The real cost of film: test it on site
Choosing a cheaper stretch film may look like a smart saving, but it isn’t always. Real efficiency comes from looking at the cost per wrapped pallet, not just the price per kilo.
Choosing a cheaper stretch film may look like a smart saving, but it isn’t always. Real efficiency comes from looking at the cost per wrapped pallet, not just the price per kilo.
Why Cheaper Film Doesn't Always Mean Cheaper Packaging
The core issue is that film with a cheaper price per kilogram may require a greater amount of film to achieve the necessary load containment force and stability.
When you have to overwrap your pallets just to keep the product secure, the cost of the film used often far outweighs the initial price saving. The result? A higher overall packaging cost and more packaging waste for both you and your customer.
The Hidden Costs and Risks of Guesswork
Using a cheaper film or incorrect set up of pallet wrapper can lead to an unstable pallet load and higher film consumption. But the risks don't stop there:
Increased Waste
Using more film to reach the required containment force generates more plastic waste. Every machine film roll adds a paper core waste of 1–1.6 kg.
Wasted Time
Using more film means your employees spend more time interrupting other tasks to change rolls.
Machine Wear and Tear:
Your pallet wrapper has to work more to achieve the desired result with lower-quality film leading to increased machine strain.
Why On-Site Testing Matters: Certainty Backed by Data
The technical data and listed characteristics are a great starting point. They allow you to compare different films on paper and understand their potential performance. But here’s the catch: numbers alone don’t guarantee the best solution for your packaging needs.
To truly know if a stretch film will work, it must be tested directly on the customer’s wrapping equipment and with the actual goods being packaged. Why? Because every situation is unique.
On-site testing means looking at:
- Film consumption per pallet.
- Load stability and containment force achieved.
- Overall packing cycle efficiency.
By testing on-site, you eliminate the guesswork and start making data-driven decisions.
Antalis's Solution: StretchConsult
Stop guessing and start measuring. StretchConsult is your key to
unlocking optimal packaging efficiency.
StretchConsult is a service provided by Antalis that helps you assess and optimise your pallet wrapping process directly on site.
StretchConsult is more than just a test : it's a comprehensive comparison of films conducted right in your warehouse, using your pallet wrapper, and your products. This process provides you with accurate numerical data that reflect your true packaging efficiency and unit cost.
During a Stretch Consult audit, Antalis experts run comparative tests to understand your specific pain points with stretch films. They identify the root causes, explore alternative solutions, and measure the performance of different films to show how each option responds to your challenges. At the end of the visit, you receive a full audit report that includes the test results along with clear recommendations to improve load stability, reduce film consumption, and optimise your packaging costs.
Meet AXIO High-Performance Film
Drawing on extensive experience in sales, testing, and pallet wrapper setup, Antalis has developed AXIO. This new, high-performance stretch film is designed to achieve superior containment force with minimal film consumption.
By pairing AXIO with the StretchConsult service, you don't just get a new film; you get a fully optimized wrapping process, backed by your own data.
Ready to see how much you can save per packaged pallet?
Contact your Antalis expert today to book your on-site StretchConsult audit!
