If your warehouse or dispatch area regularly sends out palletised goods, wrapping is part of the daily routine. But there’s a big difference between doing it by hand and automating the process with a dedicated wrapping machine. While hand-wrapping can work well at low volumes, it quickly becomes inefficient, inconsistent and costly as your output grows.
That’s where pallet wrapping machines become key. They are designed to streamline the process, reduce material waste and improve load stability. But how do you know if one’s right for your operation? And what are your options? Let’s unpack it.
What is a Pallet Wrapping Machine?
A wrapping machine applies stretch film or shrink wrap to products or pallets, keeping them secure during transport or storage. There are different types, but the most common is the pallet wrapping machine, which uses stretch film to tightly wrap loads on a pallet.
Some models feature rotating turntables, while others like robotic systems move around the pallet itself. These are ideal when dealing with larger or oddly shaped loads. In most cases, these machines provide a more consistent wrap than manual application, improving both load containment and presentation.
When Should You Consider One?
There’s no magic number, but as a rule of thumb, if you are wrapping 15 or more pallets per day, it's worth considering a machine. That’s when the time and material savings start to stack up.
Other signs it might be time to upgrade:
- Staff are spending a significant part of the day hand-wrapping
- You're using excess film to compensate for inconsistency
- Damage in transit is becoming more frequent
- You need to increase throughput without adding more labour
Even smaller operations can benefit if you are looking to improve ergonomics or reduce plastic usage through more efficient film stretching.
The Benefits of Going Automatic
Speed
Wrapping machines significantly reduce the time it takes to prepare pallets. With semi-automatic models, a single operator can load, wrap and unload a pallet in a fraction of the time it takes by hand.
Consistency
Machine wrapping delivers the same tension and coverage every time. This improves the safety and appearance of shipments, especially important for customer-facing deliveries or high-value products.
Cost Efficiency
A machine can stretch film further than manual wrapping, reducing film consumption and cost. This adds up fast, particularly in high-volume operations.
Health and Safety
Repetitive motion and bending are common issues with manual wrapping. Automating the task helps reduce injury risk and supports a safer working environment.
Exploring Your Options: The Robopac® Range
If you are exploring wrapping machines, the Robopac® range offers something for every type of warehouse or dispatch setup. It includes compact models for low to mid-volume operations, as well as more advanced semi-automatic and mobile systems for higher output and flexibility.
The Ecoplat Plus FRD® is a solid starting point, offering reliable performance without overcomplicating things. For businesses that need a little more control, the Rotoplat 708 PVS® offers advanced film pre-stretching and programmable wrap settings for different load types.
Need to wrap oversized or irregular pallets? The Robopac® Robot Master M110PDS is a mobile, self-propelled unit that can wrap pallets wherever they’re stacked. There is no need to move them onto a turntable.
And for operations looking to build a high-efficiency packing line, models like the Masterplat PGS® and Masterwrap HD Plus XL PGS® provide programmable settings, extended mast height and integration-ready features for complex workflows.
Each machine in the Robopac® range is built to deliver both performance and durability, helping businesses scale confidently as their output grows.
So, Does Your Business Need One?
If wrapping is slowing you down, costing more than expected or creating inconsistency in your dispatches, a wrapping machine is one of the easiest investments to justify. It brings speed, consistency and efficiency, and helps keep your team focused on the work that really matters.
And the best part? It is not a one-size-fits-all decision. Whether you need a simple starter model or something more heavy-duty, there is a machine designed to fit your workflow and footprint.
We help businesses across the UK integrate smart wrapping solutions that support efficiency, safety and sustainability. If you are exploring ways to wrap faster and more cost-effectively, we are here to support the transition. Call us on 01543 396 700, send a message or drop us an email at sales@allpack.uk.com to get started.
Join us at this year’s Multimodal Exhibition, 17-19 June, Hall 4, NEC, to see firsthand Masterplat pallet wrapping solutions and speak to one of the team on how we can assist your business on its next step towards automation. Register for your Multimodal Exhibition Visitor Pass here