Clean Recycling of Labelled PET Plastic Containers

based at M. J. Maillis Group HQ, provides a valuable insight into the considerable benefits to be gained by using stretch wrapping to package and protect product loads during transportation and storage.

Much lower material costs

Perhaps most significant are the savings that can be enjoyed by switching to stretch film from other packaging methods. The cost of using stretch film is exceptionally low - a factor endorsed by the minimal quantity of film required to wrap a single pallet. Indeed, depending on the type of film used – and the means of application – it can cost as little as 15 eurocents to wrap a typical palletised load. In addition, many of the latest stretch wrapping machines on the market are designed to apply film in a highly effective way, with some models using power pre-stretch rollers to pre-stretch the films by up to 300% in order to achieve substantial cost savings

Enhanced load protection

Stretch film also scores highly when it comes to providing protection against dust, moisture and dirt. Film-wrapped products are kept clean and dry, whilst the use of clear film also ensures that those brand logos and advertising messages (as frequently seen on product cartons) remain highly visible. Where security, or the need to hide a product is required, coloured films can also be specified. And where corner load protection is necessary, corner posts can also be applied, without greatly affecting an automatic wrappers’ hourly output.

Superior infra-red seaming

With enhanced performance and the efficient use of consumables firmly in mind, the latest Mancon stretch wrappers from M. J. Maillis Group Packaging division also provide the added benefit of infra-red seaming. With no seaming wires, cut-off wire or seaming tapes required, this superior, high-speed method provides totally maintenance-free seaming and cut-off, leaving no flapping film tails on the load.

Immense versatility

Without doubt, one of the biggest advantages of using stretch wrapping is its exceptional versatility. By using hand tools or specially designed stretch wrapping machinery, products of almost any size or shape can be securely wrapped. As film has inherent elasticity - allowing it to stretch around a product, and then exert force - goods are also prevented from moving around in transit.

Savings to justify cost

For many organisations, the use of semi or fully-automatic stretch wrapping machinery has been shown to greatly improve the efficiency of end-of-line packaging operations, speeding up the packing process in a highly cost-effective way. The use of a semi or fully-automatic stretch wrapper will reduce labour requirements and produce far more consistent results than other packaging methods. Indeed, many companies have found it possible to justify the purchase of a stretch wrapping machine simply by the savings in stretch film usage when moving from manual (hand applied) film to a machine-applied system.

Selecting the ideal stretch wrapper

Machine stretch wrapping is normally ideal for packaging products quickly (certain models in the M.J. Maillis Mancon range can wrap at an output rate of up to 100 pallets an hour) and at the lowest cost, whereas hand application is ideal for situations where the volume is lower or products are difficult to get to the wrapper. As well as providing a wide range of semi-automatic and fully-automatic packaging systems, carton closure machines and hand tools, for all manner of applications, manufacturers like M. J. Maillis can also design and build bespoke complete end of line packaging systems.

The complete consumables solution

Selecting the correct stretch film can prove just as important as the choice of wrapping machinery. Depending on the items to be wrapped, stretch films are available in a wide range of grades for different applications. Those provided by M. J. Maillis include:

• Maillis ‘MS’ Cast Machine Film
  o MS is a cast multilayer pallet stretchwrap film designed for standard core brake machines, or machines with a pre-stretch ratio of 100%.
• Maillis ‘MA’ Cast Machine Film
  o MA is a multilayer pallet stretchwrap film designed for standard core brake machines, or machines with a pre-stretch ratio of 150%. Like MS, the film has excellent clarity and labels can easily be seen through the film.
• Maillis ‘MP’ and Maillis ‘MPP’ Power Pre-Stretch Film
  o MP is a high performance multilayer stretchwrap film specially developed for powered pre-stretch applications. Stretch ratios of up to 300% can be achieved depending on film thickness, application and equipment. The film has high resistance to punctures and breakages due to its special formulation. It is ideal where high volume throughput is needed, where fragile or lightweight loads are to be wrapped and is suitable for use with semi and especially fully-automatic equipment with powered pre-stretch film delivery systems.
• Maillis ‘MH’ Hand Film
  o The range of hand film systems are perfect for wrapping in low volume applications, or where product can not easily be wrapped in one place.
• A full range of dispensers, pallet top covers, black security films and netting (allowing loads to breathe) is also available.

Quality supplier

With ISO 9002 accreditation, M. J. Maillis offers its customers dedicated engineering support and a nationwide service network for tools and equipment, as well as a full technical support and information service. All machinery is supported by a comprehensive service package that includes trial and demonstration facilities, installation, commissioning and operator training.

For further details about M. J. Maillis products and services, contact:

M.J. MAILLIS GROUP
5 Xenias & Har.Trikoupi str, Kifissia,
145 62 Athens,Greece
TEL: +30 210 6285000
FAX: +30 210 8080301
Mail: info@maillis.com
www.maillis.com