Understanding Stretch Film Pricing: 3 Factors to Consider

Stretch film is vital in many industries, but understanding its pricing can be confusing. Want to know how to get the most out of your stretch film investment? This article teaches how to control costs and get the best value for your stretch film needs.

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1. Type of Film used

2. Quality of Film

3. Quantity of Film

Our expert breakdown of the 3 main factors affecting stretch film pricing will give you the knowledge you need to make informed purchasing decisions. From understanding the type of film to using cost-saving initiatives, we’ve got you covered.

1. The price components of stretch film

1. The cost of raw materials

The stretch film cost of raw materials is a major component that goes into the price of stretch film. The primary raw materials used in stretch film production are plastic resins such as polyethylene, polypropylene, and PVC. The cost of these resins can fluctuate depending on market conditions, such as the price of oil used to make plastic. Additionally, the cost of other materials, such as pigments, additives, and lubricants, may also be included in the cost of raw materials. This is especially important when it comes to pre stretch film, cast stretch films, and blown stretch films, which often require a higher quality of raw materials to ensure the best performance in terms of stretchability and containment force.

2. Labor costs

Labor costs are another significant component of stretch film price. These costs include wages, benefits, and other expenses associated with the employees who work in the manufacturing plant. These costs can vary depending on the manufacturing facility’s location, the workers’ skill level, and the number of employees required to produce the stretch film. This is particularly important when it comes to stretch wrapping machines and hand stretch film, as labor costs can vary greatly depending on the automation level and the production process’s complexity.

3. Transportation and logistics

The cost of transportation and logistics is also a significant factor in the stretch film price. This includes the cost of transporting the stretch film from the manufacturing facility to the customer, which can vary depending on the distance and the mode of transportation used. Additionally, logistics costs such as packaging and handling and the cost of import or export may also be included in the stretch film cost. This is especially important when it comes to shrink film, as the transportation and logistics costs can be high due to the large volumes of material required for shrink wrapping.

4.Storage cost

The cost of storage is another crucial component of the price of stretch film. This includes warehouse space, utilities, and other expenses associated with maintaining inventory. The storage cost also consists of the cost of holding the stretch film in inventory and the opportunity cost of not having the stretch film available for sale. The longer the inventory is kept, the more costs are incurred. Furthermore, in case of a price fluctuation in the market, the stretch film price may be affected by the storage cost. This is especially important in containment force, as the longer the stretch film is kept in storage, the more likely it is to lose its elasticity and containment force.

It’s worth noting that in addition to these components, other factors can affect the price of stretch film, such as competition, demand, and market conditions. Additionally, the quality of the stretch film and the thickness of the film can also affect the price. Therefore, it’s essential to consider these factors when determining the stretch film costs.

2. What are the factors that affect the price of stretch film?

A. Type of Film Used

1. Strength and thickness: Different types of stretch film have different strength and thickness levels, which can affect the price. For example, pre stretch wrap or pre stretched film is generally more expensive than standard stretch film, as it is stretched before it is wrapped around the load, which makes it stronger and more durable. Similarly, stretch wraps made with multiple film layers are generally more expensive than those made with a single layer, as they provide better protection and support for the load.
2. Additives: The addition of additives such as UV inhibitors, anti-static agents, or fire retardants can also affect the price of stretch film. These additives can provide additional benefits such as protection from UV rays, reducing static electricity, or fire resistance, but they increase the cost of the film.

B. Quality of Film

1. Processing methods: The processing methods used to produce the stretch film can affect the price. For example, cast films are generally more expensive than blown films, as they are created through a more complex process that involves casting the molten plastic onto a chilled roll. This method results in a higher-quality film with better properties and increases the cost.
2. Raw material quality: The quality of the raw materials used to produce the stretch film can also affect the price. For example, using high-quality raw materials such as virgin resins, as opposed to recycled materials, can result in a higher-quality film with better properties, but it also increases the cost.

C. Quantity:

1. Bulk orders: Purchasing stretch film in bulk can result in volume discounts, lowering the overall cost per roll.
2. Volume discounts: Buying a large quantity of stretch film can lead to volume discounts, where the price per roll is lower. This can make purchasing stretch film in bulk more cost-effective.

It’s worth noting that these are not the only factors that can affect the price of stretch film. Other factors, such as competition, demand, and market conditions, also play a role. Additionally, the type of stretch film used, such as standard stretch film, cast film, or pre stretching film, can affect the price and the application of the stretch film, and the best stretch film for your needs may vary depending on your specific requirements.

