In logistics and warehousing, packaging is often the first and last line of defence against damage to goods. Although it may seem like a simple detail at first glance, the quality of stretch film has a major impact on protection, stability and overall shipping costs.
The right choice of stretch film can reduce material consumption, shorten packaging time and significantly reduce the risk of damage to goods during transport.
What is stretch film and how does it work?
Stretch film is a highly elastic plastic film that stretches and wraps tightly around the pallet or product during packaging. When released, the film tries to return to its original shape, creating constant pressure and ensuring the stability of the packaging.
Thanks to its elasticity and adhesion, it ensures:
- tight connection of products on the pallet
- protection against moisture, dust and dirt
- reducing the risk of goods movement during transport
The most common mistakes when choosing stretch film
Incorrect thickness or type of film
Lower-weight films may look cheaper, but they break when used under high loads, leading to inefficiency and waste.
Insufficiently wound foil from the supplier
Common problem on the market = the yardage does not match the declared length. Result? Faster stock depletion and higher packaging costs.
Using universal film for specific goods
Not every product needs the same film. The choice should be adapted to the weight, shape and type of goods being transported.
How to choose the right stretch film?
When choosing, it is important to consider:
- Packing machine type (manual, semi-automatic, automatic)
- Weight and dimensions of the pallet
- Transparency or colour requirements for the film (e.g. black for discreet transport)
- Pre-stretch rate – up to 300% for quality machine films
Real Practice: How we reduced customer costs by a third
One of our consumer electronics distributor clients was facing issues with poor quality film from a previous supplier. The metering did not match the declaration and the foil often broke. After an audit, we recommended a film with a realistic gauge, higher elasticity, and matched it to their packaging machine.
The result?
- Foil savings of 31%
- 40% reduction in packing time
- Reduction of complaints due to delayed goods by 90%
Stretch film is not just a consumable
It is a key element of the package that affects cost, safety and customer satisfaction. If you suspect that your current supplier is not supplying full film, we will be happy to measure the actual roll and compare the quality.
Thinking about optimizing your packaging? Contact us – we will be happy to prepare technical comparisons and sample tests for you.
