What is load preparation in stretch wrapping?

Load preparation for stretch wrapping is the process of building, inspecting, and stabilizing a palletized load before film is applied. It includes evaluating pallet condition, ensuring proper weight distribution, aligning cartons, eliminating overhang, securing loose items, and confirming structural integrity. Proper preparation allows stretch wrapping systems to apply containment force effectively and improves overall stretch wrap load stability.

Why is load preparation important before wrapping pallets?

Load preparation is important because stretch film reinforces stability — it does not create it. If a pallet load is uneven, loosely stacked, or built on a damaged pallet, the film must compensate for structural weaknesses. This increases material usage and reduces performance. Proper preparation improves safe pallet wrapping outcomes, enhances transportation performance, and reduces shipping damage risk.

What are the key steps in preparing a load for stretch wrapping?

Key steps in the packaging preparation process include: Inspecting pallet condition Ensuring even weight distribution Eliminating carton overhang Aligning products vertically Securing loose or irregular items Conducting a final stability check before wrapping Following these stretch wrapping best practices ensures the load is structurally sound before containment force is applied.

What mistakes reduce pallet stability during wrapping?

Common mistakes that reduce pallet stability include uneven stacking patterns, ignoring pallet damage, allowing product overhang, skipping inspection steps, and relying on extra stretch film to correct structural issues. These errors create instability that increases the likelihood of shifting, tipping, and damage during transport.

How does load preparation affect transportation safety?

Proper pallet stability preparation reduces movement during handling and transit. Stable loads are less likely to lean, collapse, or separate from the pallet, which improves forklift safety, reduces injury risk, and minimizes product loss. Strong preparation practices directly support safe pallet wrapping and safer transportation conditions.

Can automation improve load preparation and wrapping results?

Automation can improve wrapping consistency, but it does not replace proper load preparation. Modern stretch wrapping technologies apply controlled containment force and standardized wrap patterns, which perform best when loads are properly built and aligned. When preparation and automation work together, facilities achieve more consistent performance, reduced material waste, and improved operational efficiency.

Products
- 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.
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.
- 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

Load Containment and Stability

Blog

Aug 05, 2015

4 min read

Alex Seibert

The Importance of Load Preparation for Safe and Efficient Stretch Wrapping

Preparing loads properly on a pallet is your first line of defense against damaged products in stretch wrapping. Read to find out how. Learn More

Blog

Jul 23, 2015

3 min read

Alex Seibert

Use The Force: Containment Force Is The Key to Safe Pallet Loads

Reduce the risk of damage by measuring the amount of containment force on your stretch wrapped pallet loads. Learn More

Blog

Dec 11, 2014

2 min read

Alex Seibert

The Problems With Hand Wrapping Pallets

The problem with hand wrapping pallets is that operators aren’t as consistent at wrapping loads as machines. Reduce costs with stretch wrappers today! Learn More

Blog

Jul 30, 2014

2 min read

Alex Seibert

Do You Know the Golden Rule of Containment Force?

Containment Force is the total force applied to your load at [...] Learn More

Blog

Aug 15, 2013

2 min read

Caroline Castelli

Stretch Wrapping Terminology: What is Unitizing?

Unitizing is just one of the many specialized terms we use in the stretch wrapping industry. Basically, it means to make a pallet and stack of contai Learn More

Blog

May 29, 2013

2 min read

Caroline Castelli

3 Ways to Improve Your Stretch Wrapping Success

Make sure your loads arrive to your customer in “as made” condition. Don’t chance it. Here are 3 things you can do regardless of stretch wrap machine Learn More

Blog

May 22, 2013

2 min read

Caroline Castelli

How tight should you wrap your pallet loads?

Containment force can mean the difference between a load that is safe to ship and a disaster waiting to happen. Learn More

Blog

Oct 15, 2012

2 min read

Caroline Castelli

How to Figure Out the Right Containment Force for Your Loads

Without the right containment force, your load is at high risk of being damaged during shipment. Learn More