Care and Maintenance
Hand stretch film is an essential material for many businesses, offering a simple yet effective way to secure items during storage and transit. Among the various options available, PWP Stretch Film stands out for its strength and reliability, making it a top choice for businesses. To ensure optimal performance, it’s crucial to handle and store it correctly. By following proper care and maintenance practices, businesses can minimize waste, extend the life of the film, and enhance efficiency. Below are key guidelines for the care and maintenance of hand stretch film.
Proper Handling and Application
When applying hand stretch film, the way it’s handled directly impacts its performance. Whether you are using it manually or with a dispenser, proper technique will help maximize its effectiveness.
- Ensure Correct Tension: Proper tension during application is crucial. Too much tension can cause the film to break, while too little will result in insufficient load security. A balanced, consistent application will ensure the film holds tightly around the load, preventing damage during transportation. If using a dispenser, make sure it’s set to the right tension to avoid any issues.
- Avoid Over-Stretching: Stretch film is designed to stretch, but over-stretching can weaken the material and make it prone to breakage. Stick to the manufacturer’s recommended stretch ratio to maintain the film’s strength and effectiveness. This is especially important when wrapping irregular or heavy items, where stability is key to protecting the product.
- Use Even Layers: When applying stretch film, ensure that each layer overlaps evenly to provide a secure hold. A proper overlap (typically 50-75%) is vital to ensure that the film clings to itself and the load is stable. This also reduces the likelihood of the film slipping off during transit.
Proper Storage Conditions
Proper storage of hand stretch film ensures its longevity and prevents damage before use. Stretch film is sensitive to environmental factors such as light, temperature, and humidity.
- Store in a Cool, Dry Place: Heat and humidity can cause stretch film to degrade, losing its elasticity and strength. To preserve its quality, store the rolls in a temperature-controlled area, away from excessive moisture and heat sources. Ideally, the storage area should be dry and free from direct sunlight.
- Protect from Sunlight: UV rays from sunlight can cause the film to become brittle and less flexible over time. Always store the rolls in a shaded area or enclosed space to minimize exposure to sunlight. Keeping the film stored in the dark prevents the degradation caused by UV radiation.
- Avoid Physical Damage: When storing hand stretch film, avoid stacking heavy items on top of the rolls, as excessive weight can cause deformation. Store the rolls upright to maintain their shape and ensure the film unwinds smoothly during application. This also prevents unnecessary pressure that could result in tangled or broken rolls.
Regular Inspection
Regular inspection of stretch film is key to identifying potential issues early and ensuring that the film performs effectively throughout its use.
- Check for Cracks and Brittleness: Stretch film can become brittle or crack over time, especially if it has been improperly stored or exposed to harsh conditions. Inspect the rolls before use for any visible cracks, brittleness, or other signs of degradation. If the film shows these signs, it’s best to discard it and replace it with new material.
- Inspect for Proper Cling: Cling is an important property of stretch film, as it allows the film to bond tightly to itself. If the cling is weak, the film may not secure the load properly. Ensure that the film sticks to itself well when applied, as this is essential for maintaining load stability during shipping and storage. Whether you’re using manual or machine stretch film, inspect the cling before starting to ensure effective load containment.
- Look for Punctures or Tears: If the film has been punctured or torn, it won’t provide the necessary protection to secure the load. Always check for any holes or damage that may compromise the film’s ability to hold the product in place. If any issues are identified, do not use the roll, as it may lead to unstable packaging.
Reducing Waste and Environmental Impact
Stretch film can contribute to environmental waste if not managed properly. Fortunately, there are several strategies to reduce waste and dispose of the film responsibly.
- Use Films with High Stretch Ratios: One way to minimize film waste is to choose stretch films with higher stretch ratios. Films with high stretchability can cover a larger area using less material, thus reducing the overall waste. Always ensure that the chosen film is suitable for the load you are wrapping to avoid using excess material.
- Recycling: Stretch film can be recycled, but it needs to be clean and free of contaminants. Many recycling centers accept stretch film, so check with your local facility to see if they have a dedicated bin for plastic films. Recycling helps reduce the amount of plastic waste that ends up in landfills and supports environmental sustainability.
- Consider Eco-friendly Options: If reducing environmental impact is important for your business, consider using biodegradable or recyclable stretch films. These films break down more easily than traditional plastic films, making them a more sustainable choice. Many suppliers offer eco-friendly stretch film options that perform similarly to traditional films but with a smaller environmental footprint.
Proper Disposal
If the stretch film cannot be reused or recycled, proper disposal is crucial for minimizing environmental harm.
- Follow Local Disposal Guidelines: Check with local waste management services to understand the proper disposal methods for stretch film in your area. Some areas may require specific handling for plastic films to ensure they don’t contribute to environmental pollution.
- Minimize Disposal Needs: Reusing stretch film wherever possible or using it efficiently will help reduce the frequency of disposal. For example, wrapping smaller loads with less material or reusing intact sections of stretch film for less-critical applications can help reduce the overall amount that needs to be discarded.
Special Considerations for VCI Stretch Film
If your business deals with metal products, you may be using VCI stretch film, which provides the added benefit of corrosion protection for metal goods. To maintain the film’s protective qualities, make sure to:
- Store Properly: Like regular stretch film, VCI stretch film should be stored in a cool, dry location. Exposure to heat and humidity can weaken the film’s corrosion-inhibiting properties.
- Use for Suitable Applications: Ensure that you are using VCI stretch film only for metal goods that require corrosion protection. This ensures the film provides the maximum benefit while minimizing waste.
