Hand stretch film or machine stretch film?
If you wrap pallets by hand, consider hand stretch film. Roll weight and width should be selected for comfortable use by the operator. With irregularly sized loads, it is also important to wrap evenly at the base and top.
If you use a pallet wrapping machine, the machine model, core size, film width and pre-stretch system should be considered when choosing machine stretch film. It is not enough for the roll simply to fit the machine; the film must run without breaking at the wrapping settings and hold the load together.
The shape of the load matters as much as its weight
Neatly stacked cartons and heavy, irregular or sharp-cornered products do not have the same wrapping requirements. Products overhanging the pallet and exposed corners can create points of stress on the film. Assess film choice alongside the pallet arrangement; use corner protectors and suitable load placement where needed.
When requesting a quote for textile cartons, marble and travertine shipments, or industrial parts in Denizli, share a photo of the load and the pallet dimensions as well as its total weight. This makes it easier to recommend suitable film and wrapping for the product.
How should you choose the thickness?
Thicker film does not always mean a lower overall cost. Thinner film may also be insufficient for some loads. Choose thickness based on the load’s weight, corners, number of wraps, stretch and transport conditions.
We produce stretch film in the 9–35 micron range, according to requirements. This is a product range, not a guarantee of suitability for any particular load. When testing with the actual load, check for film breaks and punctures, attachment at the base, and whether the load loosens after wrapping.
Pre-stretch and machine settings
A pre-stretch system stretches the film before it is wrapped around the load. If the film is not suitable for this system, it may break or wrap unevenly. Include your machine’s pre-stretch ratio, the film size in use and any current wrapping problems in your quote request.
Trying to fix wrapping by simply adding more turns can increase consumption. Assess film compatibility, rotation speed and how the load is secured at the base alongside the machine manufacturer’s setting instructions. Stretch film does not replace the necessary load-securing arrangements inside the vehicle.
Should you compare the price per roll or per pallet?
Alongside the roll price, compare the net film weight, core weight and number of pallets wrapped. Two rolls that look alike may contain different amounts of film. During a trial, measure the film used and waste generated for each pallet.
You can calculate the film cost per pallet by multiplying the amount of film used by the unit film price. Breakage, rewrapping and labour also affect the total cost. Compare similar loads under the same wrapping conditions.
Checklist before requesting a quote
- Is wrapping done by hand or by machine?
- What are the pallet width and length, load height and approximate weight?
- Are there sharp corners, overhang or irregularly placed products?
- If using a machine, what are its model, core size and pre-stretch ratio?
- What are the current film width, thickness, roll weight and monthly usage?
- Are you experiencing problems such as breakage, loosening or excessive consumption?
Mertan Ambalaj produces stretch film to order in Merkezefendi, Denizli. We arrange delivery to Denizli and nearby areas using our own vehicles, and shipments elsewhere in Türkiye by freight carrier. International shipments are arranged by quotation. The total time from order confirmation to delivery is 2–7 days; the date is confirmed according to the delivery address and order specifications.
Describe your load and wrapping method in the quote form. You can also read our towel and bathrobe packaging guide for inner packaging of textile products.
Calculating consumption per pallet: illustrative example
The figures below are for illustration of the calculation only; they are not test results for a Mertan product or a price quote.
| Calculation step | Example |
|---|---|
| Gross roll − empty core | 3,0 − 0,3 = 2,7 kg net film |
| Pallets wrapped with the same roll | 18 pallets |
| Net consumption per pallet | 2,7 / 18 = 0,15 kg, or 150 g |
| Hypothetical net film price | 100 per kg |
| Film cost only | 0,15 × 100 = 15 per pallet |
This example assumes there is no waste. In an actual comparison, record waste, rewrapping and labour separately. Low consumption alone does not prove that the load remains secure; also check for loosening after wrapping and consider transport conditions.
How should you keep a trial record?
In the same record, note the width, thickness and net weight of the film tested; the load’s dimensions and weight; the wrapping settings; and the film consumed. Record where any breakage occurs, corner punctures and loosening after wrapping. Keep the load and settings the same when testing different films, and note any settings that change. This is a suggested trial record for users, not a claim about our factory’s record-keeping system.