Maximizing Efficiency: 10 Advantages of Stretch Film
Stretch film usage has grown at exceptional rates in recent years for a number of reasons. Stretch film is a highly stretchable plastic film commonly used to secure and protect items on pallets during storage and transportation. It finds extensive application in numerous industries, serving as a versatile solution for bundling and packaging needs. Its usage continues to grow across diverse sectors. In recent years, stretch film has witnessed a growing preference over shrink films, tapes, and metal banding for palletization and unitization purposes. Increased utilization is for instance evident in bundling applications, where it presents an excellent substitute for plastic wrapping, kraft paper, and shrink wrap.
In this article, we will explore the countless benefits of using stretch film. Studies demonstrate numerous advantages, such as reduced handling costs, reduced labor costs, reduced transportation costs, enhanced protection, and improved inventory control.
1) Low Supply Costs
Stretch film stands out as the most cost-effective packaging and bundling material, providing the highest yield for every dollar spent. An illustrative example comes from a U.S. T-shirt manufacturer who managed to save $5,000 per day by transitioning from boxes to stretch film, reducing packaging, shipping, and supply costs significantly. Consider all the areas where you presently utilize tape, twine, strapping, boxes, or similar materials. In many cases, stretch film dispensers can offer superior performance while reducing overall costs.
2) Reduced Handling Costs
As the quantity, size, or weight of a load of packaged products increases, the cost per unit handled decreases. By unitizing products, the overall handling costs are significantly reduced.
3) Reduced Labor Costs
Handling loose boxes requires more time and effort compared to dealing with a unitized load. This reduction in time-intensive tasks leads to decreased labor hours involved in the movement and shipment of packaged goods. The outcome is a faster flow of goods with a reduced need for manual labor.
4) Reduced Transportation Costs
Products bundled in stretch film tend to be more compact, achieved by eliminating the need for bulky packaging materials like boxes. Consequently, they occupy less space in freight trucks. Additionally, unitizing accelerates the speed of goods movement, resulting in reduced time spent on unloading and loading. This efficiency leads to valuable cost savings in transportation and logistics operations.
5) Increased Protection
Stretch films offer a robust holding force, effectively covering the entire surface area to provide superior protection compared to other materials like straps. Additionally, stretch film leaves no residues or marks, making it an excellent choice for safeguarding packaged items from scratches, dust, abrasion, moisture, and various other potential hazards.
6) Improved Inventory Control
The clarity of stretch film enhances product identification, making it easier to recognize items. Its transparent nature has led to its growing adoption in cross-docking shipping and transportation processes.
7) Hand-Held Dispensers
One significant advantage of using stretch film for limited outputs is its manual application with a handheld dispenser. This method not only safeguards light loads from misalignment and fragile loads from crushing due to excessive stretching force but also results in higher film yields, a more uniform stretch, reduced neck-down, and enhanced control of stretch film forces.
8) Versatility
Stretch film exhibits the remarkable ability to conform to the contours of any item. This has for example made it a preferred choice over traditional boxes for packaging doors and windows. Its exceptional stretchability is a key factor behind its widespread adoption in this application and many more. PalPak dispensers find application across a diverse range of industries, including shipping, storage, manufacturing, retail, and multitudes of others.
9) Ease of Use
It is easy to apply and even easier to remove. It adheres to itself rather than surfaces, resulting in effortless, swift, and clean removal. PalPak dispensers come equipped with cutting-edge Easy Micro-Stretch Grip adjustment features, ensuring the smoothest and most comfortable dispensing experience possible.
SEE ALSO: How PalPakUSA Dispensers Compare To The Competition
10) Recyclable
Similar to numerous other packaging materials, the industry has taken significant steps to implement large-scale recycling initiatives for both stretch and shrink films. A rising number of stretch film manufacturers offer pick-up and recycling services for used stretch film, provided you meet the criteria for participation in their recycling programs.
These are just a few of the compelling reasons why stretch film is gaining popularity and progressively replacing other conventional forms of packaging and bundling materials. Its cost-effectiveness, high yield, ease of removal, and innovative dispenser features make it a superior choice for various industries and applications.
