How Stretch Wrappers Save Time, Labor, and Inventory Loss

by | Jul 8, 2025 | Automation, News

If your warehouse still relies on manual pallet wrapping, you may be losing more than just time. From inconsistent loads to labor strain and damaged inventory, manual wrapping is an often-overlooked source of inefficiency.

The benefits of automated stretch wrappers go far beyond speed, they can directly impact your bottom line. At Arnold Packaging, we’ve helped small and mid-sized operations make the switch and see fast returns. 

Here’s how:

 

1. Save Up to 60% on Labor Time Per Pallet

Wrapping a pallet by hand takes around 5–7 minutes. Multiply that by dozens of pallets per day, and the labor hours add up quickly.

With automation: Many of our customers reduce that time to under 2 minutes per pallet – with just one operator required.

📊 Real-world result: One mid-sized food distributor saved over 15 hours of labor per week by switching to an automatic stretch wrapper.

2. Cut Film Usage by 30%-50%

Manual wrapping typically results in inconsistent film tension, leading to waste and unsecured loads. Automated stretch wrappers apply film with precision, using just the right amount – every time.

Before: Employees used 7-10 wraps manually
After: Automated system uses 4-5 wraps at consistent tension

📉 ROI insight: A customer using 50 rolls per month reduced that to 32 rolls – saving over $6,000 annually on stretch film alone.

 

 

3. Reduce Inventory Damage and Returns

Loose or improperly wrapped pallets can shift during transit, causing damage to products and your reputation.

With automated stretch wrapping: Every pallet is wrapped to a consistent spec, reducing in-transit damage by up to 80%.

🚛 Logistics win: A parts supplier saw a 70% drop in damaged goods reports within 3 months of automating their wrapping process.

4. Improve Employee Safety and Satisfaction

Manual wrapping is physically demanding and can lead to back strain or repetitive motion injuries.

Automated stretch wrappers reduce the need for bending, walking in circles, or heavy lifting. Many systems even come with ergonomic loading options.

💬 Employee feedback: “I used to dread wrapping – now I just load the pallet and press a button.”

5. Consistent Loads = Better Warehouse Organization

With every pallet wrapped consistently, stacks are safer and easier to handle, especially with forklifts or in high-density storage.

Result: Fewer rewraps, faster loading/unloading, and more streamlined inventory control.

Unlock the Benefits of Automated Stretch Wrappers with Arnold Packaging

Whether you’re shipping 20 or 200 pallets a day, the time, cost, and labor savings from automation can add up fast.

We help businesses choose the right wrapper for their space, volume, and budget – with full training and support included.

📦 Want to see the difference for yourself?

📞 Call Arnold Packaging today at 855-276-6537 or email info@arnoldpackaging.com

Laura Cadden
Arnold Packaging
Protecting Your Product & Your Profit

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