What makes a stretch wrapper "automation-ready" for warehouse environments?

An automation-ready stretch wrapper operates without requiring operator intervention during a normal wrap cycle — including wrap cycle start, cut, and film tail management. It produces consistent and effective wrap patterns across load types, integrates with WES/WCS systems via documented I/O, and manages film tails in a way that won’t interfere with AMR navigation sensors. Autonomous film cut and tail containment are the most critical criteria for AMR-integrated environments.

How do film tails interfere with AMRs in warehouse automation systems?

AMRs typically use floor-level proximity sensors and camera-based navigation to detect obstacles and navigate around loads. A dragging film tail extending from the bottom of a wrapped pallet can trigger false obstacle detections, cause navigation halts, or — in motion — get caught on rack structures or floor transitions. Equipment that physically secures the film tail to the load at cycle end eliminates this failure mode at the source.

What I/O and integration requirements should I specify for a stretch wrapper in an automated facility?

At minimum, specify: cycle start signal input (from WES/WCS or PLC), cycle complete status output, fault condition outputs, and E-stop integration with the facility safety system. More sophisticated integrations may include load ID input for automatic profile selection and throughput data output for WES monitoring. These requirements should be documented and tested during commissioning, not discovered post-installation.

Why is end-of-line packaging often left out of warehouse automation project specs?

The category is typically scoped late in the project, after upstream automation architecture is locked and the project is in value engineering mode. Stretch wrappers are also widely perceived as commoditized equipment — available from many manufacturers at similar price points — which shifts the decision toward procurement criteria rather than integration criteria. The result is equipment specified for a simpler environment than the one it’s being deployed in.

How much does unplanned downtime at a wrap station actually cost in an automated facility?

ABB estimates the average cost of unplanned industrial downtime at approximately $125,000 per hour across industrial facilities. In highly automated warehouses, a wrap station failure doesn’t stay local — it can back up AMR queues and upstream production flows, extending the impact beyond the wrap station itself. Even a handful of unplanned stops per shift at that rate significantly erodes the ROI of the broader automation investment.

