Skip to content 
Have you ever run out of stretch film during a packaging job and had to stop the production line? It’s frustrating and often results in reduced efficiency, wasted time, and subsequent financial losses. In this article, we’ll show you how to accurately calculate stretch film usage and requirements.
| Steps to Calculate Stretch Film Usage and Requirements | |
|---|---|
| Step 1 | Consider the product dimensions and number of pallets. |
| Step 2 | Determine the number of layers and type of stretch film needed. |
| Step 3 | Use the formula: (Product dimensions x Product weight x Number of pallets x Number of wraps per pallet) / (12x12xStretch film width x Stretch film length per roll). |
| Step 4 | Convert inches to number of rolls or cases. |
| Step 5 | Choose the appropriate stretch film based on specific needs. |
Whether you’re new to the world of stretch film packaging or looking to optimize your existing process, this guide will provide you with the necessary information. By the end of this article, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge to ensure your packaging operations run smoothly and efficiently, saving you time and money.
What is stretch film?
Stretch film, also known as stretch wrap, is a highly stretchable and flexible plastic film that is commonly used for packaging and securing products onto pallets for storage or shipment. It is designed to hold products tightly together while also protecting them from damage during transport.
Factors Affecting Stretch Film Usage and Requirements
Several factors can affect the amount of stretch film needed for a specific product, including:
- Type of product being packaged: The weight, size, shape, and fragility of the product can all impact the amount of stretch film required to properly secure it. For example, heavier and bulkier products may require a thicker and stronger stretch film, while fragile products may require a softer and more flexible stretch film that can conform to the product’s shape.
- Packaging equipment: The type and condition of the packaging equipment used, such as the stretch wrap machine, can impact the amount of stretch film needed and its application. The machine’s tension settings, speed, and ability to pre-stretch the film can all impact the amount of stretch film needed.
- The shipping environment: The temperature, humidity, and vibration levels in the shipping environment can impact the amount of stretch film required to protect the product during transit. For example, products being shipped in a hot and humid environment may require a thicker and more durable stretch film to prevent moisture damage.
Determining Required Stretch Film Gauge
Stretch film gauge refers to the thickness of the film and can range from 40 to 120 gauge. The gauge of stretch film used can impact its strength, durability, and cost. To determine the required gauge, factors such as the weight, size, and fragility of the product, as well as the shipping and storage conditions, must be taken into account. A formula can be used to calculate the required gauge based on the weight and dimensions of the product and the number of layers of stretch film being used.
Calculating Stretch Film Usage
To calculate stretch film usage, the product dimensions and number of pallets must be considered. The amount of stretch film needed can vary depending on the size and weight of the product, the number of layers of stretch film being used, and the number of pallets being wrapped. A formula can be used to calculate the total amount of stretch film needed based on these factors.
For example, the formula for calculating stretch film usage is:
Total Stretch Film Usage = (Product Height x Product Width x Product Depth x Product Weight x Number of Pallets x Number of Wraps per Pallet) / (12 x 12 x Stretch Film Width x Stretch Film Length per Roll)
Estimating Stretch Film Requirements
To estimate the amount of stretch film required for packaging and shipping, it’s essential to calculate the usage and length of time for product storage or shipping. The estimated requirements can be used to make informed decisions about the quantity and type of stretch film to purchase.
To estimate the stretch film requirements, follow the steps below:
- Determine the stretch film usage
- Calculate the amount of stretch film used for a single pallet based on the product dimensions, number of layers, and stretch film gauge. Multiply this value by the total number of pallets to obtain the total amount of stretch film used.
- Determine the length of time for product storage or shipping:
- The length of time the product will be stored or shipped is a crucial factor in determining the stretch film requirements. Longer storage or shipping periods may require a thicker stretch film gauge to prevent damage to the product.
- Estimate the total stretch film requirements:
- Multiply the total stretch film usage by the length of time for product storage or shipping to obtain the estimated total stretch film requirements.
For example, if a company needs to ship 500 pallets of a product for 6 months, and each pallet requires 4 rolls of stretch film, the estimated stretch film requirements would be:
Total stretch film usage = 4 rolls x 500 pallets = 2,000 rolls
Length of time for product storage or shipping = 6 months
Estimated total stretch film requirements = 2,000 rolls x 6 months = 12,000 rolls
Choosing the Right Stretch Film
Choosing the right stretch film is critical to ensure the product’s safety during transportation and storage. The factors that should be considered when choosing the right stretch film include the product type, storage and shipping conditions, and cost.
Types of Stretch Film:
| Type of Stretch Film | Ideal Application | Common Industries |
|---|---|---|
| Cast Stretch Film | Wrapping products tightly with high puncture resistance | Food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, electronics |
| Blown Stretch Film | Wrapping products loosely with high load retention | Construction, agriculture, transportation |
| Pre-stretched Film | Wrapping products with minimal stretch | Furniture, appliances |
Factors to Consider when Choosing the Right Stretch Film:
| Factors to Consider When Selecting Stretch Film | |
|---|---|
| Product type | The type of product being packaged and its weight should be considered when selecting the stretch film. Heavier products may require thicker stretch film gauges to ensure their safety during transportation. |
| Storage and shipping conditions | The storage and shipping conditions, such as temperature, humidity, and exposure to sunlight, should be considered when selecting the stretch film. For example, if the product will be stored in a freezer, a stretch film with low-temperature resistance should be used. |
| Cost | The cost of stretch film should also be considered. A lower cost film may be suitable for products that don’t require significant protection during transportation and storage, while a higher cost film may be necessary for products that require maximum protection. |
Knowing how to calculate stretch film usage and requirements can significantly improve your packaging operations’ efficiency and reduce waste, saving you both time and money. With the information provided in this guide, you can make informed decisions when choosing the type of stretch film needed for a given job and how much stretch film is required.
