs.

Here at Swiftpak, we have over 45 years’ experience optimising packaging operations for a huge variety of businesses. We believe there is always room for improvement and strive to help businesses of all types achieve their packaging objectives.

We carry out free, no obligation audits for those looking to gain a deep understanding of their packaging operation and challenges they face. If you’d like to uncover potential savings and ways to reduce waste, claim your free no obligation audit today. We can help you achieve up to 57% savings in cost and up to 74% less waste. Or if you’d prefer, get in touch with our expert team directly.