Price vs. Value: Maximizing Stretch Film ROI for Long-Term Cost Savings and Load Security

Packaging plays a vital role in today’s fast-paced business landscape, ensuring product protection, preservation, and presentation. As the packaging industry continues to grow and adapt to changing market demands, it’s crucial for companies to stay ahead and offer exceptional packaging solutions. To provide insights into this dynamic landscape, we have developed Packaging Talks – a series of conversational panels with Crawford’s packaging experts. Whether you’re a business owner, a packaging professional, or simply curious, our panels aim to offer valuable information and inspiration. 

In this installment, we chat with Peter Moroney, Crawford’s Packaging Specialist, about price vs. value and maximizing stretch film ROI for long-term cost savings and load security.

Peter, could you explain the primary challenge you face when discussing end-of-line stretch wrapping with customers?

Sure. The number one challenge is often price-focused customers. These customers typically make their decisions based on the initial price of stretch film, sometimes opting for cheaper options without considering the long-term cost implications. This can be problematic because lower-priced film may not provide the necessary load stability and protection they need, leading to increased damages and higher costs over time. It’s crucial to understand that while higher-quality film may have a higher upfront price, it can save you money in the long run by reducing damages and improving your overall efficiency. I think it’s important that we educate our customers about the importance of choosing the right stretch film, and we can provide such insights when assessing our customers’ loads.

You mentioned assessing the loads. Could you elaborate on what factors you consider when evaluating the type of film a customer needs?

Certainly. One of the most important factors is the nature of the loads they are wrapping. For example, loads with irregular shapes or those facing challenging transit conditions may require thicker stretch film for improved load security and protection. Other factors we consider include the weight of the loads, the dimensions of the pallets, the level of automation in the customer’s packaging process, and any specific industry or regulatory requirements. By understanding these factors, we can recommend the most suitable stretch film that will provide the necessary level of load stability and protection.

How do you address cases where customers have unconventional or challenging loads?

In such cases, I recommend discussing the possibility of using a thicker film, even if it has a higher cost per roll. However, I also emphasize that the overall cost of use can be significantly reduced if the film effectively secures the loads. Think about the cost savings that can be realized in the long run by reducing damages, minimizing the risk of product loss, and enhancing the overall efficiency of the packaging process. By focusing on the total cost of ownership, we can assist customers in making informed decisions that benefit their operations.

You mentioned damages as a factor. What steps do you take to address and minimize damages during transit when discussing film choices with customers?

It really depends on the particular situation. I would say Crawford’s Wrap It Right program is typically a great place to start. Based on the assessment findings, we can recommend the right solution. It may include a thicker gauge film or one with specific properties designed to withstand the challenges of the customer’s supply chain. We also emphasize the importance of proper wrapping techniques and equipment settings to maximize the effectiveness of the chosen film.