A Strapping tool is a method used to apply plastic or steel strap to a range of products, items or pallet to combine and stabilize the load.

A strapping tool is a battery or pneumatic hand held device which requires an operator to apply the strapping around the product and using the machine tighten strapping, apply tension and seal. 

A strapping machine is bespoke technology which is usually used as part of a process or manufacturing line. Strapping is fed around the product automatically by the machine, and applied with correct tension and sealing for an optimized product.

Automated strapping machines have a lot of "plug in" technologies such as bearer inserters, top and or bottom corners, top, and or side compression to square the load.

There are three strapping materials, Steel, Polyester (PET) and PP (Polypropylene)

Steel strapping has been the benchmark strapping/unitizing globally for many years.

In the last 10 years PET strapping has taken the market by storm, replacing steel in probably all but the heaviest or hardest applications. It is safer, easier, strong, and meets the acceptable operational standards of all major Australian industry sectors.

Steel is still used in very small products such as pipes and tubes, because the PET strapping tool technologies cannot strap very small bundles. In addition, it is still used in hot environments where the strapping is in contact with hot products.

Beyond these critical applications polyester strap, purchased from reputable manufacturers, using quality strapping tools or machines will deliver excellent results.

PP strapping is normally used in light applications such as closing of small boxes, empty cartons, small light mixed pallets. It has a tendency to stretch beyond 22% of its original state, so is not suitable for compressing and holding heavy or large products.

FROMM is a global manufacturer of Plastic Strapping with four plants around the world. FROMM Plastic Strapping is manufactured in our production centres using up to 98% recycled polyester bottle material on state-of-the-art extrusion lines. The majority of this recycled raw material is produced, amongst others, in FROMM‘s own plastic recycling plant Texplast GmbH in Wolfen. FROMM Plastic Strap is a sustainable packaging solution. 

Click here view the manufacturing process in video format 

Used PET strapping can be recycled. Recyclers will usually ask for clean uncontaminated material chopped and placed into a sack. FROMM offers a strap recycling machine which can turn used PET strapping into a recyclable asset, reducing customer waste costs and assisting in meeting social and environmental obligations. These strap choppers can be rented or purchased. Click here for more information. 

FROMM has PET manufacturing capabilities around the world in 4 strategic locations.

In each facility, we manufacture using 100% recycled and 100% recyclable PET flakes (RPET)

In Europe we even collect our own raw material and process it in our own facility, reducing landfill and created a closed-loop market.

Fundamentally you have a manual, semi manual or automated process.

Manual involves using hand tools such as tensioning devices and sealing devices ( sold separately) and a buckle or a clip to create the seal. Really only useful if you strap occasionally.

The rise of battery operated strapping tools has simplified the application of strapping with the material tensioned and sealed within the tool. Modern batteries mean up to 400 plus cycles per charge and these light weight ergonomic devices are very popular.

Automated processes are found in manufacturing and processing facilities such as timber mills, steel and aluminium smelters where cargo is not or do not fit onto a pallet. Growing in popularity is the rise of logistics and distribution where the application of strapping adds to the stability and also security of the cargo.

The strapping material starts in a plastic "state". Once tension is applied to it, it becomes elastic and can hold the load intact while providing some shock absorption. Apply too much tension, and it will lose the ability to absorb shock, putting the load at risk.  As a general rule of thumb, more than 35% of the total breaking strain of the material is needed to create the elastic "state". Past the limit of 80%, the strapping material’s ability to absorb shock will be hindered.

A strapping machine will be able to consistently apply the right level of tension in the strapping material, making it easier and faster to pack items without worrying about their integrity.

A Pallet Wrapping machine is economical and efficient way to of securing loads on a pallet. A Pallet Wrapping Machine will wrap your products on a pallet using a plastic stretch film to enable protection during transit and the best way of ensuring load integrity.

The type and features of the right pallet stretch wrapping machine you need depend on your operational needs. We recommend using our handy fast product finder page to determine which pallet wrapping machine would best suit your packing needs — simply input the volume of pallets you need to pack per hour, the load weight, load stability, and your operational environment see applicable options.

For example, if you are wrapping less than 15 pallets daily, you could make do with a machine for as little as $5,000. When wrapping more than 20 pallets a day, you will need a more comprehensive stretch-wrapping machine with better functionality. 

