Wrapping pallets with paper works differently than traditional wrapping with stretch film, because paper has different physical properties such as less stretchability and higher stiffness.
This also means that the applied wrapping technique and packaging machine solution are different to guarantee stability and protection of pallet.
Note: this is not comparable to stretch film
1. How paper wrapping works
Paper wrapping machines usually work with combination of mechanical fastening and often also with a glue system to fix the wrapping paper well and to tie it to each other. Paper does not have the so-called “cling” effect that adheres to the layer beneath like stretch film can do. In addition, it does not have a high stretchability and recovery memory like stretch film. Pallet wrapping with paper is done (just like stretch film) in layers and requires multiple wraps to create a stable and firm cover.
2. Specific wrapping machines for paper
Specially designed pallet wrappers are used for wrapping with paper because traditional film wrapping machines are not suitable for this:
- Paper wrapping machines have an advanced system to control the roll tension so that the paper does not tear during wrapping.
- The wrappers used for this purpose have a heated glue applicator or a mechanical clamp to secure the paper at the beginning and end of the wrap.
- Fully automatic pallet wrappers are equipped with an automated cutting and closing mechanism, which requires more maintenance and adjustments due to its fineness.
3. Type and thickness of paper
- Type of paper: For pallet wrapping, Kraftliner or recycled paper testliner is used. Kraft paper is particularly suitable because of its strength, tear resistance and relative durability.
- Paper thickness: Thickness is often between 80 and 120 grams per square meter (gsm). Heavy loads may require thicker paper, while lighter loads can use a thinner thickness. The amount of paper used depends on the load and the intended pallet stability
4. Use of glue
- Glue Application: In paper wrapping, glue can be used to interconnect the wrapping and stabilize the load to prevent the paper from coming loose during transportation. A biodegradable glue is often used, which is safe for the environment and breaks down easily without leaving residues.
- Glue is applied at the beginning, during and at the end of the wrap to secure the paper and prevent from movement.
5. How much paper for a Euro pallet
To wrap an average pallet of 1200 mm long, 800 mm wide and 1500 mm high, the paper consumption depends on the number of wraps, the thickness of the paper and the type of product that is wrapped. Below is a calculation
- Number of wraps: For stable wrapping, at least 3-5 (or more) wraps of paper are required, depending on the desired stability of the product on the pallet.
- Paper weight per wrap: With a paper thickness of 100 g/m² and a circumference of 4 meters, you need approximately 400 grams per layer.
- Total amount of paper: For 3-5 (or more) layers, the total paper weight per pallet is approximately 1.8 to 3 kg.
- Total paper surface area per roll:
- For a single wrap around the entire height (1500 mm) we use approximately 4 meters × 1.5 meters = 6 m² of paper.
- Paper weight per wrap :
- With a paper thickness of 100 g/m², a single winding consumes 600 grams of paper (6 m² × 100 g/m²).
- Total weight of paper per pallet :
- With 3 to 5 layers of wrapping to ensure sufficient strength, the total weight of the paper per pallet is approximately:
- 3 layers : 3 × 600 grams = 1.8 kg
- 5 layers : 5 × 600 grams = 3 kg
Summary
For a pallet of 1200 x 800 x 1500 mm, wrapping with paper requires:
- Between 1.8 and 3 kg of paper depending on the number of layers.
- For sturdy and heavy loads, 5 layers are usually recommended, while lighter loads may find sufficient stability with 3 layers.
These calculations will give you an idea of the amount of material needed to safely and securely wrap a larger pallet with paper.
Conclusion
Is paper wrapping really that sustainable?
Wrapping with paper requires specialized equipment and depends on the thickness and type of paper, as well as the application of glue to ensure stability. Paper usage is on average between 1.8 and 3 kg per pallet, depending on the required strength and the number of layers.
The claim that paper wrapping has a 62% lower carbon footprint compared to stretch film is based on a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA -> A LCA examines the environmental impact of both materials over their entire lifecycle, from raw material extraction through to production, use, and final disposal), which assumes that twice as much paper is used as stretch film, significantly changing the environmental impact.
Material Use:
Significantly more wrapping paper is required to match the effectiveness of stretch film – by a factor of 5-10 times more, negating the environmental benefits of the claimed lower carbon footprint.
Durability and Performance:
Wrapping paper lacks the durability and recovery properties of stretch film, making it less effective at holding goods together on pallets. This can lead to increased damage during handling, storage, and transportation, which not only adds to costs but also further increases the environmental impact – a factor that is often overlooked in LCAs.
Environmental Tradeoffs:
While using twice as much wrapping paper results in a 62% reduction in carbon footprint, using 5-10 times more paper can result in a carbon footprint that is 88% to 338% higher than stretch film.
While paper wrapping may seem more environmentally friendly at first glance, the need for much larger quantities and increased risk of damage often make it less sustainable and more expensive than stretch film
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