Products
- All Products
  - Products
    Step inside the future of End-of-Line-Packaging solutions! From cutting-edge technologies to efficient and innovative systems – we offer a comprehensive overview of End-of-Line-Packaging solutions that meet the diverse needs of your business.
- Semi-Automatic Stretch Wrappers
  - Semi-Automatic Stretch Wrappers
    Semi-automatic stretch wrappers are stand-alone machines that play a crucial role in improving efficiency, reducing costs, and ensuring the safety of products during storage and transportation. They can wrap up to 40 loads per hour and are used for lower volume applications or in large warehouse settings where multiple wrappers are required.
- Automatic Stretch Wrappers
  - Automatic Stretch Wrappers
    Automatic stretch wrappers are PLC based, conveyorized and typically integrated into production lines. They are used for a wide range of volumes and applications. They can significantly reduce labor and packaging costs, increase productivity and streamline operations to meet high throughput and tight production deadlines.
- Case Erectors
  - Case Erectors
    Case erectors are used to automatically form and seal corrugated cardboard boxes or cases. By automating case forming tasks, case erectors free up labor resources for other areas of production or packaging and ensures consistency, reducing variations in case dimensions and quality compared to manual assembly. We offer case erectors for both stand-alone and integrated production requirements for both tape and hotmelt applications that provide flexibility to accommodate various case sizes and styles.
- Case Sealers
  - Case Sealers
    Case sealers are used to securely seal corrugated cardboard boxes or cases after they have been filled with products. They significantly increase the speed and efficiency of packaging operations compared to manual sealing methods. We offer case sealers for both stand-alone and integrated production requirements and for both tape and hotmelt applications that provide flexibility to accommodate various case sizes and styles.
- Tray Erectors
  - Tray Erectors
    Tray erectors are machines used to automatically form trays from flat blanks of corrugated cardboard. They ensure consistent and uniform formation of trays which is essential for maintaining product integrity and ensuring that trays fit properly within packaging systems or on pallets. Our tray erectors are designed to be integrated into production lines and provide flexibility to accommodate various tray sizes, shapes, and styles.
- Lid Applicators
  - Lid Applicators
    Lid applicators are machines used to automatically apply corrugated lids onto trays and cases. Lid applicators can significantly increase the speed and efficiency of packaging operations compared to manual methods, while maintaining the integrity of the packaging and enhancing the overall appearance of the product. Our lid applicators are designed to be integrated into production lines and provide flexibility to accommodate various tray and case sizes, shapes, and styles.
- LINC® | Lantech Intelligent Network Connection
  - LINC®️ Lantech Intelligent Network Connection
    The LINC^®️ system allows customers to monitor machine data and performance in real time, from any device, anywhere. It provides actionable analytics to support maintaining and improving system uptime, productivity, quality and cost, allowing customers to react to issues before they become problems.
Industry
- All Industries
  - All Industries
    Packaging machines play a vital role in packaging various products ranging from food and beverages to pharmaceuticals and industrial goods. Our end-of-line machines are designed with advanced technologies to meet the specific requirements of different industries.
- e-Commerce
  - e-Commerce
    Safeguard products and enhance the customer experience.
- Logistics
  - Logistics
    Ensure every type of product travels safe and arrives intact at the lowest effective cost.
- Beverage
  - Beverage
    Overcome the challenges of creating safe-to-ship beverage loads.
- Consumer Packaged Goods
  - Consumer Packaged Goods
    Ensure consumer goods travel with care and arrive shelf-ready.
- Towel & Tissue
  - Towel & Tissue
    Safeguard the most delicate and fragile products from damage.
- Healthcare
  - Healthcare
    Protect wellness across the entire journey.
- Distribution Warehouse
  - Distribution Warehouse
    Keep products moving with reliable end-of-line solutions built for demanding warehouse operations.
Support & Service
- Support & Service
  - Support & Service
    At Lantech, support is our philosophy. Our relentless commitment to delivering superior global aftermarket support is upheld by real people who care about doing whatever it takes to keep our customers delighted with our responsiveness and dedication to quality.
- Parts
  - Parts
    We support every stretch wrapper and case machine we have ever built. Order a part online or contact our Parts Team for assistance.
- 24/7 Service
  - 24/7 Service
    We are here when you need us, 24/7, 365 days a year. Contact us for support now or schedule us to come to you.
- Manuals
  - Manuals
    Download or contact us to order a manual for your Lantech machine no matter when you bought it. If you have purchased a Retrofit for your existing machine, you can order a manual that includes that Retrofit.
- Retrofits
  - Retrofits
    Increase productivity and save money by upgrading your existing machine with one of our popular Retrofit options. Contact us to request a Retrofit or check the status of your current order.
- Warranty
  - Warranty
    Lantech’s best-in-class, Built Tough Warranty gives you bumper to bumper, unlimited cycle coverage. Warranty extensions are now available for new machines and existing machines currently within their original warranty periods. Contact us now to file a claim or check the status of your claim.
- Training
  - Training
    From Sales to Technical Training, our team of knowledgeable experts is dedicated to enhancing your expertise in packaging equipment. End user training at your location is also available. Schedule the training that fits your needs now.
- Containment Force Tool
  - Containment Force Tool
    Ensure load safety by measuring and maintaining containment force with Lantech’s CFT-6 tool. Learn why getting the right containment force is the key to safe-to-ship loads and how to quickly and accurately measure your load using the CFT-6.
About Us
- About Us
  - About Us
    Improving the way companies package and protect their products for over 50 years.
- Our Company
  - Our Company
    Our mission has been to dramatically reduce global transport damage for over 50 years.
- Our Culture
  - Our Culture
    Lantech operates on the principles of respect, integrity, personal growth and innovation.
- Sustainability
  - Sustainability
    As the global packaging landscape evolves under regulatory pressure we are committed to delivering real solutions that reduce waste, optimize performance, and meet tomorrow’s packaging requirements today.
- Career Opportunities
  - Career Opportunities
    Work where you are appreciated and respected.
- Upcoming Events
  - Upcoming Events
    Throughout the year Lantech attends events across the globe. We use these events to connect with our customers and demonstrate our latest technology and machines.
- Work of Management
  - Work of Management
    A practical, in-depth, business case study of Lantech’s lean transformation.
- Customer Reviews
  - Customer Reviews
    See what our customers are saying about us. Your experience matters – share it too!
Resource Library
- Resource Library
  - Resource Library
    Access a number of tools and resources to help you understand the benefits of our equipment and the value of automation within your organization.
- Guides
  - Guides
    Download and read one of our helpful guides to learn more about our equipment, how and when to purchase a machine, and the benefits of automation in your industry.
- Blog
  - Blog
    Stay up-to-date with what’s happening in the industry and at Lantech by browsing our blog articles.
- News
  - News
    Stay up-to-date with what’s happening in the industry and at Lantech by browsing our news articles.
- Charts
  - Charts
    These charts, checklists and calculators are made to help educate and remind your team about the benefits of our equipment.
- Quizzes
  - Quizzes
    Take a short quiz to learn more about what Lantech machine may best fit your needs.
- Case Studies
  - Case Studies
    Learn about how our customers have used Lantech equipment as a solution in their facilities.
- Product Literature
  - Product Literature
    Download product leaflets for each of our machines with specifications and additional information.
- Film Alternatives Project
  - Film Alternatives Project
    Our team has been evaluating the performance and environmental impacts of stretch film alternatives. See our findings here or by downloading the accompanying white paper.
Contact Us

