Reducing the amount of stretch film you use doesn’t just lower your packaging costs — it also helps minimize your environmental impact. Whether you’re wrapping pallets by hand or using machinery, small changes in your approach can lead to significant material savings over time. Here are five practical ways to use less pallet wrap without compromising load stability.
1. Choose the Right Film for the Job
Using the correct stretch film is the first and most important step in reducing unnecessary usage. Make sure the film matches your specific load requirements. Factors to consider include:
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Yield strength: This determines how much tension the film can handle before permanently stretching. A film with a proper yield point allows for secure wrapping without unnecessary excess.
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Load profile: Consider the shape, weight, and stacking pattern of your pallets. Irregular or heavy loads may need stronger or more elastic films.
By matching your film type to the needs of your operation, you can prevent overwrapping and maximize efficiency.
2. Downgrade Your Micron — Wisely
Switching to a thinner stretch film doesn’t mean sacrificing performance. Thanks to modern manufacturing techniques, high-performance films can deliver the same load containment as thicker versions — but with less material.
These films stretch farther and cling better, reducing both waste and cost. As long as they’re correctly applied, thinner films can be a sustainable and economical choice for many businesses.
3. Use Stretch Wrap with Recycled Content
Environmental regulations and taxes are pushing businesses to rethink their packaging materials. Switching to stretch film made with at least 30% recycled content:
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Reduces your carbon footprint
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Helps you avoid Plastic Packaging Tax charges in regions like the UK
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Encourages circular economy practices by supporting plastic recycling
While 100% recycled wrap isn’t widely available yet, many suppliers offer films with partial recycled content that perform just as well as virgin films.
4. Upgrade to a Pre-Stretch Hand Dispenser
If your team wraps pallets manually, the type of dispenser you use can make a big difference. Basic dispensers rely on the user to manually stretch the film, often leading to inconsistencies, overuse, or even operator injury.
Pre-stretch applicators solve these problems by automatically applying a consistent tension to the film, reducing fatigue and material waste. Though they cost a bit more up front, they quickly pay for themselves through material savings and greater wrapping efficiency.
5. Invest in a Pallet Wrapping Machine
For operations wrapping 15+ pallets daily, automation is a game-changer. Pallet wrapping machines:
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Pre-stretch the film before applying it
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Use just the right amount of wrap based on pallet size
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Improve wrapping consistency and speed
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Reduce labor costs and downtime
These machines significantly lower film consumption and can typically pay for themselves in a matter of months.
Conclusion
Cutting back on stretch film doesn’t mean cutting corners. With the right tools, materials, and methods, you can reduce pallet wrap usage, improve efficiency, and move toward more sustainable operations — all without compromising load security.