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Automatic stretch wrapping's positive economic and environmental impact

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Often consideration of automatic stretch wrapping is based solely on the cost of equipment. However, examining the true cost of the manual process reveals that automatic stretch wrapping is an investment that yields substantial economic and environmental returns.

Comparing the film and labor costs, throughput and environmental impact of manual wrapping and automatic stretch wrapping provides a framework for selecting a cost-effective, environmentally responsible stretch wrapping solution.    

Film usage
Stretch film, which is made from various formulations of linear low-density polyethylene film, is produced using petroleum-based resin. Ever-rising oil costs directly impact the film’s price. In addition to the cost of the film, its production, transportation and disposal have economic and environmental consequences. Thus, the more film used the higher the cost for the user and the greater the carbon footprint.

In manual wrapping, employees typically cannot stretch the film greater than 10 to 20 percent. To ensure holding strength and unit stabilization, workers frequently over wrap, thus consuming more film than necessary.

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