When it comes to securing and protecting palletised goods for transport and storage, companies have a few different options. Two popular methods are traditional pallet wrapping (such as manual or machine stretch wrapping) and the more advanced stretch hood systems. While both approaches aim to stabilise loads and shield products from damage, the way they achieve this – and the benefits they offer – are quite different.
Let’s break it down.
What is Traditional Pallet Wrapping?
Traditional pallet wrapping usually involves stretch film being wound tightly around a pallet. This can be done manually using a handheld dispenser, or automatically with a turntable stretch wrapper or a robotic pallet wrapper.
There are two main types:
Stretch Wrap (or Stretch Film Wrapping): A roll of thin plastic film is physically stretched and wrapped around the pallet multiple times, securing the goods together through the film’s tension.
Shrink Wrap (less common for pallets): The film is applied loosely and then heated, causing it to shrink tightly around the products.
Advantages:
- – Cost-effective for low to medium volume operations.
- – Flexible for varying pallet shapes and load types.
- – Equipment can be relatively inexpensive.
Disadvantages:
- – Film waste can be high.
- – Inconsistent load stability if manually applied.
- – Less effective protection against weather elements like rain and dust.
- – Time-consuming, especially for manual application.
What is a Stretch Hood System?
A stretch hood system is a more automated and sophisticated method of pallet protection. It uses a tubular stretch film that is cut to size, stretched, and then slipped over the entire pallet load like a hood. Once in place, the film naturally contracts without needing heat, creating a tight, protective cover.
Advantages:
- – Superior protection: Fully covers the pallet load on five sides (top and four sides), offering excellent defence against dust, moisture, and UV rays.
- – Load stability: Delivers better load retention during transport compared to traditional wrap.
- – Material efficiency: Uses less film compared to multiple layers of stretch wrap.
- – Faster: High-speed application boosts production throughput.
- – Sustainability: Reduces film waste and often allows for thinner, high-performance films.
Disadvantages:
- – Higher initial investment for machinery.
- – Best suited for higher volume operations.
Key Differences:
Which One is Right for You?
Choosing between traditional pallet wrapping and a stretch hood system depends largely on your business needs:
Low to medium volume operations, where flexibility and lower costs are a priority, may find traditional wrapping sufficient.
High volume operations, or businesses needing better protection for goods (especially outdoors or during long-distance transport), would benefit from investing in a stretch hood system.
While a stretch hood system requires a higher upfront investment, the long-term savings in film usage, improved load stability, product protection, and speed often outweigh the initial costs for companies moving large quantities of goods.
Conclusion
As logistics demands continue to grow and customer expectations rise, many businesses are upgrading their pallet packaging solutions. Stretch hood technology offers a modern, efficient alternative to traditional wrapping — delivering improved protection, sustainability, and operational efficiency.
Whether you’re scaling up your warehouse operations or seeking ways to cut costs and reduce waste, it might be time to consider whether a stretch hood system could be the right move for your business. Talk to the team at Gordian — experts in smart, future-ready packaging solutions.
