At the end of a bottling line, wrapping is not a secondary step. It is the moment when load stability, product protection during transport and the efficiency of the entire logistics process are guaranteed.
The stretch wrapper automates this operation by applying stretch or shrink film around cartons, multipacks or pallets, ensuring uniform packaging and reducing the risk of damage during handling and storage.
What is a stretch wrapper used for?
The stretch wrapper represents one of the final machines in the bottling line and plays a key role in preparing products for storage and shipment. Through the automatic application of film, it stabilizes the load, protects packages and improves the efficiency of the entire end-of-line system.
The use of a stretch wrapper offers several advantages:
- stabilizes cartons, multipacks and pallets during handling;
- protects products from dust, moisture and external agents;
- optimizes film consumption thanks to pre-stretch and controlled tensioning systems;
- speeds up packaging operations;
- ensures uniform and repeatable wrapping;
- reduces manual interventions and improves operator safety;
- integrates easily with palletizers, conveyors and other end-of-line systems.
The main types of stretch wrappers
The choice of stretch wrapper mainly depends on the type of product to be handled, production volumes and the required level of automation.
- Semi-automatic stretch wrappers
They are suitable for companies with medium-small production volumes, such as wineries, olive mills, craft breweries or businesses that manage diversified production batches.
The operator positions the pallet or the product to be wrapped, while the machine automatically performs the film wrapping operation. This solution represents a good balance between initial investment, ease of use and increased productivity.
- Automatic stretch wrappers
High-productivity industrial lines use fully automatic stretch wrappers, integrated with the rest of the end-of-line system.
The machine automatically receives the pallet or product from the conveyor system, performs wrapping without manual intervention and transfers it to the next stage of the line, ensuring operational continuity and reduced cycle times.
Rotary table, rotary arm and ring stretch wrappers
In addition to the automation level, it is important to choose the most suitable technology.
- Rotary table stretch wrappers are among the most common solutions for stable loads with limited weight.
- Rotary arm stretch wrappers are suitable for particularly heavy or unstable pallets, as the load remains stationary during wrapping.
- Ring stretch wrappers are ideal for high-speed lines thanks to their extremely short cycle times.
Why invest in a stretch wrapper?
An efficient wrapping system does not only improve product protection, but also helps optimize the entire end-of-line process.
A correct wrapping process ensures greater stability during transport, reduces the risk of returns caused by damage and helps reduce film consumption thanks to optimized wrapping cycles.
Automation also allows companies to increase productivity, improve operational continuity and reduce manual activities performed by operators.
New or used stretch wrappers: which solution should you choose?
When a company needs to integrate or renew a bottling line, choosing a stretch wrapper is not only about the model and technical specifications, but also about the possibility of purchasing a new machine or evaluating a used solution.
Both options can represent a valid choice, depending on production requirements, available budget and company objectives.
New stretch wrapper: technology and customization
Purchasing a new stretch wrapper allows the machine to be configured according to specific production requirements, selecting the automation level, wrapping technology and the most suitable accessories for the line.
It is the ideal solution for new plants or for production processes with particularly specific requirements.
Used stretch wrapper: efficiency and cost-effectiveness
A used stretch wrapper represents an interesting opportunity for companies that want to improve their production line while keeping the initial investment under control.
A used machine, if properly selected, refurbished and tested, can offer high performance and ensure long-term reliability, allowing access to professional technologies with a lower cost compared to a new machine.
Choosing a used solution also allows companies to reduce machine integration times into the production line, thanks to the availability of solutions already present on the market.
The BBM catalogue: used and refurbished stretch wrappers
Choosing a used machine does not mean giving up quality. The value of a stretch wrapper depends on the machine’s condition, the supplier’s expertise and the possibility of restoring it to the best operating conditions.
BBM supports companies in the research and supply of used stretch wrappers for bottling lines, identifying the most suitable solution based on product type, line speed and production requirements. The catalogue includes quality brands such as Robopac, Tosa and Kosme.
The machine can undergo refurbishment processes, including updating and overhaul activities aimed at improving reliability, safety and efficiency.
The interventions may include, depending on the line requirements and customer objectives:
- overhaul of mechanical parts subject to wear;
- updating of electrical and electronic components;
- adaptation of safety systems;
- inspection and optimization of machine operation;
- specific modifications and adaptations for integration into the new production line or for the management of different formats and configurations.
Thanks to BBM’s intervention, a used stretch wrapper can return to operation within a production line with high performance, representing an advantageous solution from both an economic and operational point of view.
On request, stretch wrappers can be equipped with printing and label application systems, as well as roller conveyors for pallet handling.
Technical evaluation makes the difference
Every bottling line has different characteristics and objectives. For this reason, choosing a stretch wrapper should not be based exclusively on price or production capacity. A preliminary technical evaluation allows the most suitable solution to be identified according to actual operational requirements, avoiding oversizing, production slowdowns and unnecessary investments.
Contact the BBM team for a technical analysis of your end-of-line system.
