Which is better, pallet Wrapping or Stretch Hood system? Which one provides me more protection? How do I get better load securing in transport? There are many questions and concerns when it comes to choosing a pallet wrapping system, and although their processes are very different, the final result may not be so far apart. Some time ago we compared the hood wrapping systems (Stretch Hood vs. Shrink Hood), now in this article we compare the pallet wrapping machine against the Stretch Hood, explaining the keys and advantages of each one of them.
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As their names indicate, the two systems carry out a different process to protect the pallet:
According to our experience in many packaging projects, the main objectives are always the securing and protection of the load for handling and storage. However, depending on the type of product and palletizing, more protection will be needed than securing or vice versa.
We usually recommend for each objective:
At this point, the most common question is: are these systems substitutes or do they complement each other? In principle, both serve the same purpose of protecting and securing the load, so in many cases they are fully substitutable. However, sometimes the stretch wrapping equipment can be used as a complementary system to the Stretch Hood and vice versa, as each can fulfill a different function.
Depending on the type of industry and product, one or both systems can be used to reinforce the hold. Some examples:
Let's see below the generic advantages offered by each system in the context of an automatic packaging line.
In addition to the aforementioned objectives of protection and support, we describe other advantages of the hooding system:
The stretch hood application system is usually faster than a standard stretch wrapper cycle, as the Stretch Hood can pack between 100-130 pallets/hour, while a conventional automatic wrapping machine would do between 60-80 pallets/hour (check also our semi-automatic wrapping machine). In the production line, while the Stretch Hood is wrapping one pallet, the next pallet's hood is already being prepared, thus allowing continuous production.
With an average usage calculation, a single Stretch Hood film reel can stretch wrap 800 to pallets; whereas a conventional stretch film reel can only wrap around 150 pallets by using a larger amount of film. This means that the Stretch Hood reel only needs to be changed in 5 to 8 working hours, while the stretch wrapper reel is usually changed in just 3-4 hours. In short, the Stretch Hood allows fewer stops for reel changes and increases productivity.
Stretch Hood also saves on film usage as it only uses the film that is strictly necessary to cover the load. Meanwhile, the pallet stretch wrapping system requires the use of more film and even the application of a protective cover.
As mentioned above, the properties of Stretch Hood film provide total sealing and protection of the load against external agents such as dust, UV rays and even rain. The process of hooding also helps to seal the load as it covers the load all the way to the base of the pallet.
The Stretch Hood provides total transparency, increasing brand and product visibility, as well as legibility and label protection inside the film. It also offers a higher quality finish, as there are no layers, wrinkles or protruding plastic residues typical of stretch wrapping.
As we have seen, the pallet stretch wrapper is the system of choice for securing. Its wrap-around effect and the application of the securing cord provide a better hold, even with light or unstable loads. However, it is closely followed by Stretch Hood, which in recent years has been developed to provide specialized securing wrapping.
Another advantage of the traditional pallet wrapping machine is its adaptability to different types of loads, since the wrapping can be adapted to the shape, with different types of film tension and cord reinforcement. It also allows to use more or less pressure depending on the delicacy of the product.
On high-end automatic stretch wrappers, film can be optimized to the maximum thanks to the pre-stretch system and the torque control systems. Depending on the industrial wrapping cycle, it is possible to use the same amount of film or even less than with the Stretch Hood system.
Being such an extensive packaging system, another of its advantages is that there is a wide range in the market, from semi-automatic pallet wrappers, robot wrappers, rotating arm wrappers, automatic ring wrappers, etc. Depending on the production needs and capacity of each customer there are several options, which is not so much the case with the Stretch Hood, which is only used in automated production.
In summary, as we have seen, both systems have advantages in their favor and above all different applications depending on the product and purpose required. Also both systems are evolving rapidly in recent years, and although the Stretch Hood system is more innovative, automatic stretch wrappers are not far behind in terms of speed and film optimization.
Don't hesitate to consult with our technical team to find out which system can provide you the greatest benefits for your product and your company. Your project is in the best hands of our experts!
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In the food industry, packaging is essential for ensuring product quality, safety, presentation, and storage. In recent years, the Stretch Hood pallet packaging system has become a highly effective solution for protecting food loads. In a competitive market, where high hygiene standards and flawless deliveries are demanded, packaging systems like Stretch Hood are increasingly used for protection at the end of production lines.
For more information, please visit Hood Pallet Wrap Machines.
In this article, we will analyze the advantages of using the Stretch Hood system for packaging food loads and how this technology can optimize the packaging process in the food industry.
