Collection: Wrap

The best pallet wrap depends on the weight, shape and stability of the load, as well as whether pallets are wrapped manually or by machine. Hand pallet wrap is suitable for lower-volume operations, while machine stretch film is designed for pallet wrapping equipment and higher-throughput warehouses. High-performance and pre-stretched films can also help businesses achieve effective load stability while reducing the amount of plastic used per pallet.

The right stretch film thickness depends on pallet weight, load shape and the level of puncture resistance required. Light, uniform loads may be suitable for high-performance 8–12 micron film, while typical mixed warehouse pallets may require around 15–17 micron stretch wrap. Heavy, irregular or sharp-edged loads may need 20–23 micron heavy-duty pallet wrap. The aim is to use enough film to maintain load stability without unnecessarily increasing material consumption.

Hand pallet wrap is designed to be applied manually, usually with a handheld or mobile dispenser, making it suitable for lower-volume operations or businesses wrapping pallets in different locations. Machine stretch film is designed for pallet wrapping machinery and provides greater consistency for higher-volume operations. A pallet wrapper can control film tension and application more consistently, helping improve load stability and reduce unnecessary film consumption.

Start by reviewing the film specification, application method and number of wraps being applied. High-performance or pre-stretched film can provide greater coverage with less material, while powered pre-stretch pallet wrappers mechanically stretch the film before it reaches the load. This can significantly increase the usable length of film and help reduce both plastic consumption and cost per wrapped pallet.

A pallet wrapping machine should be considered when manual wrapping becomes a bottleneck, pallet volumes increase or consistent wrapping becomes difficult to maintain. Semi-automatic pallet wrappers can standardise the wrapping cycle and film application while reducing repetitive manual work. For busy UK warehouses, distribution centres and manufacturing operations, automation can improve productivity, load consistency and control over stretch-film consumption.

A powered pre-stretch pallet wrapper stretches the film before applying it to the pallet, allowing more usable film to be produced from each roll. This can reduce film consumption while maintaining the tension required for load stability. For example, Optimax offers semi-automatic pallet wrappers with powered pre-stretch technology capable of extending film by 200% or, on selected models, up to 300%. This makes pre-stretch particularly useful for businesses looking to reduce their cost per pallet and improve wrapping consistency.

The best equipment depends on pallet volumes, dimensions, weights and available warehouse space. Semi-automatic turntable pallet wrappers are suitable for many high-volume operations with consistent pallet sizes, while robotic pallet wrappers provide greater flexibility for oversized, overweight or non-standard loads. Optimax offers manual, semi-automatic and robotic pallet wrapping solutions, allowing UK businesses to select the appropriate level of automation for their operation.

Good pallet stability starts with a correctly stacked load and an appropriate stretch film specification. Stretch wrap should securely contain the load and connect it to the pallet base, with sufficient overlap and reinforcement around vulnerable areas. High-performance stretch film, powered pre-stretch equipment and consistent wrapping cycles can improve load containment. Irregular or particularly unstable loads may also require additional protection such as edge protectors, anti-slip sheets or strapping.

Stretch wrap secures a load through tension: the elastic film is stretched around products or a pallet to hold them together. Shrink film works differently and contracts around the product or load when heat is applied using suitable shrink wrapping equipment. Stretch wrap is widely used for pallet stabilisation, while shrink film can provide secure protection against moisture, dirt and environmental exposure. The right solution depends on the product, application and required level of protection.

Optimax supplies stretch wrap, pallet wrapping equipment and related wrapping products to UK B2B customers, including warehouses, fulfilment centres, manufacturers and distribution operations. The Optimax Wrap range includes hand pallet wrap, machine stretch film, pallet wrapping machines, wrap dispensers, shrink film, shrink wrap equipment, covers and sheeting. This allows businesses to source both wrapping equipment and ongoing consumables from one UK fulfilment equipment supplier.