Product theft is always a threat to supply chain managers, warehouse operators, and business owners. With goods often passing through multiple checkpoints, including warehouses, trucks, and distribution centers, the risk of theft or tampering increases at each stage.
These issues cause financial losses and harm customer trust. One effective way to combat this problem is by implementing stretch-wrapping technology. In this guide, we’ll explain how stretch wrappers reduce product theft in multiple ways.
What Is Stretch Wrapping?
Stretch wrapping is the process of securing a load by applying stretch film with the correct amount of containment force to secure the pallet load. This film’s properties allows it to stretch and cling to itself and ensures that items remain intact during transit and storage.
Handlers can wrap goods manually or with an automatic pallet wrapper, which is the more efficient, consistent, and safer option. Companies like Robopac USA provide a range of stretch wrapping machines, from turntables to advanced rotary arm models, that can handle various packaging requirements. The primary goal of stretch wrapping is to protect goods from primary packaging and product damage, and, as an added benefit, it significantly reduces the risk of theft.
How Stretch Wrappers Deter Theft
The primary goal of stretch wrapping is to protect the goods, but it also has the added benefit of deterring stealing. Stretch wrappers reduce product theft by providing a tamperproof layer of protection, stabilizing the load, and securing the product during transit.
Enhanced Visibility
One of the most effective ways stretch wrapping prevents theft is by making tampering immediately noticeable. Clear stretch wrap creates a transparent barrier around the goods, meaning that any attempts to interfere with the load stand out.
If someone removes or cuts the wrap, it becomes evident, discouraging potential theft. For high-value goods in particular, this visibility acts as a strong deterrent and gives supply chain managers peace of mind.
Dark Stretch Films
Some companies elect to hide the products that are being stretch wrapped to reduce the likelihood of theft. For example, pharmaceutical companies sometimes use black stretch film to hide the products that are being stretch wrapped.
Load Stability
Stretch wrapping ensures load stability by securely bundling products on a pallet. The wrapping makes the load a compact and unified structure, making it more challenging for individuals to remove items from the pallet without causing noticeable disruption. Stretch wrappers, especially automatic options like Robopac’s rotary arm models, wrap the loads uniformly, ensuring that tampering becomes more apparent and less feasible.
Reduced Handling
The use of stretch wrappers reduces the number of times workers have to manually handle the pallets during transportation and storage. Automated wrapping and automated load-locking technologies decrease the need for employees to interact with products. Fewer handling opportunities naturally limit unauthorized access, reducing the chances of theft significantly.
Automatic Load Locking
Modern stretch wrappers also come with automatic load-locking mechanisms that secure the products during transit. Robopac USA’s cutting-edge machines, for instance, wrap them and ensure they remain firmly in place. This additional layer of security adds to the difficulty of accessing goods, making it an excellent deterrent for theft during shipping or storage.
Keep Products Secure With Robopac USA
Stretch wrappers are essential for businesses looking to prevent product theft and improve efficiency. By enhancing visibility, load stability, minimizing handling, and using automatic load locking, they reduce the risk of theft while streamlining warehouse operations.
Robopac USA offers automatic stretch wrapping solutions to secure your goods, save time, and improve packaging processes. Visit Robopac USA to explore our machines and request a quote.
