We may not give packaging materials too much of a thought, but they make a huge part of our daily lives. From the foods we buy at the supermarkets, to the storage of items at home or when we’re on the way, packaging is crucial in making our lives easier.
While there are various options of these materials, shrink wrap included, few can compare to the versatile stretch wrap also known as wrapping film. The reason it’s become such a popular and widespread choice has to do with some of its properties, such as the ability to stretch, conform, and hold items together just to name a few.
This makes it an essential tool for individuals and residential purposes, as much as for commercial settings, businesses, and industries. It’s also the reason why there are different types available in the example of those films made for hand use and those made for wrap machine use.
What Are the Benefits of Stretch Film?
The following benefits are the reason why this type of packaging has become so widely used.
Outstanding Protection
The protective barrier the stretch wrap helps create for the items you intend to transport or store is essential in preventing contaminants from making their way and dirtying up or damaging the items. In addition, it’s equally capable of providing the needed protection from weather elements when exposed to moisture, water, and in some cases (with UV stabilised film) even UV rays. One extra dose of protection it offers is it gives you the chance to see signs of tampering, so you’d know if there was any unauthorised access due to theft attempt.
Cost-Effectiveness
One of the reasons why it’s more popular or beneficial than other packaging materials lies in this option’s lower price, making for more value for your money. Because it’s easy to apply even by hand, or an automated machine, there’s also a reduction in the labour costs if applying on a large scale like in an industrial setting. Moreover, the ease of use and the durability this packaging has further make it efficient and affordable. Lastly, as it helps protect the items you wrap with it, as already established, it’s great for minimising product damage.
Load Stability Boost
It’s logical to want to keep the items secure at all times during the transport – after all, not every product can withstand the wear and tear from road bumps and sudden braking. This is where this plastic packaging can come in handy as it’s useful for securing the items tightly, preventing them from shifting or falling during the bouncing when in transit. There’s further role in the improvement of the stacking efficiency as the stabilised loads make for better organisation of the available storage space.
Incredible Versatility
If you’re looking for an adaptable and reliable packaging solution, this is it. It doesn’t matter how big or bulky the items you have at hand are, you can rest assured this packaging film would be adequate for all of them. It’s great for big and small items alike, as much as items in all sorts of shapes, making it fit for conforming to them all.
This versatility also comes in the form of different stretch wrap options you can choose from, as I mentioned earlier, like those fit for hand or machine use, and those UV stabilised. Other notable mentions I’d like to add here are the specialty wraps (e.g. coloured, pre-stretched), and of course the eco-friendly choices. Besides those made from recyclable materials, there are biodegradable stretch products too, perfect for those who are after making more eco-friendly choices in life.
All in all, with this info it’s enough to understand the role this kind of plastic wrap has in various settings. From industrial and commercial uses, such as in pallet wrapping, to securing building materials, shielding electronics and machinery, it’s a convenient wrapping choice. Its role in bundling products in retail, proving to be of help in inventory management with coloured wrap, safe for e-commerce and shipping, plus food packaging and arts and crafts, the stretch plastic wrap is the jack of all trades.
How Do You Use a Stretch Wrap Effectively?
To be able to reap the aforementioned benefits and make the most of what this kind of packaging solution can offer, it’s necessary to first make sure you choose the right type for your specific application by evaluating the different choices available. Once you find the suitable one, it’s advisable to do the application properly to get the protection you’re after and prevent overstretching.
If necessary, consider investing in the adequate machinery to streamline the packaging operation if the demand is higher such as that in running an online business. And last but not least, get in the habit of choosing biodegradable alternatives so you get the peace of mind the packaging isn’t only done right but would also be recycled properly without adding more to the waste problem we’re dealing with on a global scale.
