Pallets are one of the most convenient ways to transport a large amount of goods across the country. Their wide base can support large stacks of products ensuring ease of maneuverability and product transportation. From electronics to clothing, pallets are a commonality within nearly every warehouse.
Because of their frequency of use, there is increased room for savings when it comes to packaging. One of the most conventional methods of packaging product to pallets is by applying stretch film to the load manually. However commonly used across industries, this application may not always prove the most cost effective and/or efficient. An individual could be over zealous in his or her efforts and, in the name of security, use more film than is actually necessary to secure the pallet. Conversely, an employee could use too little film and jeopardize the safe shipment of the pallet. Further still, improper pallet wrapping could compromise the contents.
Pallet wrapping automation provides increased efficiency and reduced costs
In the food and beverage industry, many companies are finding that automated packaging solutions are working to improve the containment of their products. Barry Callebaut AG, headquartered in Switzerland, is responsible for the manufacturing of cocoa and chocolate products. Though the headquarters is based in Europe, it has facilities around the globe - calling for the dissemination of its goods internationally.
In order to meet compliance regulations in both European and American standards, the business employs a stretch hood method, orchestrated by the Beumer Group, of containing its pallets so as to efficiently automate the amount of film used and protect it from potential vulnerabilities that could arise during the shipment. In doing so, materials costs have been reduced by 5 to 10 percent.
Sparkling wine shares benefits of stretch hood pallet wrapping
Another company, Rotkäppchen-Mumm Sektkellereien GmbH, Freyburg (Unstrut), specializing in the distribution of sparkling wine based in France has also improved its packaging operations through a similar process. This company ships approximately 300,000 pallets of glass bottles from a single location through the use of a similar stretch hood pallet wrapping system. The Beumer stretch hood construction series is a modular system, which can be adapted flexibly to the individual requirements of the user. This method of packaging is both energy efficient and effective given its ability to provide a quick solution that uses minimal film, automation of roll changing and ability to be tailor designed. The packaging process for this high-profile sparkling wine distributor streamlined its process to 100 pallet loads per hour.
This method of pallet wrapping screams the advantages most needed within high volume manufacturing facilities:
- Tailored-fit pallet covers - encouraging decreased labor and material costs
- Packaging flexibility - these machines can be tailored to fit the dimensions required for the job - utilizing sensors to detect both stacking heights and film use
- Increased product protection against the elements
- Decreased floor space and energy use
- Increased productivity
- Display benefits
This innovative and most importantly - effective and efficient - break from the monotonous time-consuming process of hand-wrapping and even general machine wrapping is decreasing the bottom line on consumables, improving the packaging process and thus increasing general customer satisfaction for companies such as Barry Callebaut and Rotkäppchen-Mumm Sektkellereien GmbH, Freyburg (Unstrut) - and surely many more to come.