3. How to control the price and cost of stretch film?

Several key strategies can be employed when it comes to controlling the price and cost of stretch film. One of the most effective ways to control costs is to focus on the three main components that make up the overall price of stretch film: material costs, time costs, and labor costs.

1. Material Costs: One of the most effective ways to control material costs is to use recycled and reused materials when producing the stretch film. This can reduce the overall cost of the raw materials used in the production process. Additionally, purchasing raw materials in bulk can help reduce costs by taking advantage of volume discounts.
2. Time Costs: Reducing the time required to produce stretch film can also help to control costs. This can be achieved through several strategies, such as automating certain aspects of the production process, implementing more efficient production methods, or investing in new equipment to speed up the production process.
3. Labor Costs: Another key aspect of controlling costs is to focus on labor costs. You can achieve this through several strategies, such as implementing a lean manufacturing process, which can help reduce the number of employees required to produce the stretch film or outsourcing certain aspects of the production process to a third-party supplier.

Implementing a recycling program for stretch film can also be a cost-effective way to control costs. This can help reduce the amount of new stretch film required, as well as reduce the amount of waste generated during the production process.

Furthermore, implementing a cost-saving initiative such as a “right-sizing” program, where the company analyzes stretch film usage and adjust it to the actual need. This can reduce the amount of stretch film required and therefore help lower costs.

By understanding the key factors that affect stretch film pricing, you can make informed purchasing decisions that help you control costs and get the best value for your stretch film needs. From using recycled materials to implementing cost-saving initiatives, the tips in this article will help you save money and ensure you have the suitable stretch film for your specific needs.

"Virtually everything we buy for our business seems to be more expensive these days. What can I do to hold down the cost of my plastic pallet covers and parts bags?"

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While we're all suffering pain at the gas pump, the rising cost of petroleum impacts us in many ways we don't even realize. Virtually everything from food to clothing to industrial equipment and supplies must be transported at a greater cost. Airlines are battling fuel costs, thus higher ticket prices and fewer flights. And the cost of anything made from petroleum-based raw materials ‐ like polyethylene film ‐ is going up.

The good news is that there are a few ways you can manage your costs for industrial-grade film products. The first is to order film made from Industrial Packaging Grade (IPG) resins. General Films typically uses prime, certified resins to make our films. It's the best possible quality and is required for food packaging applications. For many industrial applications, however, we can use IPG resin which is often available at spot-market discounts. This material is still fully functional but has some characteristics that make it unacceptable for food, medical, or other critical applications. Using this resin enables us to reduce your costs by around 5% while maintaining the thickness and strength characteristics you desire. The resulting film is highly suitable for pallet top covers, barrel liners, or rolls of parts bags.

For more polyethylene film supplierinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.

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Another strategy is to re-examine the requirements of your application. Let's say you've always specified a certain thickness of material for the strength and durability you require. Our technical experts can analyze your needs and, by using a different grade of material, may be able to satisfy your requirements with a thinner product that still gives you all of the performance characteristics you need. This method saves some of our customers about 10% in unit costs.

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Finally, you should be aware that some suppliers routinely reduce the thickness of their product by about 10%, which is still within accepted industry standards, and base your cost on the gross shipping weight. This combination of making a lighter product and basing the price on gross shipping weight may reduce your invoice cost by 5% - 10%. Although this is not our usual practice, we're happy to accommodate buyers if this method works to their advantage.

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"Can I use coextruded films in laminations or replace laminated film to lower packaging cost?"

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The quick answer is YES, and in two significant ways. The first way would be to substitute or replace coextruded barrier film in what was formerly a plain laminated structure without printing. The barrier need should be examined to match up the oxygen barrier requirement and whether the film needs to have nylon on the outside of the web for automatic FFS or in pouch making the conversion.

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If the OTR (Oxygen Transmission Rate) barrier can be attained and package optics is not a concern, then there can be significant cost savings by switching to a coextruded film to replace a lamination.

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The second way to save money is to use the barrier-coextruded film as the sealant layer in a lamination. For instance, NYLON or EVOH & Nylon, or some other possible barrier combinations, such as Nylon and, or HDPE (high-density polyethylene) for added moisture barrier, whatever the specific barrier requirement is needed in the finished lamination.

But it is worth examining coextruded flexible films as a cost savings alternative. With the correct use of coex films and careful evaluation of the packaging equipment and barrier testing, these coex films can be a great way to offset the rising cost and uncertainty of material pricing fluctuations in today’s competitive marketplace.

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Contact: Tom Granata, submit a Start Your Solution form, or call 1.888.436. today!

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The company is the world’s best industrial packaging films supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.