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Pallet wrap (stretch film)

Pallet wrap

What is pallet wrap?

Pallet wrap is one of the most commonly, used products to maintain pallet load stability. The use of stretch wrap is vital so that businesses can ensure loads are adequality secure whilst being moved on public roads and around businesses, this includes when being moved in and out of storage in the warehouse to minimise the likelihood of whole loads or objects coming loose and falling.

What are the different types of pallet wrap films available?

Hand film

Hand pallet wrap is designed to be applied manually, and more recent with the use of a range of innovative hand pallet wrap dispensers. Hand film is typically used in small to medium operations where the volumes of pallets wrapped per day are relatively low, or where pallets are wrapped in multiple locations. When using this method, it is vital that the correct pallet wrap is selected to ensure the safety of the loads and reduce accidents.

Hand stretch film also comes with different cores, making them suitable for different applications:

Flush core is ideal if being used with a dispenser as the cardboard core is shorter on either side and therefore the dispenser can be secured in place.

Extended core is ideal when dispensing the pallet wrap by hand, the core sticks out on either side of the film, enabling the user to grip onto it.

Coreless film is ideal for more eco-conscious customers as there is no cardboard core in the centre so, therefore, no waste.

Machine film

Machine stretch film is designed for users who operate pallet wrap machines. They are manufactured from high performance, high yield material. Used in conjunction with a machine it is one of the most ideal and secure ways to stabilise pallets.

What does micron refer to in pallet wrap?

Depending on your application, the micron of pallet wrap is extremely important. The micron is the thickness of the pallet wrap and is also often written as mu. Kites range of thicknesses range from 8mu-34mu. Commonly, the higher the micron the stronger the film.

What does elongation refer to in pallet wrap?

The higher the elongation percentage, the more the pallet wrap stretches, meaning that you, in fact, use less pallet wrap, whilst still getting the maximum hold.

What is the best way to dispense pallet wrap?

Depending on the size of the operation and the numbers of pallets wrapped per day will depend on the equipment best suited to you. For small to medium operations or operations with several wrapping areas we have a range of hand pallet wrap systems and turntable pallet wrap machines, however for larger operations we have pallet wrap machines.

What is the difference between cast and blown pallet film?

One of the primary differences between cast and blown film, is the way in which they are created and manufactured, which in turn has an impact on the usability and price.

Blown

  • Blown film is produced my melting polymer through a screw and blowing a bubble meters in the air to cool down
  • Good quality blown film has more holding force meaning once applied it will not restretch, securing the load in place
  • The manufacturing process of blown allows for a greater puncture resistance making it ideal for loads that may have sharper edges
  • Blown has a high 2-sided cling, unless using Kites patented machine film
  • Not as clear as cast which therefore can make reading and scanning slightly harder
  • Loud when releasing from the roll

Cast

  • Cast film is produced by quickly cooling molten polymer in laminated layers.
  • Cast stretches easily if there is ahigh amount of Metallocene, however this can cause shifting if the film is not applied to a pallet correctly
  • Naturally clingy on one side, therefore allowing the wrap to stay securely packaged without sticking to the next pallet
  • Perfectly clear making reading and scanning a lot easier
  • Quiet when releasing from the roll

What range of pallet wrap machines do you supply?

Our 5x5 is used to wrap pallets by hand, ergonomically designed to improve comfort and efficiency, it can reduce the amount of plastic used by up to 30%.

Semi-automatic turntable machines are ideal for medium to high volume users and to wrap loads that fit on a pallet. Wrapping pallets in seconds we have standard and low profile available in the range suitable for use with machine film, ensuring a reduction in film usage and costs.

Robot pallet wrappers are ideal for operations where pallets are wrapped in multiple locations or the pallet size is too large for a machine turntable. This mobile machine can be used in most locations.

What is the best type of pallet wrap?

Our range is so expansive and due to the nature of pallet wrap and its importance, we understand that it can be a confusing process when choosing it, for this reason, we have a team of pallet wrap engineers who visit you onsite to do a full free packaging audit. We also have a team of packaging specialist who can offer you support and advice on the phone, please call 02476 420065.

Do you do a biodegradable pallet wrap film?

Yes, produced from sugar cane (so has a negative carbon footprint) one of the greenest materials on the market our 17-micron clear in colour pallet wrap is 250% elongation and is extremely strong and durable and features all of the same qualities and benefits as alternatives, yet can be recycled as you would any other recyclable product.

Can you recycle stretch wrap/pallet wrap?

Produced from LLDPE (Linear-Low Density Polythene) stretch wrap falls under recycling code 4. LDPE can be recycled; however, you will need to check with your Local Authority if this is some-thing they recycle in your area.

Can you customise stretch wrap?

Yes, stretch wrap can be customised with your companies’ message or logo. Printed on 20-micron white stretch wrap all you need to do is submit your artwork to Kite and we will deal with the rest. A popular and cost-effective method for not only getting your company brand out there but also securing and stabilising goods for storage and transportation.

Is pallet wrap safe for food?

Kite holds certification under BRCGS (Storage and Distribution), to supply stretch wrap into a food environment.

Kite can supply food contact stretch wrap but has a different production site and process.

What is pallet wrap made of?

Pallet wrap is produced from LLDPE (Linear-Low Density Polythene) Extremely common withing the packaging industry due to its flexibility and relative transparency. Most areas recycle LDPE which falls under recycling code 4, however it is best to always check with your local council.

What is pre-stretch pallet wrap?

Pre-stretch is a film in which has already been stretched during the production process, meaning it requires less force when wrapping a pallet and less film is used.

How do you wrap a pallet?

Depending on the size of the operation and the number of pallets to be wrapped there are a range of ways to wrap a pallet. We offer a range of hand dispensers, systems and pallet wrap machines, suited for low-high volume operations and offering a range of benefits and advancements.

What is the difference between shrink film and pallet wrap?

Shrink film and pallet wrap are two different products however are both commonly used to cover products on pallets. Pallet wrap has a lot more flexibility than shrink wrap and can be stretched around a pallet to hold the pallet in place and prevent it from falling, the elasticity of the stretch wrap is what keeps the load together. Shrink film provides a more lose fitting when initially applied, however, used in conjunction with a heat, its shrinks down and secures to the pallet/product.

Pallet/stretch wrap provides load stability during storage and transportation and is ideal for irregular pallets, square pallets and protruding pallets and comes in a range of colours and strengths. Shrink wrap/film provides protection against moisture, dust and theft and is far more common when protecting items such as outdoor furniture, bricks, boats and much more.

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