Why it pays to be informed about pallet wrap.

At MPS Packaging Australia, we take packaging quality seriously. Recently, we had the opportunity to conduct a detailed analysis of a supplied pallet wrap film where they like to cook snags out the front of big green sheds to verify its specifications and compare it to our premium HAN14 film. Below, we share our testing methodology, key findings, and insights into how businesses can make smarter choices when purchasing stretch film.

Testing Process & Observations

Supplied Film Specifications:

• Competitor advertised Roll Size: 500mm x 1900m – 17 pallet wrap.

• Key Concern: Many suppliers list "17" instead of "17um" to create the illusion of better value. In our experience, when "um" is omitted, the actual gauge is almost always lower than claimed.

Measuring the True Film Length

We conducted a thorough calculation of the meters per roll based on weight, width, and density:

• Width: 495mm (not the advertised 500mm)
• Gauge: 15um (consistent across the rol
• Density: 0.922 g as standard for LLDPE
• Roll Weight: 12.4kg nett (13.4kg and 13.59kg gross)

Using these values, we calculated the actual meters per roll:

• At 15um: 1811m per roll (significantly less than the advertised 1900m)

• At 17um: 1598m per roll (demonstrating how increasing gauge reduces length)

This confirms that the supplied film does not provide the advertised length at 17um and reinforces the importance of verifying product specifications before purchasing.

Cut & Weigh Test Results

To further validate our findings, we conducted a cut and weigh test by wrapping identical pallets with the supplied film and our MPS HAN14 film on their pallet wrapping machine:

Key Takeaways:

• The MPS HAN14 film wrapped 73.68 pallets per roll, compared to 57.67 pallets per roll with the supplied film.
• Despite having a lower gauge (14um vs. 15um), MPS HAN14 provided more efficient wrapping due to its premium composition.
• At equivalent cost per wrap, the MPS HAN14 film offers superior performance, reduced downtime, and more wrapped pallets per roll reducing their cost per wrap. 

Superior Alternative: MPS HAN14 & Imported Options

MPS Packaging Australia offers a range of high-performance films tailored to business needs:

• MPS HAN14 – Australian-made, premium film with polypropylene for enhanced stretch and puncture resistance. Australian made rolls, comply to strict standards, no Film which is Australian made will be dodgy or underweight. 
• ** High-Tech Nano Layer Film – Ultra-thin 55 nano-layer cast film, reducing material usage while maintaining strength.

By switching to legitiment length rolls, businesses can achieve higher efficiency, lower costs, and improved pallet security.

Final Thoughts

Our rigorous testing highlights the importance of verifying film specifications before purchasing. Many suppliers misrepresent film gauge and roll length, leading to unexpected costs and inefficiencies.

If you're looking for a reliable, high-performance stretch wrap solution, MPS Packaging Australia is here to help. Contact us today to discuss your packaging needs and discover the right solution for your business.