Industry Applications

Integration checklist for end-of-line packaging systems

Blog

Apr 15, 2026

5 min read

Alex Seibert

Why End-of-Line Wrapping Keeps Getting Left Off the Integration Checklist

There’s a spec failure that happens in warehouse automation projects that nobody […]

Learn More

Blog

Dec 22, 2025

4 min read

Alex Seibert

Containment ROI for the Healthcare and Pharmaceutical Industry: How Optimized Stretch Wrapping Protects Sensitive Products and Reduces Total Packaging Costs

In the healthcare and pharmaceutical sector, pallet stability is not simply a […]

Learn More

Blog

Dec 18, 2025

5 min read

Alex Seibert

Containment ROI in Logistics & Distribution: How Optimized Stretch Wrapping Cuts Costs and Prevents Damage Across Mixed Loads

Logistics and distribution environments face some of the highest pallet failure rates […]

Learn More

Blog

Dec 17, 2025

4 min read

Alex Seibert

Containment ROI for the CPG Industry: How Optimized Stretch Wrapping Prevents Product Damage and Reduces Film Costs

Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) manufacturing environments operate at the intersection of high-speed […]

Learn More

Blog

Dec 16, 2025

6 min read

Alex Seibert

Containment ROI in the Beverage Industry: How Optimized Stretch Wrapping Reduces Film Use and Load Damage

In the beverage industry—whether water, soda, juice, or alcoholic drinks—safe, cost-effective palletization […]

Learn More

News

Mar 07, 2025

3 min read

Bob Lemmen

Lantech’s Parcel Pack system simplifies parcel logistics

Malden, NL — The packaging solution developed by Lantech, the fully automated […]

Learn More

Blog

Dec 09, 2021

2 min read

Sara Mulkey

How One Warehouse and Logistics Provider Increased Efficiency and Reduced Product Damage

Crawford Packaging – a Lantech Distributor in Canada – was contacted by […]

Learn More

distribution centers, fulfillment centers, packaging challenges

Blog

Jul 07, 2021

2 min read

Sara Mulkey

Understanding the Packaging Challenges in the eCommerce, Fulfillment and Logistics Industries

The recent, unprecedented growth in the eCommerce industry has brought to light […]

Learn More

distribution centers, ecommerce, fulfillment centers, packaging challenges

Blog

Apr 22, 2021

2 min read

Alex Seibert

Case Study: Managing Operating Costs and Potential Labor Shortages in the Healthcare Product Industry

Adding the right automation helps reduce supply chain disruptions and also allows essential businesses to have control of their operating costs and potential labor shortages.

Learn More