How to stretch wrap a pallet

Learning how to stretch wrap a pallet is essential for various packaging and shipping activities. But it’s not as easy as it might seem to be. Depending on how much you’re packing, what the cargo is, and how heavy the load is, there’s a few things to keep in mind when preparing them for transit. We’ve put together this handy guide on how to stretch wrap a pallet to make sure your cargo is safe all throughout the transportation process. We’ll go over a step-by-step process on how to stretch wrap a pallet by hand, tips for wrapping different pallet load profiles, how to pick the correct pallet size, and how to assemble the items on your pallet.

Understanding the pallet load profile you’re dealing with

There are three different pallet load profiles you need to be familiar with: A-load, B-load, and you guessed it… C-load:

• A-loads are normally cubed with no protrusions. It has clean edges and is the easiest load to wrap.
• B-loads may have a few protrusions that create irregular sides. This type of pallet requires better performance and a film with high puncture resistance.
• C-loads are the most hazardous types of loads. They may have multiple corners and sharp edges that are difficult to wrap. They will require a strong, durable stretch film with high puncture and tear resistance.

Pick the right pallet size for the job

The pallet is the foundation of your cargo. It’s critical you pick the right pallet size for the items to create a solid base. You don’t want items hanging over the edges of the pallet, but also not too much space left uncovered on the top of the pallet. If there is an overhang on your pallet, the products have an increased risk for getting damage during transit. When the products don’t cover enough of the pallet, the stretch wrap may tear on the corners and edges of the pallet.

Assembling the items on the pallet

You want to place the items on the pallet as tightly as possible to prevent movement. The tighter they are packed, the more secure the pallet will be during transport. This is easier with A-load profiles, but can be difficult with a C-load profile.

How to stretch wrap a pallet – Step-by-step

1. Ensure the load is properly stacked in a uniform manner on top of a durable pallet. Make sure the contents are as close together as possible to avoid any spaces as open spaces will make it difficult to wrap the pallet properly.
2. Elevate the pallet for easier wrapping. Having the pallet in an elevated position is much easier on the technician’s back and legs. Make sure the area around the pallet is clear for you to be able to circulate the pallet.
3. Begin by wrapping by grabbing the stretch roll and tie some of the film around one corner of the pallet or tuck it under the cargo.
4. Wrap the base several times for security and ensure the edge of the film goes underneath the corners of the pallet. Continue to wrap the base while going in a forward motion.
5. Wrap from the base upwards towards the top of the load. Each new stretch wrap layer should overlap the last layer by at least 50%. The weight will determine how many layers of film will be required. Make sure the amount of film stays consistent throughout the process, between the base, middle, and top of the load.
6. Once you’ve reached the top of your load, layer the film downwards. This will make the film pull down on the load and ensure more stability and eliminate the risk of load shifting during transit.
7. Continue to wrap downwards towards the base to stabilise the load. Again, overlap each layer by 50%. Once done wrapping, tear the film off with a sharp object. Press it firmly to the load and fold the end of the trap under a corner of the pallet so that it will stick firmly.

We’ve got what you need to stretch wrap your pallet

Lindum Packaging offers a complete range of packing products, including different types of pallet stretch wrap, pallet wrapping machines, and a plethora of other pallet packaging products such as cardboard packaging and packaging tape. If you have any additional questions on how to wrap a pallet in stretch wrap by machine or how to stretch wrap a pallet by hand, contact Lindum Packaging today.

We offer a fresh take on transit packaging where we not only provide everything you need in terms of pallet packaging, but also solutions to improve your packaging operations including:

• Analysing and improving your packaging processes
• Carrying out a packaging audit
• Testing your pallet stability
• Replacing poorly performing packaging supplies with, newer, stronger, and more environmentally friendly alternatives