Shrink film palletising is a very convenient way to store or ship your goods. Its advantages are numerous as we will see and it is a flexible solution that can be adapted to many products and many configurations.
A cocoon for your goods
It is important that your goods are safely secured both for storage and shipping They must be stable to prevent falling and injuries and also so they are not damaged themselves.
Palletising forms a shrink film cocoon in which your products are insulated from the outside, i.e. from dirt and weather. You can, for example, store goods outside that will not be affected by moisture and rain.
By securing your goods and the pallet together, you can create a stable unit that is easier to store, stack and handle.
The choice of heat shrink film
The heat shrink film is available in different versions to suit your goods. You may have specific requirements for your palletising. You can choose from transparent, opaque and even coloured shrink films. If you do not want your goods to be identified, you will choose an opaque film. You can also have it customised by specialised manufacturers.
Their thickness is variable. You may need a thicker film if your products are protruding and risk piercing the film, or if they are heavy and need to be secured more firmly. The film reels are available in different widths.
The anti-UV treatment can also be an important criterion for outdoor storage. Treatments can be guaranteed for 6, 8 or 12 months. The film should also be chosen according to the temperatures to which your pallets will be subjected, from refrigerated trucks to storage in full sunlight.
Whichever type of heat shrink film you choose, palletising is always carried out with a shrink gun to heat the film to give it its shape and seal the film layers together.
Protection against theft
Palletisation is an effective barrier against thieves. If your goods are packed in individual boxes, it prevents one box from falling “accidentally” off the truck!
You can start by choosing an opaque film to avoid stirring up thieves’ greed. Then, if there is a theft, it cannot go unnoticed and you will know at which stage of the transport it took place. Any tears made in your shrink-wrapped package become visible and even obvious.
If you are afraid of theft, it is advisable to use transparent shrink wrap film, which allows you to check the contents of your pallets at a glance.
Easy packaging
Palletising with shrink film is quick and easy. The only tool you need is a shrink gun.
You should start by “wrapping” your pallet so that all your products are well wrapped and securely fastened to the pallet. Remember to balance the loads on the pallet to make it more stable and easier to handle. This is all the more important if your pallet is to be stacked with other pallets.
Then use a gas shrink gun and the flame to “shrink” your holder. This can also be done with a flameless tool.
In the latter case, the heat it gives off shrinks the film and stretches it to form a compact and resistant package. The various layers of film weld together without impacting your goods.
With a flame or hot air, your pallet is packed quickly and safely.
