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Why Choose a Stretch Wrapper For Your End-of-the-Line Automation

In the fast-paced world of manufacturing, distribution, and logistics, securing palletized loads is a daily necessity. For many businesses, manual pallet wrapping is the default—but is it really the best choice? As companies look for ways to cut costs, improve efficiency, and deliver a better customer experience, investing in a stretch wrapper is rapidly becoming the smart, strategic choice for end-of-the-line automation. In fact, operations wrapping as few as 10 pallets a day can benefit from investing in a stretch wrapper.

If you’re on the fence about making the leap to automated packaging, this in-depth guide will walk you through:

  • What stretch wrap and stretch wrappers are
  • How manual wrapping may be hindering your operation
  • The impact of wrapping manually vs. Wrapping with a stretch wrapper
  • What to consider when picking out a stretch wrapper

What Is Stretch Wrap?

Stretch wrap is a highly elastic plastic film, usually made of polyethylene (LLDPE). It is designed to stretch as it’s applied, then tighten again over time, firmly binding products together on a pallet. The film’s cling and tension hold everything in place, preventing shifting, collapse, and exposure to dust and moisture.

What Is a Stretch Wrapper?

A stretch wrapper is a machine that's designed to wrap plastic stretch film tightly and evenly around a palletized load. The film’s elasticity allows it to cling to itself, holding products together and stabilizing them during storage and transit. Stretch wrappers come in a variety of types, from manual turntable models to fully automated rotary arm systems, making them suitable for businesses of all sizes and shipping volumes.

The Hidden Costs of Manual Pallet Wrapping

Before diving into the benefits of stretch wrappers, let’s take a closer look at the challenges of manual wrapping:

  1. Increased Product Damage and Returns
    When wrapping by hand, it’s difficult to maintain the same tension throughout each layer of film. This leads to loose, uneven wraps, gaps, and missed spots, resulting in products falling, getting crushed, or being exposed to dust and moisture.
  2. Labor Intensity and Safety Risks
    Manual wrapping is repetitive and physically demanding. Employees must walk around pallets, bend, twist, and pull heavy rolls of film. This can lead to fatigue, repetitive strain injuries, and higher rates of workplace accidents.
  3. Higher Material Waste and Costs
    It’s common for employees to use more film than necessary “just to be safe.” Over-wrapping increases material costs and generates unnecessary waste, impacting your sustainability efforts and your bottom line.
  4. Slower Throughput
    Manual wrapping slows operations, and during peak shipping periods, it can create bottlenecks at the end-of-the-line—delaying order fulfillment and impacting customer satisfaction.

The Benefits of Investing in a Stretch Wrapper

Now let’s explore how a stretch wrapper can transform your packaging process and deliver measurable value across your business:

  1. Reduce Product Damage with Consistent, Secure Loads
    A stretch wrapper applies film with perfectly even tension, creating a uniform, tight wrap around every pallet. Applying even tension is important because, like we learned earlier, stretch wrap will stretch and then tighten again. Put the wrap on too loosely, and your shipment may fall apart in transit. Put the wrap on too tightly, and your cartons may get damaged from the wrap tightening back up. Even tension reduces the risk of shifting, tipping, or damage during transit and storage. Stretch wrappers also deliver a clean, uniform look to every load, projecting quality and reliability to your customers.
  2. Task Reallocation and Increased Productivity
    By implementing end-of-the-line automation, you will free up time for your employees to focus on what they do best —solving problems, driving improvements, and keeping your operation moving forward. Then, when your business experiences its next growth spurt, you will have the necessary equipment in place to help you scale.
  3. Improved Workplace Safety and Employee Satisfaction
    By eliminating the need for repetitive bending, stretching, and lifting, stretch wrappers create a safer, more ergonomic workplace. This reduces the risk of injuries and helps your team feel better at the end of every shift. In most cases, the cost of a new stretch wrapper offsets the cost of the prevented workers’ compensation that would be paid in the event of an injury. Plus, happier, healthier employees are more engaged, more productive, and more likely to stay with your company.
  4. Reduced Film Usage and Lower Material Costs
    Stretch wrappers use pre-stretch technology to maximize the coverage of every roll of film. This means you use just enough material to secure the load—no more, no less. Our clients routinely see lower material costs, improved throughput, and higher customer satisfaction after implementing stretch wrapping automation. For one customer in particular, we were able to save them $60 per pallet.
  5. Scalability for Growth
    As your business grows and shipping volumes increase, a stretch wrapper keeps up with the pace. Automated systems can handle hundreds of pallets per day, eliminating bottlenecks at the end of your line and ensuring you can meet customer demand—now and in the future.
  6. Professional Appearance and Brand Consistency
    A well-wrapped pallet looks clean, uniform, and professional. This projects quality to your customers and logistics partners, setting your brand apart and reducing the risk of complaints or negative reviews.

How to Choose the Right Stretch Wrapper

With so many models on the market, it’s important to match the equipment to your specific needs—otherwise you risk slowdowns, bottlenecks, or wasted resources. Here are the key factors to think about before you buy.

The SSI Advantage: Expertise, Support, and Results

At SSI, we don’t just sell machines—we become your partner in packaging success. Our team will:

  • Assess your current palletizing and wrapping process
  • Recommend the best stretch wrapper for your products, volume, and space
  • Install and train your staff for safe, efficient operation
  • Provide ongoing support, maintenance, and upgrades as your needs evolve

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a stretch wrapper worth the investment for my business size?

Even small to mid-sized businesses can benefit from the labor, material, and damage savings that stretch wrappers provide. The ROI often becomes clear within months.

Will a stretch wrapper work with my existing pallets and workflow?

SSI offers a wide range of models and can help you find the perfect fit for your operation, whether you handle standard pallets or irregular loads.

How much maintenance does a stretch wrapper require?

Modern stretch wrappers are built for durability and easy upkeep. With regular cleaning and occasional parts replacement, most machines will deliver years of trouble-free service. Check out our maintenance plans.

Can I use the same stretch wrapper for different products or load sizes?

Yes! Many stretch wrappers have adjustable settings to accommodate varying pallet sizes, shapes, and weights. Depending on your needs, SSI can recommend machines with programmable controls or quick-change features.

How do I know which stretch film to use with my wrapper?

SSI’s packaging experts will help you select the right film gauge, width, and type for your products and shipping conditions—ensuring maximum protection and cost savings.

Is training available for operating a stretch wrapper?

Absolutely. SSI provides hands-on training for your team during installation, as well as ongoing support, troubleshooting, and refresher sessions as needed.

What is the expected ROI from switching to automated stretch wrapping?

Most businesses see a return on investment within the first year, thanks to reduced film usage, fewer damaged shipments, and increased throughput. Some see a return within months!

Whether you’re considering automation or an upgrade, you don’t have to navigate changes alone. SSI is ready to help you transform your palletizing process

Investing in a stretch wrapper is about more than speeding up one task—it’s about protecting your products, supporting your team, and positioning your business for growth. With SSI’s expertise and support, you’ll be ready to meet today’s demands and tomorrow’s opportunities.

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