A Simple Guide to Pallet Wrapping

Whether you’re moving inventory, organising supplies, or shipping goods, the right pallet wrap helps you maintain the integrity of your items. This simple yet highly effective solution keeps items secure, shielded from dust and moisture, and minimises the risk of damage. Whether you’re running a bustling warehouse or shipping goods across the country, this material offers a cost-effective and efficient way to ensure everything arrives in pristine condition.

When it comes to keeping your business running smoothly, using secure pallet wrapping is a no-brainer. These films do more than just hold your products in place – they offer the durability and strength needed to keep everything safe, whether in storage or transit. You can trust that your items are shielded from damage, dust, and shifting, ensuring they arrive just as you intended. Another feature of this material is its transparency. This might seem like a small detail, but being able to quickly scan your items without unwrapping them saves time and effort. Imagine how much easier it is to manage inventory or double-check shipments when you can see everything.

How Do You Use Pallet Wrap?

Using a wrap effectively can make a world of difference in keeping your shipments secure and your goods protected. If you follow the right steps, everything will stay in place and arrive in top-notch condition. Here’s a simple breakdown to help you wrap like a pro:

• Start with a sturdy pallet: A solid foundation is key. Make sure the pallet is in good shape, with no broken boards or rough edges, and that it’s the right size to fit your items snugly;
• Stack your goods carefully: Arrange your items close together to prevent shifting during transit. For extra stability, consider an interlocking stack pattern, but if you want to avoid damaging boxes, a column stack works well too. Always place heavier items on the bottom and lighter ones on top to create a balanced load;
• Attach the wrap securely: Unroll a bit of pallet wrapping, squeeze a section into a rope, and thread it through a corner of the pallet. Tie it off to keep everything anchored before you start wrapping;
• Start from the base and go up: Begin at the base and wrap tightly, especially around the corners. Work your way upward, overlapping each layer slightly for full coverage. For extra stability, you can go back down to reinforce the load;
• Seal and test: Tear the material when you’re finished, securing the end by tucking it under or sticking it down. A great way to test the effectiveness of your pallet wrap film is by seeing how your load holds up when lifted with a lift truck. Once you’ve secured everything, carefully lift the pallet and check if the items stay in place. If the load feels sturdy and nothing shifts or wobbles, you’ve nailed it.

Different Types of Wraps

Choosing the right type can make a world of difference in securing your goods. Each type has its unique qualities, making them suited to specific needs. Here’s a breakdown of the main types:

• Pre-stretch film: This type has been stretched during its production, which not only increases its overall strength but also enhances its ability to stabilize your pallet. Pre-stretch film is a popular choice because it offers excellent durability without requiring much effort during application;
• Cast stretch film: If versatility is what you need, this pallet stretch wrap is a fantastic option. Known for its impressive strength, it works well for a wide range of applications, ensuring your pallet stays stable throughout storage or transit;
• Blown stretch film: For those dealing with irregular or tricky loads, blown stretch film is the go-to solution. It’s incredibly strong, with exceptional resistance to punctures and tears. This makes it the ideal choice for loads with sharp edges or unusual shapes.

Beyond the type of pallet wrap, it’s also worth considering whether you need light-duty, medium-duty, or heavy-duty options. The light-duty wrap is perfect for straightforward jobs, like neatly stacked pallets made up of similarly shaped boxes. Medium-duty options offer more durability, making it a better fit for pallets that include some irregularly shaped items. And finally, the heavy-duty film takes it to the next level, delivering maximum tear and puncture resistance. It’s the ideal choice for pallets with sharp edges or a mix of awkwardly shaped items.

However, if you’re seeking extra security for your goods or dealing with exceptionally heavy items, pallet wrap might not always be the best option. While it helps stabilise and protect most loads during storage and transit, there are situations where a more robust solution is necessary. In these cases, stillage cages offer a fantastic alternative. Their rigid frames provide unmatched protection, keeping your items safe from damage or shifting – even under challenging conditions.

Stretch vs Shrink Wrap

When protecting products during transit, stretch and shrink wrap are often mistaken for one another, even though they serve different purposes. Stretch film is highly elastic and clings to itself, making it ideal for securing large pallet loads. It’s great for keeping items together and shields them from dust, moisture, and UV exposure.

Shrink film, on the other hand, works differently. It’s typically made from polyolefin and is loosely draped around a single product or smaller loads. When you apply heat to it, the film shrinks tightly around the items, creating a snug, air-tight seal. This makes it a go-to for protecting products from moisture and weather, especially in food packaging. Shrink film also offers the option for ventilation, which can reduce the risk of moisture-related damage, making it perfect for certain specific needs.