[CS] How do I choose strapping for my bales and pallets?

The strapping of parcels and pallets is one of the key elements of the order preparation process, as it ensures the safety of your goods during transport. At the heart of this process is a key tool: strapping. In this article, you will find a quick guide to choosing a strapping tape, as well as all the machines and accessories you need to strap packages and pallets efficiently and ergonomically.

What type of strapping should I choose?

There are several types of strapping tapes. Their selection depends on both the shipments you intend to strap and the type of storage you plan.

Type of strapping	Features	For what type of cargo?	Application and sealing
Paper tapes	Environmentally responsible because it comes from bio-resources: (made from 95% recycled paper and 5% vegetable glue) and recyclable. They add value to your packages Adapts to the shape of the package Do not cut, so they are very safe to handle	Suitable for strapping lightweight bales (tensile strength up to 55 kg) For short-term storage	Can be used manually with plastic straps or mechanically with a strapping machine Closure with buckle
Polypropylene (PP) tapes	Durable Much more flexible than other types of tape, loosens over time Less UV resistant than other materials	Suitable for strapping parcels, loads and pallets weighing up to 200 kg For short-term storage indoors	Can be used manually or on automatic or semi-automatic machines Can be closed with a plastic clip, steel clip or welding
Polyester straps	Environmentally responsible (made from 100% recycled PES plastic) They do not cut, ensuring safe use Will not stretch or deform, even when in contact with solid and heavy products Insensitive to moisture, UV radiation and temperature fluctuations	Suitable for palletizing or strapping medium-heavy loads (tensile strength up to 534 kg). For long-term storage and outdoor use	Can be used manually or on an automatic machine Can be closed by clasp or welding
Textile tapes	Made of woven PES plastic Highly durable, do not stretch Adapts to the shape of the load Safe handling Not subject to temperature fluctuations, UV radiation and humidity	Suitable for strapping fragile, diverse products and heavy loads (tensile strength up to 820 kg) For long-term outdoor storage	For manual use Buckle closure (knot on the buckle strengthens the closure)

What are the straps used for?

Tapes are used to close, secure or group goods so that they cannot move during transport (in a bale or on a pallet).

However, not all types of strapping are suitable for all types of goods. You need to make sure that the one you choose allows for the safe and secure storage and transportation of your products.

Tape type	For what use?
Paper tapes	Strapping for additional theft protection for lightweight packaging Grouping of products to be stored inside for short periods of time
Polypropylene (PP) tapes	Strapping newspapers or magazines Strapping for additional protection of lightweight packaging against theft Securing light loads on pallets
Polyester tapes	Palletising medium to heavy loads Regrouping of heavy and specially shaped products (e.g. iron pipes)
Textile tapes	Strapping of goods with fragile surfaces (e.g. wooden products) Strapping of items with sharp corners (e.g. tiles)

Taping techniques to be used

Need to know how to tape shipments or pallets? You have two options: either do it by hand, or get a machine that will mechanise or automate the packaging process. Here’s how to do it.

Manual strapping

Manual strapping should only be used if you have several dozen packages to strap per day. Exceeding this number exposes your operators to the potential risks of strapping in logistics: musculoskeletal disorders.

When hand strapping parcels, the type of tape you use matters:

For PP, paper or fabric tapes, use a loop and tensioner. Simply make two loops on the binding tape and attach them to the buckle. You can then tighten the tape by hand or with a tensioner.

For strapping PP, steel or polyester tape, use a manual strapping machine (which includes a tensioner and clamp) as well as crimping pliers. Insert the clamp and tape into the pliers, then tension the tape using the tensioner and secure the pliers.

Mechanised or automated strapping techniques

Does your warehouse need to handle a high number of bale or pallet strapping operations? To avoid the risk of musculoskeletal disorders in your operators and reduce the workload in your warehouse, incorporate strapping machines into your order preparation processes.

Several options are available:

Mobile strapping machines (semi-automatic or automatic) are battery powered and can be moved anywhere in the warehouse. They help the operator to tape 70 to 150 bales per day.

Semi-automatic bale strapping machines (or bench top strapping machines) can be used to strap bales of different shapes and sizes or to easily group products. They assist the operator in strapping and allow them to maintain an upright posture during the task.

4 basic strapping accessories to buy

Don’t leave without thinking about adopting these four strapping accessories that will improve the protection of your shipments and the productivity of your warehouse operators!

• Protective corners Allow you to protect the edges of cartons – especially if they contain very fragile products.
• Included unwrapping trolley is an unwinder for easy handling of your tape reels.
• Self-locking clips made of plastic or steel hold the tapes firmly to the boxes on the shipment.
• The tape holder is a handy accessory that makes it easy to slide the tape under the pallet, reducing the physical strain on your back. Ideal for reducing the risk of musculoskeletal disorders during manual palletizing!

Now you are equipped with strapping and best practices for efficient and ergonomic strapping of bales and pallets. Now it’s up to you!