When it comes to keeping stretch film fresh, you want the best for your business. We know that stretch film is an expensive item and ensuring it stays fresh is key for maximum efficiency. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help you understand the best ways to keep your stretch film in tip-top shape. From proper storage techniques to maintenance schedules, these tips can help you keep your stretch film fresh and ready for use.
It is important to store stretch films correctly to maximize their shelf life. This begins with purchasing proper film which has UV protection and the appropriate gauge for the job. It is then important to store these films in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and sources of heat. Keeping stretch films in a warmer environment can cause the film to become brittle and rupture easily, decreasing its shelf life. Additionally, avoiding storing films in very humid environments can also help increase their shelf life. It is also important to store stretch films in a way that does not cause them to be stretched, creased, or scratched. Storing the film properly and treating it with care can make a big difference in its shelf life.
The next section covers the importance of knowing the stretch film’s shelf life and the effects of an expired stretch film on product packaging.
Importance of knowing stretch film shelf life in various industries
Automotive
In the automotive industry, it is important to know the shelf life of stretch film because it helps ensure that parts, components, and other products that are shrink-wrapped or protected by the film are kept in pristine condition during storage and transport. The shelf life of the stretch film is determined by its physical properties, such as its elasticity, tensile strength, and tear resistance. Knowing these characteristics can help to ensure that products remain safe for a long period, ensuring that vehicles and parts can be used without issue when they reach their destination. Additionally, knowing the shelf life of stretch film can help automotive companies save money on unnecessary product replacement due to damage caused by expired or faulty materials. By investing in a quality stretch film with a longer shelf life, automotive companies can reduce waste and increase efficiency overall.
Agricultural
In the agricultural industry, it is essential to ensure that stretch film shelf life is managed correctly. This helps to guarantee the optimal performance of the product stay fresh, as well as helping to maximize efficiency, food preservation, and cost savings. Shelf life management allows farmers to reduce fresh food waste and increase their yields while also preventing spoilage of items in transit or storage. Furthermore, proper knowledge of stretch film shelf life can help to maintain quality control by ensuring products are properly packaged for shipping or storage. By understanding how long a product can last before losing its integrity, farmers can limit their losses and ultimately stay profitable. Therefore, farmers need to be aware of stretch film shelf life specifications when choosing the best packaging option for their products. Knowing this information can help them make the most informed decisions and ensure their items are properly preserved. Ultimately, stretch film shelf life can help farmers improve their efficiency and reduce costs associated with packaging.
Construction
In the construction industry, knowledge of shelf life is essential to ensure that workers are using products that will not be damaged or compromised due to age. Knowing when products like the stretch film should be replaced helps make sure the result meets the highest industry standards. Additionally, knowing when to replace stretch film can be a cost-saving measure, as expired films may not perform properly and could lead to additional costs for replacing or repairing the end product. Having a good understanding of shelf life helps make sure that construction projects are completed efficiently and effectively. It also ensures that workers in this industry are using safe, up-to-date materials. Shelf life knowledge can help construction companies reduce costs and maximize their resources.
Industrial
Stretch film is widely used in the industrial sector for a variety of applications, including packaging and palletizing. Knowing its shelf life plays an important role in ensuring that shipments arrive safely at their destinations and that products maintain their integrity during transport. It is essential to understand the lifespan of the stretch film before purchasing and using it so that any issues can be avoided during the process.
The shelf life of stretch film will depend on its type, thickness, and quality as well as environmental factors such as temperature and humidity. For example, heavier gauge films tend to have longer lives than thinner varieties in most cases. Additionally, higher-quality films with superior protection from UV rays or anti-static properties may last longer than lower-grade options.
Three points of stretch film shelf life
Factors that affect the shelf life of stretch films
Stretch films are an important part of the packaging process, but their shelf life can be affected by a range of external factors. Exposure to moisture and extreme temperatures will reduce the film’s ability to perform its intended function. Heat exposure also leads to shrinkage and embrittlement in stretch films, which in turn affects puncture resistance and tear strength. UV exposure can cause discoloration or degradation of the film over time. Additionally, dust, dirt, oils, and other contaminants on the surfaces that come into contact with the film can degrade its performance. Proper storage is essential for ensuring maximum shelf life and optimal performance of plastic wrap; they should be kept in cool dry areas away from direct sunlight, heat sources, or any other contaminants. To protect against UV exposure, stretch films can be coated with a UV stabilizer.
