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I'm developing best practices for stretch wrapping pallet loads for my company. Are there any guidelines or standards for stretching wrapping uniformed pallet loads of product packed in corrugated cartons? I'm witnessing two problems: the carton edges are collapsing (hour glassing) and the unit loads slide on the pallet since the wrap has lost touch with the pallet. Also, is there way to predetermine the amount of tension (pounds of containment) needed to secure the load so the stretch film doesn't collapse the carton edges?

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Greg Krysiak
Sr. Package Engineer
Donaldson Company, Inc.
Bloomington MN
(952) 887-3369
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Hi Greg,

I'm a little rusty on this subject as it's been a few years since I've worked with stretch wrapping and full unit loads. There are methods (as well as best practices) to determine the proper loads needed for containment. Following the methods will ensure adequate containment, avoid crushing of boxes, and reduce the amount of wrap needed.

Lantech has a great library of resources available that cover this very topic. Their reps are very helpful in teaching the fundamentals if you want additional support. 

The link to that library: Resource Library | Lantech

-Zach

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Zach Cogan
Senior Applications Engineer
Charlotte NC
(757) 634-7203
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Hi Greg,

An industry rule of thumb is to have 1 lb of containment force per 100 lbs of finished goods. Meaning if your pallet is 2,000 lbs then you'd want 20 lbs of containment force on the top/middle and bottom. Lantech has a good tool for measuring containment: https://www.lantech.com/stretch-wrapping/containment-force-tool/ 

As far as the unit loads disconnecting from the pallet you may want to try a high profile wrapper or if there is a significant amount of underhang that can also cause the stretch film to slip from the pallet.  You can also try an anti-slip corrugated sheet on the bottom of the pallet. West Rock can supply.  

Tim

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Tim Kretlow CPP
Packaging Engineer
Hunter Engineering
Bridgeton MO
(314) 716-0275
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