Why Stretch Wrap Film is Ideal for Cold Storage
Stretch wrap film is highly effective for cold storage applications due to its ability to tightly seal and protect food products from external contaminants. This is crucial in maintaining the quality and safety of chilled or frozen foods.
Its elasticity and strength ensure that the film can withstand the low temperatures without becoming brittle or losing its integrity. This makes it an ideal choice for both short-term and long-term storage of perishable items.
The compact, hygienic design of Meypack’s FW stretch-film wrappers makes it ideally suited to food industries and for frozen or chilled products typically within a folding box/carton.
Meypack FW Stretch-wrapping machine
The Meypack FW stretch-wrap machine system
The Meypack stretch-film technology is particularly appropriate when the customer’s priority is packaging for transport. The Meypack FW series stretch-wrapping machine solution is capable of handling products such as folding boxes up to 300/min and creating a formation bundle wrapped in pre-stretch film rather than traditional shrink-wrap film technology that requires lots of energy to shrink the film in a continuously heated tunnel.
In this way, the pre-stretched film (with an adjustable stretch ratio) is fitted very tightly around the products to be packed, creating a highly stable pack. An electrically heated servo-driven film cutting device separates the packs in a very clean and defined manner.
Additionally, using stretch-film can result in a reduction of packaging material by approx. 50% compared to shrink-film with the option of also integrating an Easy Opening (perforation) unit with or without tear strips.
Meypack FW Stretch-wrapping machine product infeed
Key Benefits of Stretch Wrap Film for Food Packaging
Stretch wrap film offers numerous benefits for food packaging, including enhanced protection against moisture, dust, and pests. Its tight seal helps to preserve the freshness and flavor of the food, extending its shelf life.
Additionally, the film is transparent, allowing for easy identification of the contents without the need to open the packaging. This is particularly useful in commercial settings where quick access to product information is essential.
Continous stretch-film wrapping of fish fingers in cartons
Types of Stretch Wrap Films Suitable for Cold Conditions
There are several types of stretch wrap films designed specifically for cold conditions. Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) films are commonly used because of their flexibility and resistance to cracking at low temperatures. These films typically have a thickness of 12-20 micron and can be pre-stretched 110-150% prior to application on the product bundle.
Pizza in folding boxes
Environmental Impact and Sustainability of Stretch Wrap Film
While stretch wrap film offers many benefits, its environmental impact is a consideration. Many modern films are now being produced with recyclable materials and are designed to be more eco-friendly.
Efforts are also being made to reduce the overall amount of plastic used in packaging through the development of thinner, stronger films. Additionally, proper disposal and recycling practices can help mitigate the environmental footprint of stretch wrap film.
When compared against traditional shrink-wrapping technologies, stretch-wrapping can provide a greater number of benefits and advantages such as shorter idle times between cycles, shorter production start up times, no requirement for pneumatic or compressed air supplies, and lower energy consumption per cycle.
Contact us on 01473 893990 or at email@penn-packaging.co.uk or click here for more information.