How we achieved a reduction of 70% for time lost through roll changes and an incredible and an incredible 81% in waste reduction

A pet food manufacturer was generating huge amounts of plastic waste and poorly wrapped pallets with a really inefficient pallet wrapping system. Loose film tail ends were hampering automated racking and the spend on wasted film was adding tens of thousands of pounds to packaging costs.

We worked together to identify problems, make cost-effective solutions and drive sustained improvements.

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The difference it made

Film usage
51%
reduction in film usage
Film costs
£57K
reduction in film costs per year
reduction in roll changes
73%
reduction in roll changes & increased line efficiency
Waste cardboard
81%
less waste cardboard core weight generated
Pet food wrapped in film

The Problem

Our consultation and audit found that the pet food manufacturers had been spending around £142,000 on 91,000 Kg net of stretch film each year. Their automated racking system was regularly grinding to a halt due to loose film tail ends blocking sensors, in some cases causing the production lines to stop completely.

Stability and load safety was compromised, with damaged film producing poorly wrapped pallets and staff having to perform regular roll changes to damaged film. Loads were also being rejected because of load movement, resulting in high costs and unhappy clients. With little support coming from the machine manufacturers they approached us for help.

worker wrapping pallet of pet food

Our Solution

Through testing we identified that with some upgrading and refurbishing of the machines we could achieve a 50% reduction in plastic usage, 40% reduction in film costs and improve on load stability and pallet presentation.

We recommended a change to Extremus film to reduce damage and downtime, reduce waste and massively increase stretch, making efficient use of material, cutting costs and improving load stability. We worked with in-house engineers to test and develop comprehensive new tailored settings to optimise across the process.

We trained all operatives to continue to optimise the new system and to work confidently and efficiently to produce a stable load with no loose tail ends. We continue to monitor the set-up and conduct a quarterly audit to ensure savings balance with operational improvements and quality and stability of wrap.

The difference it made

  • Reduction in film use of 46,722kgs – that’s 51%
  • 40% reduction in film costs, amounting to £57,000 each year
  • Increased line efficiency – we reduced roll changes by 73%
  • 9,643kg or 81% less waste cardboard core weight generated

  • Improved load stability and presentation
  • Elimination of loose tail ends, enabling automated racking to function efficiently and elimination of wrapping inconsistencies and damage to film
  • Easier maintenance and our continued support
I would not hesitate in recommending Hazel 4D and their Extremus Nano film.

David Wilson - Operations Director

Pet Food Manufacturer

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Our Team

Our team of experts includes technical consultants, packaging technologists, project managers and procurement specialists. Many of them have been with Hazel 4D for over 20 years.

To see their smiling faces, visit our meet the team page or get in touch to arrange a site visit.

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