Packaging Automation & End-of-Line Systems worked example

Shrink Wrapper Cost at 58% share of run using this film: a worked example

This worked example runs the shrink wrapper cost numbers for a tougher week than the baseline: 58% share of run using this film instead of the typical 80%. Estimate the total film and operating cost to shrink wrap a production run from packs wrapped, film cost per pack, applicable share, and fixed setup cost.

The inputs for this scenario

  • Packs shrink wrapped: 100 packs (held at the documented default)
  • Film cost per pack: 45 $ / pack (held at the documented default)
  • Share of run using this film: 58 % (the input this scenario stresses; the baseline uses 80)
  • Fixed film and setup cost: 250 $ (held at the documented default)

Working through the calculation

  • The calculation starts from the formula this tool documents: Variable film cost = packs shrink wrapped × film cost per pack × share of run using this film.
  • Total shrink wrap cost works out to 2,860 $ at these inputs, and this is the headline figure for the scenario.
  • Shrink wrap cost per pack works out to 28.6 $ / pack at these inputs.
  • Variable film cost works out to 2,610 $ at these inputs.
  • Fixed film and setup cost works out to 250 $ at these inputs.

How this compares with the baseline

  • Against the tool's baseline example, where share of run using this film sits at 80% and the headline result is 3,850 $, this scenario comes in 25.71% below the baseline at 2,860 $.
  • Use it when quoting a multipack run, validating a film changeover, or comparing centerfold versus pre-perforated film options. A result at this level usually justifies acting on the stressed input before touching anything else, because every other figure in the table is downstream of it.

Results at a glance

  • Total shrink wrap cost: 2,860 $ (headline result)
  • Shrink wrap cost per pack: 28.6 $ / pack
  • Variable film cost: 2,610 $
  • Fixed film and setup cost: 250 $

Run it with your numbers

  • To rerun this with your own numbers, open the live Shrink Wrapper Cost calculator, set share of run using this film to your actual value, and adjust the remaining inputs to match your operation.

Last reviewed 2026-05-12.