Before delving into the advantages of the Stretch Hood system, it's important to understand the specific characteristics of food loads that make packaging a critical aspect of their supply chain. In the food industry, products vary significantly in terms of formats, types of packaging, and other specific characteristics.
Some of the most common characteristics include:
Before discussing the advantages of the Stretch Hood system for packaging food loads, it's important to differentiate between two common packaging systems: pallet wrapping and hooding.
Wrapping the load involves using a stretch wrapping system (either semi-automatic wrapping or automatic) that stretches the film and wraps it around the load to keep it together. This method is mostly used in the food industry due to its versatility and product-securing advantages but has disadvantages in terms of total protection of the load.
The stretch hooding load procedure is a technique that involves using an elastic tubular film, which is stretched and contracted to completely cover the load. This method is increasingly popular in the food industry because it provides better protection and safety. Additionally, it reduces the amount of consumables and film used since a single layer can cover the entire product.
The decision to hood or wrap a load depends on the type of load, protection and presentation requirements, as well as supply chain efficiency.
Why settle for traditional wrapping when you can have the superior Stretch Hood system for packaging food loads? Let's examine the numerous advantages of hooding over wrapping and discover why it's the smart choice for your food packaging needs.
One of the main advantages of Stretch Hood for food loads is its ability to provide complete product protection. The film is wrapped securely to create an airtight barrier, protecting food from moisture and contaminants, thus maintaining its freshness and quality.
Related to the previous point, Stretch Hood is the system that best seals the load, especially when compared to wrapping, which can allow dust and moisture to filter between the layers of wrapping. Additionally, the hooding machine and system itself also enable a more hygienic process. In this aspect, Innova's Stretch Hood machine features a barrier protection system that prevents dust and other contaminants in the hood creation area, ensuring a 100% hygienic hood.
The Stretch Hood system ensures load stability by allowing the elastic film to uniformly adapt to the load through vertical and horizontal forces. With this film containment, you can be sure that your products won't shift or fall during handling, transportation, and storage. Furthermore, this innovative packaging technique completely eliminates the requirement for supplementary protective and stabilizing components, such as top covers, corner protectors, and cardboard sheets for bundling.
The Stretch Hood system uses less film as compared to other packaging technologies. This is because the Stretch Hood film efficiently adapts to the load, which reduces the film weight by up to 50%. This results in substantial cost savings on packaging, lower taxes, and a more sustainable process. Additionally, the system's efficiency in the packaging process enables increased productivity and less labor costs.
Another decisive advantage of Stretch Hood is its versatility and adaptability to a wide variety of sizes and shapes of food loads. Stretch Hood film is highly flexible and allows adaptation to different dimensions. Stretch Hood systems now offer the standard inclusion of 2-3 reels for different formats. Additionally, the market continually introduces more advanced 'Super Stretch' films that provide unmatched flexibility.
As it is a fully automated system, there is no need to constantly adjust the machine settings for different products, saving time and resources.
In today's world where sustainability is a major concern, Stretch Hood technology offers numerous benefits in terms of environmental care. The system can utilize high-quality, low-density, thinner yet equally strong films, which helps in reducing plastic consumption. Additionally, the packaging is efficient, and the load stability is increased, which ultimately reduces the risk of wasted products and damaged packaging.
In the case of Innova's Stretch Hood system, also includes high-efficiency motors and mechanisms that reduce electrical consumption.
A key factor for the food industry is achieving better efficiency and productivity in its production lines and respective supply chains. The Stretch Hood system automates the packaging process and quickly adapts to different load sizes, streamlining the final packaging and shipping process. This not only improves operational efficiency but also ensures timely deliveries and reduces the risk of supply chain delays.
For more information on how to improve end-of-line production efficiency, we recommend our specialized article on the subject:
Last but certainly not least, packaging with Stretch Hood provides a cleaner and more professional appearance for food loads due to the total transparency of the hood, without folds or wrinkles. For this reason, it has become the preferred packaging system for international food corporations.
Undoubtedly, packaging plays a vital role in improving the brand image of a product and attracting consumers at the point of sale. The presentation of a product's packaging in logistics centers and on shelves can significantly impact its success in a highly competitive market.
In summary, the Stretch Hood system is proving to be a solution that meets the demands of the food market. It offers a unique combination of product protection, load stability, cost savings, flexibility, sustainability, supply chain efficiency, and brand image enhancement. These advantages make Stretch Hood an attractive choice for the food industry, where quality, safety, and efficiency are of utmost importance.
Are you interested in learning more about Stretch Wrap Systems? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!