How to determine the shelf life of stretch films
To accurately determine the shelf life of stretch films, it is important to consider a variety of factors. Firstly, the thickness and physical properties of the film need to be taken into account as these can impact its durability and performance over time. Additionally, the storage conditions must be monitored as temperature, humidity, and exposure to sunlight or other elements can affect how long a product remains reliable for use. Finally, it should be established whether the film has undergone any ripening process that could further reduce its lifespan such as UV treatment or stretching during production. Once all these factors have been considered, a manufacturer or supplier should be able to estimate the expected shelf life of their product.
It is also recommended that customers perform regular inspections on their stretch films and rotate their stock regularly. This ensures that any films nearing their expiration date can be replaced with fresh produce products, helping to reduce the risk of unsatisfied customers.
Tips for storing stretch film to extend its shelf life
It is important to store stretch film correctly, as this will help to extend its shelf life. Here are a few tips:
- Store stretch film away from direct sunlight and other sources of heat. Heat can cause the plastic material to become brittle and break down over time.
- Stretch film should be stored in a cool and dry environment. For best results, store fresh produce in temperatures between 0 – 30 degrees Celsius for optimal performance.
- Keep the roll of stretch film off the ground or floor; any dirt or moisture could affect its performance when applied. Consider storing it on shelves instead.
- Do not leave unused rolls of stretch wrap exposed to air; sealed containers with tight lids are ideal for storing and protecting the material.
Following these tips will help to ensure that stretch film is stored correctly and can perform for longer.
Effects of expired stretch film on the product packaging
Quality
The primary purpose of plastic film is to protect products during shipment and cold storage. As such, the quality of the stretch film itself must remain intact to ensure the safety of the packaged goods. Unsurprisingly, expired cling film can significantly reduce this protective quality due to its weakened physical properties. With extended exposure to sunlight and other environmental factors, the plastic resin used in manufacturing stretch film becomes brittle and prone to tearing; thus, reducing its effectiveness as a protective barrier against dust, dirt, moisture, and other contaminants. Additionally, changes in molecular structure cause the adhesive qualities of expired wrap to be compromised; resulting in less secure bundling and modified atmosphere packaging loads.
Potential damage
The expired stretch film poses a serious risk to the product packaging and should be avoided at all costs. The polymers in the film are prone to degradation due to exposure to oxygen, light, and moisture over time. This can result in brittleness and reduced elasticity, which can lead to rips or tears when attempting to secure a package with expired stretch film. In addition, the degraded plastic may not provide adequate protection against debris or dust, leading to contamination of the product inside the package. The expired stretch film also has a higher tendency for stretching too much or not enough when applied, resulting in poor pallet stabilization and inadequate unitization. Since expired plastic is more brittle than fresh material, it is more susceptible to breakage.
Risk of customer dissatisfaction
When stretch film passes its expiry date, it can lead to a higher risk of customer dissatisfaction. The expired film stops performing as designed, diminishing its protective properties and causing the active packaging to be less reliable when transiting through the supply chain. Outdated material may also be more prone to breakage, leading to product damage during transportation. Further risks of using past-date stretch film in your packaging include voids that are not visible until after the product has arrived at its destination, plus a compromised seal that increases the chances of leakage or contamination.
The expired stretch film should never be used for product packaging as it can severely reduce protection and result in customer dissatisfaction.
Optimizing the shelf life of shrink film and stretch films is an important factor to consider. By taking into account factors such as the composition of the film, the equipment and the environment in which it is stored, production settings, packaging design, and application techniques, users of stretch films can extend their shelf life and enjoy all the benefits that these products offer. With proper selection, storage, and usage techniques, stretch films can be trusted to provide reliable performance.
