Product category:
Film materials, equipment and services
News Release from: Vale Pack | Subject: Micro-Wrap
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk Editorial
Team on 18 April 2005
Pallet Wrapping Film Cuts Usage By 50%
Stretch film converter Vale Pack has launched what is claimed to be one of the first UK-manufactured pre-stretched pallet wraps.
Stretch film converter Vale Pack has launched what is claimed to be one of the first UK-manufactured pre-stretched pallet wraps Said to offer financial savings for users and available as both machine and hand film, Micro-Wrap is aimed at pallet packaging applications
This article was originally published on Manufacturingtalk on 15 Jan 2004 at 8.00am (UK)
Related stories
Software upgrades robotic packaging efficiency
A powerful process control function and distributing camera data to several robot areas feature enhanced software platform for automated packaging lines with multiple robot workstations.
Spiral conveyors effect smooth vertical transfer
A low friction chain slat arrangement is used in spiral conveyors to provide continuous, smooth vertical transfer of product in either direction from upper and lower levels.
It is claimed to ensure load stabilisation and film usage can be cut by up to 50 per cent.
The film is fully stretched (c 270 per cent) prior to winding, which uses up all of its elasticity.
When the pallet is then wrapped, the film's 'memory' causes it to shrink back and tighten on the load.
As a result, film usage can be cut by up to 50 per cent and pallets can be wrapped much faster, lowering labour costs and operator stress, said Vale Pack.
With the Producer Responsibility Levy and Packaging Waste Regulations becoming even more stringent, Vale Pack believes that Micro-Wrap becomes even more relevant.
It added that the key to Mircro-Wrap's strength is in a three-layer co-extruded Octene grade film that is said to be up to 55 per cent stronger than conventional hand films.
Reel edges are thicker, to prevent tearing, which could be a problem on earlier pre-stretched films.
An ultra low-density polyethylene in the film's outside layer ensures the cling is one-sided, so there is no risk of pallets sticking together.
There is also no PIB tack additive, ensuring that the product is safe to use in food environments.
Film is supplied in 8mu and 10mu for both hand rolls and machine film, added the company.
Robert Boucher, Vale Pack's managing director, said: "Micro-Wrap offers real benefits to users in despatch and packing departments countrywide and is the future for pallet wrapping applications.
You get a consistent stretch, optimising the film's full elasticity and improving load stability, while the cost savings and other benefits are significant." He continued: There are two ways that we show customers the benefits of Micro-Wrap.
Firstly, we pull the film at the top of a pallet wrapped with conventional film and often it will stretch and then become slack.
That means that the film has not been stretched sufficiently and the load will become unstable during transit.
Secondly, to demonstrate the load retention properties of Micro-Wrap, we cut the film and then try to pull the cut ends back together - this cannot be done and shows how the film shrinks and tightens on the load.".
• Vale Pack: contact details and other news
• Email this article to a colleague
• Register for the free Manufacturingtalk email newsletter
• Manufacturingtalk Home Page
Search the Pro-Talk network of sites
