Introduction
Considering pallet stretch film is an elastic film that is stretched around a load of products, the pallet stretch film depending on the amount of stretch applied can be very strong and tough. In contrast to shrink wrap, pallet stretch film maintains a high holding force because it is a unitized form of packaging. This force is what keeps the load tight and secure. Step by step, brand by brand, pallet stretch film was used more as a cost-effective method to secure pallet loads for transit. The concept of cost-effectiveness led to further increase in pallet stretch film usage with the consideration of potential package losses and product damage in transit. As the most economical way to protect a load, pallet stretch film could save its user from double handling loads which are sometimes subject to harsh atmospheres and excessive moisture. pallet stretch film’s ultimate achievement is being greeted as a solution to reduce overall transit losses. With the trend to reduce losses, the quality standards and expectations for transport packages as well as the packaging medium itself have increased, thus stimulating advances in pallet stretch film technology.
Pallet stretch film, which was introduced to the market literally wrapped in mystery, while users had a general good idea of what it was for, how to use it properly and effectively left them bewildered. This often led to frustration and doubt about the effectiveness of pallet stretch film as a packaging medium. Yet it was believed that when pallet stretch film was perfected, it would boost productivity by simplifying difficult loads and reduce package losses in transit.
The role of pallet stretch film pallet stretch film in the packaging of products for distribution on a global scale has been truly misunderstood. In order to have an identification of the current pallet stretch film in industry today, the specific reasons for the use of pallet stretch film, and the problems faced which need resolving, it is necessary to step back and take a look at how pallet stretch film has evolved. This includes its rise to being the packaging medium of choice, the goals and trends of the packaging and handling industry, as well as the influences over more technical packaging mediums.
Importance of Pallet Stretch Film
To address these issues, the expression “unit load” has received considerable attention as a means to improve materials handling and shipping of products. A “unit load” is the aggregation of a specific quantity of products into a single item, for example, a pallet of several cartons of the same product. Unitizing products on a load provides many advantages for both distribution cost and product protection. Simulation and experimental studies have shown that unit loads provide a better environment for protecting the product during transit and storage (Dahl et al., 1997). This is due to the fact that unit loads are stiffer and can better absorb shocks and vibrations experienced during transportation. A unit load of packaged products can be unitized using a variety of methods and materials. However, without any specific form of secondary packaging, it is possible for the products on the pallet to shift or become disoriented during transit and storage. This often negates the advantages of unit load packaging and results in increased damage to the products. A commonly used, simple, and cost-effective means to prevent this is the utilization of stretch or shrink film to create a tight, unitized load.
In the current scenario of globalized economy, majority of companies produce, import, export and distribute their goods globally. This results in increased competition and has exposed companies to many variables in the supply chain. Due to these increased variables and competition, it is essential for companies to secure and protect their products during transportation and storage. Any failure in doing so can cause damage to the product resulting in financial losses and maybe a customer (Dibenedetto, 1997).
Benefits of Stretch Wrapping
First of all, stretch wrapping brings about unitization of loads. This means that the pallet and the load are seen as a single unit, making it much easier to handle and transport. Since the stretch film completely embraces the load, there is no chance of the load shifting or being displaced. This would be true for identical, regular loads. However, it packaging ensures minimal movement of any type of load. When shipping multiple loads, it increases the likelihood of the entire shipment arriving at its destination. Not only will all packages arrive, but they will arrive together. This makes preload planning much more effective, as well as simplifying the process of palletizing and handling loads at distribution points. By stabilizing the load and reducing instances of load shifting, stretch wrapping also minimizes the chances of product damage. When transporting stacked loads, it decreases the probability of crushing the bottom packages. Additionally, various products are less likely to shift around and collide with other loads of goods. This is especially useful when shipping food products or other goods that require sanitary transportation. All of this adds up to big cost savings. Failed shipments and damaged products would no longer need to be replaced or repaired. Companies would also see less frequent equipment downtime that could be attributed to product damage. Finally, the reduction in rejected products and insurance claims would lead to higher profits and a more reliable/logistically sound company reputation.
Techniques for Effective Stretch Wrapping
Unitization of loads has taken on added importance in the supply chain as pallet exchange grows and the cost of improperly packaged product increases proportional to the number of times a load is handled. For non-palletized loads or unitized loads on slip-sheets, the concept of primary and secondary packaging has relevance. Primary packaging is the stretch film that surrounds the product. Secondary packaging would be the stretch wrapping of a number of loads to make one large unit load. In each case, the better job of containment, the easier it is to handle and store the product as well as to protect it against the elements of transit and long-term storage. Stretch film is one of the most commonly used unitizing methods. It is convenient, effective, and relatively inexpensive. Unfortunately, it is often wrongly applied or the wrong film is used. This leads to a false perception of stretch film cost as opposed to the true cost to contain. In many cases, the true cost to contain using stretch film is much higher than it should be, and it is difficult to make a blanket judgment of the film costs without carefully examining the film application process and the true containment cost.
Conclusion
A strategic approach to supply chain security with consideration to using the correct tools and methods to secure the product, prevent increased costs, and provide an actual ROI has been lacking from security initiatives. A managed change to security initiatives based on total cost approach and risk management principles can ensure that supply chain security initiatives enhance the protection of the product and provide an ROI. This will require an understanding of why and how the product is damaged and creating solutions that prevent these specific problems.
High-value products move with a high risk of theft. Terrorism and natural disasters can affect all products. Understanding the risks specific to each product and creating solutions to prevent the risk from occurring will safeguard damage or loss to the product. Understanding the cost of damage or loss to a specific product and the cost of prevention will allow an initiative that provides a measurable ROI. Changes to security initiatives should be tested and compared against the shipment of a control load to ensure that they do not increase the damage or loss of the product they are trying to prevent. An example of testing a change to a security initiative would be a change in how a product is loaded into a container. This change can be simulated with the use of a tilt test on a load of product before and after the change is made. Types of stretch film and other load containment methods are perfect examples of tools that can be changed to better secure a specific product with a cost-effective method.
The ultimate goal of security initiatives is to prevent the loss of product, and supply chain security represents the ultimate application of safety and loss prevention initiatives. Unfortunately, security initiatives have been largely reactionary when a loss has occurred due to terrorism, natural disaster, or a disruptive event in the supply chain. Loss prevention and security initiatives have a proven ROI and can actually prevent the loss from occurring. Security to a shipper’s pallet and load in transit has to be accomplished in a manner that not only prevents damage to the product, but does not increase transportation and handling costs to a point that makes the product uncompetitive in its market.
