Pilot Study of Stretch Film for Securing Palletized Loads

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Logistics and Transportation Engineering

Background:

• Increasing consumption of packaging materials necessitates scientifically informed selection.
• Ensuring cargo stability during transit requires understanding forces exerted by securing materials.
• Current methods for assessing packaging effectiveness lack objective, quantifiable data.

Purpose of the Study:

• To rationalize the use of stretch film for palletized cargo.
• To develop tools for objectively assessing packaging material effectiveness.
• To enable scientifically substantiated film selection for transportation.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a patented mobile device to measure static and dynamic forces of stretch film.
• Analyzed data from various types of stretch film under controlled conditions.
• Investigated the relationship between wrapping parameters and stabilizing forces.

Main Results:

• A linear relationship was identified between the number of turns, pre-stretching degree, and stabilizing forces.
• Experimental data provided objective measurements of stretch film performance.
• Wrapping parameters can be optimized based on measured forces.

Conclusions:

• Optimized wrapping parameters reduce material costs and enhance cargo stability.
• The study contributes to improved transportation safety and reduced environmental impact.
• The developed tools support sustainable logistics through rational stretch film selection.