You can also take a look at our online guide to selecting the right Pallet Wrapping Machine for your business.

Fromm has a wide range of Semi Automatic and Automatic Inline Wrapping Machines that are fitted with sensors that detect the pallet height (regardless of the film colour or pallet).

Its called Stretch Film for a reason. Its designed to be stretched. Different formulations and different stretching systems (film carriages) give different outcomes.

Pre stretch is the process of stretching the film in a pre stretch carriage PRIOR to applying it to the load to be wrapped.

A FROMM film carriage, when combined with our machine grade stretch film, gives excellent repeatable outcomes. FROMM Stretch Film is capable of up tp 250% stretch that represents great value for money converting one metre on the roll to 3.5 metres on your pallet.

Yes, scales can be added to most wrapping machines, and they can speed up the dispatch process allowing you to wrap, weigh and dispatch your goods within minutes.

The scales sit within the wrapping machine and an additional wrapping machine option that we can install.

This is where FROMM Packaging is different to other packaging equipment manufacturers in the market. With our FROMM Advantage service, we work with you to ensure your packaging machine is working effectively and packaging your goods correctly to ensure every shipment arrives at its destination safely. Some of the methods we use to test wrapping effectiveness include:

1. There are formal guidelines set down for the securing of product under the load restraint guidelines - ntc.gov.au . Most of these guidelines are for transport and transportation, however it’s a good policy to follow for two important reasons. Firstly by following the NTC logic you can be confident that your system and securing of loads, does not affect the load restraint detrimentally. Secondly as you are moving product around your warehouse, or at your customers, you can be confident that your product is secure and safe.
2. FROMM Packaging has a range of specialised machinery that can test your secured pallets for efficiency. Technically your secured load should be able to withstand 0.8G of stress in the forward direction, and 0.5 G of stress in the side or reverse direction as a minimum. FROMM can run some static tests to confirm that the stretch film applied can withstand these parameters.

If you would like some assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact FROMM Packaging today.

A force to load machine, offers little stretching of the film and would normally be recommended for low throughputs. (ie less than 15 pallets per day). A Forced to load machine relies on the pallet pulling the film off the roll and through the machine with low stretch. We have developed a special HYBRID film to get the best results out of a “force to load” system. In contrast a pre-stretch machines does exactly what it says, it stretches the film through a series of rollers on the carriage, prior to the film being applied to the pallet. It will give you the lowest possible cost per pallet wrapped whilst maintaining load integrity.

From an WH&S prospective, try walking around a pallet waving a 3 KG roll of plastic, perhaps 10 revolutions and with a dizzy head you have probably answered your question. If your despatch department is wrapping multiple pallets per day, a simple stretch wrapping machine would make life easier and safer.

Other important elements to consider are -

From a presentation point of view pallets wrapped by hand are different almost every time when pallets wrapped by a machine present consistently. A stretch wrapping machine can unitise the a pallet to the same standard time after time.

From a load integrity prospective, a pallet wrapped by machine you can regulate how it is wrapped and how much film you have applied to ensure load stability. When doing the same by hand, even with the most diligent employee it's hard to get it right.

From an environmental prospective a wrapping machine will usually give you a better safer product using less plastic than by hand. Less plastic means less waste, simple really.

From the all-important cost prospective, a machine can save you around 40% in film costs compared to wrapping by hand. Do the numbers just in film savings and you will see a benefit. Take into account what else your employee could be doing instead of walking around a pallet, you have productivity savings too.

Finally, with COVID19 and social distancing laws in place, you can keep your employees separated by using machines and limit the need to gather in busy despatch areas.

The cost for pallet wrapping machines can vary depending on their features and performance. The question to need to first answer is “How much is your production output?”. Knowing how many pallets you need to wrap per day will help you find a suitable pallet wrapper that matches your budget and operational needs. 

Let's face it: having someone running around a pallet to wrap it by hand in a busy dispatch area isn’t just an accident waiting to happen, it’s also extremely inefficient. With a pallet stretch wrapping machine, you can streamline your packing process and enjoy the following benefits:

• Increased productivity
• Safer and more secure pallet loads
• More cost-efficient use of stretch wraps
• Ability to wrap irregular or tall pallets
• Reduced workplace hazards

At FROMM Packaging we have built a reputation as the trusted packaging supplier in Australia and we go above and beyond to meet and exceed our customer needs. We take great pride in ensuring that we provide the right products and services to all our customers. 

