Collection: Compostable Pallet Wrap

Secure palletised goods with Australian-made compostable pallet wrap. A more environmentally responsible alternative to conventional stretch film, it’s available for both hand and machine wrapping applications.

What Is Compostable Pallet Wrap?

Compostable pallet wrap is a stretch film used to secure and stabilise products on pallets during storage, handling, and transport. It performs the same basic load-containment function as conventional pallet wrap but is made from safer materials. 

The MPS Packaging range is produced using compostable biopolymers. Available films have a subtle yellow tint that helps distinguish them from conventional stretch film once removed from a pallet.

Remember that compostable products should be assessed according to their relevant certification and disposal requirements. MPS's compostable hand wrap is certified to the Australian Standard AS 4736 for commercial composting.

How Does Compostable Pallet Wrap Work?

Compostable stretch wrap is applied under tension around palletised products, stretching around the load to hold individual cartons or products securely in place and improve stability during handling, storage and transport.

The correct application depends on how the pallet is being wrapped. Manual operations require film designed for hand application, while higher-volume facilities may use machine-grade film with compatible wrapping equipment.

MPS's compostable film uses separate cling and slip surfaces. The slip layer should face outwards during wrapping to ensure the film functions as intended and wrapped pallets are less likely to cling to surrounding loads.

Film tension, stretch and the number of revolutions should be adjusted to suit the weight, shape and stability of the pallet being secured.

Benefits of Compostable Pallet Wrap

For businesses considering their packaging materials, compostable stretch film offers a safer environmental alternative to conventional petroleum-based stretch film, while maintaining performance.

When buying compostable pallet wrap from MPS, you can expect:

• Australian manufacture: The Great Wrap products stocked by MPS are manufactured in Melbourne.
• Certified compostability: Our products carry composting certification, providing a defined end-of-life standard.
• Easy identification: A subtle yellow tint helps distinguish the compostable film from conventional clear stretch film.
• No microplastics after composting: The certified compostable film leaves no microplastics behind when properly composted.
• Hand and machine options: Businesses can select film based on their wrapping method, throughput, and available equipment.
• Material efficiency: The film's higher bulk density can provide strong load containment at relatively thin gauges when correctly applied.

Compostable film is particularly suitable for organisations looking to incorporate more considered packaging choices into broader sustainability initiatives without neglecting practical load securing requirements.

Hand vs Machine Compostable Pallet Wrap

Choosing between compostable hand and machine film depends mainly on pallet volume, available equipment, and the level of wrapping consistency required.

Hand pallet wrap is useful when pallets are wrapped manually, when wrapping volumes are relatively low, or when the operation requires flexibility. Suitable pallet wrapping dispensers can also make manual film application easier and help operators control tension.

Compostable machine pallet wrap is intended for use with compatible wrapping equipment and is generally better suited to high-volume pallet-wrapping operations.

How to Choose the Right Compostable Pallet Wrap

To find the best pallet wrap for your operations, you should first determine whether pallets are wrapped manually or using machinery. From there, follow this guideline:

• Look at the pallet shape. If the load has irregular edges or moves easily when pushed, you may need a heavier film or additional wrapping around the base, middle, and top.
• Check how much the machine stretches the film. Machine stretch settings affect the tension applied to the film and how securely it holds the pallet. When changing film type or gauge, start with the machine settings recommended for the product and test the wrapped pallet for stability before using it across regular production.
• Match the film to the machine carriage. Before ordering machine film, confirm that the roll dimensions and film specifications are compatible with your pallet wrapper. This is especially important for machines using powered pre-stretch carriages. If you are unsure, check with MPS before changing over.
• Test against your actual load. Trial the selected film on a typical pallet and check whether the load remains stable when moved by forklift or pallet jack before rolling it out across all packing operations.

Ultimately, the 10μm option is better suited to stable, consistently stacked loads, while the 17μm option is the more appropriate starting point for heavier, irregular or less stable pallets. However, settings and compatibility can vary between pallet wrappers, so check the individual product specifications or contact MPS Packaging for advice if you are unsure.

How Should Compostable Pallet Wrap Be Disposed Of?

Compostable does not mean the film should automatically be placed in general recycling or household compost.

The correct disposal route depends on the certification applying to the specific product and the composting services available in your area.

Before disposal:

• Check the certification supplied with the specific film.
• Confirm whether an appropriate composting facility accepts the material.
• Keep compostable film separate where required by your waste provider.
• Do not place it in conventional household recycling unless your waste provider specifically confirms that it is accepted.

Correct separation is particularly important in commercial environments where several types of stretch film may be used.

Buy Compostable Pallet Wrap from MPS Packaging Australia

MPS Packaging has supplied packaging products to Australian businesses since 1977, with specialist experience across stretch film, pallet wrapping equipment, and industrial packaging applications.

Our compostable range includes Australian-made hand and machine films, giving businesses the flexibility to choose a solution suited to their existing wrapping process. MPS can also help assess film requirements alongside wrapping machinery, load characteristics, and operating volumes.

Browse the compostable pallet wrap range, or contact MPS Packaging for help choosing the right hand- or machine-wrapping solution for your operation.