Define the purchasing question
A cheaper reel can cost more per wrapped load if actual consumption increases. Compare the material cost of the same qualified wrapping task.
After comparing grams per load and price per kilogram, add labour and equipment expenses separately. Keep production volume explicit rather than inventing an annual saving.
Collect measurements that match the calculation
Measure net film used across several representative completed loads. Divide total consumed mass by the number of loads, including normal tails and rewraps. Exclude the roll core.
Weigh representative actual qualified wrap cycles. Include tails and rewraps in the measurement. Measured consumption avoids guessing savings from nominal prestretch or thickness.
- Measured net film per load (g)
- Film price per kg (currency)
Work through an illustrative case
Film cost/pallet = Measured grams ÷ 1,000 × Price/kg
300 g at EUR 2.40/kg costs EUR 0.72 per load.
Replace these illustrative inputs with measured data or a quotation for the same scope. Change one assumption at a time so that a difference can be traced to a dimension, quantity, charge or process change.
Avoid the expensive comparison error
Do not compare roll prices without net contents, or assume a machine prestretch setting equals measured consumption. A thinner film also needs containment qualification.
- Film only; excludes labour and equipment.
- Cost does not determine safe load containment or required wrap pattern.
Common questions
What should I verify before using this result?
Measure net film used across several representative completed loads. Divide total consumed mass by the number of loads, including normal tails and rewraps. Exclude the roll core.
Does this calculation approve the packaging?
No. It estimates only the stated quantity, conversion or cost boundary. Technical performance and any required test or supplier approval remain separate.