We have developed a new statement called FROMM Advantage. The FROMM Advantage is a list of reasons which define why FROMM Packaging is the global leader in end of line packaging solutions. 

Click here to view the FROMM Advantage

Yes of course you can. One of our experienced technicians can visit your site to discuss your requirements and will design a packaging system that will grow with your business. All custom machines are designed in Australia and manufactured at one of FROMM's European manufacturing plants under strict quality assurance standards ISO 9001 and ISO 14001.

Moisture inside international shipping containers is an age old problem. Because of our location on the globe, much of Australia’s exports cross the equator, meaning high temperature, high humidity on the oceans of the world. Conditions at sea can create “container rain” inside shipping containers, which damages important export cargo.

Exclusive to FROMM Packaging Australia, Active Mineral MBD-99 desiccant protects your cargo from moisture contamination. Active Mineral MBD-99 Cargo Guard is specially formulated to lower the dewpoint inside shipping containers to guard against moisture damage whilst in transit.

The active mineral MBD 99 provides the following benefits:

• inhibits the formation of mould, mildew, rust and corrosion.
• prevents humidity and moisture from weakening cartons and labels. provides over 60 days of moisture protection and is guaranteed to absorb up to 65% of its own weight in moisture.
• Ideal for use in ocean, truck and rail shipping containers.

Click here for information on the FROMM Packaging Shipping Container Desiccants  

You will need a fair bit of engineering and local knowledge to install any bespoke technology, but in principal you can. We would recommend that FROMM provide assistance with the system “start-up” which will make commissioning easier and faster.

Yes we provide a range of product testing services. Please click here to see more information.

Minimum of every six months, but many machines have different service intervals depending on conditions, so ask your FROMM service technician.

We can tailor a rental agreement to include servicing in the one monthly fee.

If you are based in the Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne metro areas we can have a service technician onsite within one business day. We have a wide range of spare parts available and can usually get you back up and running very quickly. Outside Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane metro areas, we can still usually get somebody to you quickly. Telephone support is also available with many problems easily sorted on the phone.

Stretch film, also called stretch wrap or pallet wrap, is a type of packaging solution in the form of a flexible plastic film used to tightly encase items or pallets for stability during storage or transit. Its elastic nature allows stretching during the application, securing goods together. It is usually available in various sizes and strengths and helps to shield products against moisture, dust, and tampering, ensuring product integrity.

Choosing the ideal stretch film for your load will depend on its specifics, including — size, weight, and stability, in order to get a suitable film thickness and strength to support it.

When you partner with FROMM Packaging, our expert team can provide the appropriate advice for the type of pallet wrap that you should use for your product loads.

We’ve also published a guide to understanding the right type of stretch film for different types of pallet sizes and weights.

The benefit of partnering with FROMM is that we offer a total packaging solution. Offering a wide range of stretch films, we meet the requirements across various industry sectors including logistics, construction, agriculture, distribution, beverage, food, and paper.

Thanks to its high level of clarity, FROMM’s stretch film offers protection so you can improve packing and shipping efficiency. FROMM Stretch Film maintain high puncture resistance, clarity and retention.

At FROMM we guarantee that every roll of pallet wrapping film that you purchase is the same length as quoted in the FROMM Technical Data Sheet at a minimum. So if it’s a 2000 metre roll, you will get 2000 metres, guaranteed.

Some stretch film resellers have up to 5% variation from batch to batch — this could mean a difference of 100 metres on every roll.

FROMM provide a technical data sheet for every style of film that outlines all the technical specifications and states the amount of film on every roll, ensuring that you’ll get what you pay for every time.

It is important as stretch film is designed to be stretched. It has a “memory” which means when you stretch it the film wants to return to it’s original size. Of course when stretching it 200%+ it does not return to it’s original length but it does tighten and this is what creates the tension to hold your pallet securely. Stretching the film also reduces the amount of film on your pallet, therefore reducing the plastic waste.

FROMM is focused on developing sustainable and environmentally friendly products.

All FROMM Wrapping Machines and Stretch Film are manufactured to ensure pre-stretch film delivery is maintained to reduce your stretch film wastage, by up to 40% each year.

We actively strive, to develop and produce packaging machines and consumables for a better planet.