You have just received a coil of polypropylene (PP) strapping and are starting to use it. PP strapping is the core consumable for light to medium manual strapping: it tensions quickly, does not rust, does not cut like metal, and, when used correctly, keeps the load secure throughout transit. This guide explains how to load the coil onto the cart or dispenser, how to start the strapping without tangles, how to store it, and which tools are compatible so that the complete cycle operates without interruptions.
Product Specifications
Fortemo PP strapping is offered in two standard market formats: 13 mm × 1,300 m and 16 mm × 900 m. Both share the same thickness, color, and core; what changes is the width of the strapping and, therefore, the usable length per coil. These are the relevant technical data:
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| SKU variant 13 mm | 976578 |
| SKU variant 16 mm | 870009 |
| Material | Virgin Polypropylene (PP) |
| Available widths | 13 mm (1/2 in) and 16 mm (5/8 in) |
| Length per coil | 1,300 m (13 mm) / 900 m (16 mm) |
| Thickness | 0.8 mm (0.031 in) for both variants |
| Core | 203 mm × 203 mm (8 in × 8 in) |
| Color | Black |
| Compatible closure | Metal seal (with crimper) or plastic buckle |
| Brand | FORTEMO |
Step-by-step guide to using it
The following procedure covers the complete cycle from opening the coil until you are ready to strap the first package. If you already have experience with manual strapping, steps 4 and 5 are the most relevant; if it's your first time, do not skip any step because tangles at the start are the most common cause of wasted time.
Inspect the coil before loading it
Remove the coil from the carton and check for loose layers, kinks, or damage to the edges of the strapping. A well-packaged coil has clean ends and a uniformly tight roll. If you notice a loose or kinked layer, identify the problem before loading (it might just be the first turn from transport, or the strapping might be damaged and you should report it to the supplier).
Place the coil on the dispenser cart or reel stand
Fit the 8-inch core onto the axle of the dispenser cart or reel stand. The coil should rotate freely, and the end of the strapping should come out from the outer side of the roll, not the center. If you are working without a cart, place the coil on a clean, flat surface where it can roll unobstructed.
Locate and release the end of the strapping
The end of the strapping is secured with a clip, adhesive, or plastic stop to prevent it from unwinding during transport. Carefully remove this stop, holding the first turn of strapping against the coil with your other hand. If you release the first turn without holding it, the strapping will recoil forcefully and tangle; this is the most common starting error.
If the PP strapping gets tangled anywhere between the coil and the tensioner, do not pull to "untangle" — this almost always means that the first turn of the coil did not come out on the correct side and is crossing. Stop, cut the tangled section, re-verify that the strapping is coming out from the outside of the roll and entering the guide flat. Forcing a crossed strap is the quickest way to break the first meter of a new coil.
Feed the end of the strapping through the guide of the cart or tensioner
Guide the end of the strapping to the tensioning system (dispenser cart with integrated tensioner, independent manual tensioner, or strapping machine). Feed the strapping through the slot following the direction marked on the tool. Ensure it enters flat, without twists or kinks; a twisted strap entering the tensioner will slip, wear out, and break during the first real tensioning.
Perform an initial test tension before operating in series
Before you start strapping actual pallets, perform two or three test tensionings on any package. Verify that the strapping comes out uniformly, that the tension does not break the material (a sign of overtensioning), and that it remains firm against the package when pressed with your finger. This initial calibration saves you from losing pallets due to incorrect tension when you go into production.
Does your coil fit in the dispenser?
If you are unsure whether the coil's core (203 mm = 8 inches) fits your cart, dispenser, or strapping machine, ask the virtual assistant. It confirms core and format compatibilities before you order.
Complementary products
PP strapping is the consumable: to actually strap, you need a tensioning tool and a closure system. These are the products that complete the manual PP strapping system:
The manual PP strapping tensioner is the tool that applies tension to the strap against the bundle. For closure, you have two options: the metallic seal for PP combined with the manual crimper (professional system, permanent and flat closure) or the plastic buckle (closure without additional tools, ideal for low volume and occasional strapping). Order consumables of the same width as the strap: 13-16 mm seals and buckles cover both variants of this coil.
Maintenance and Care
A well-stored coil retains its properties for years; poorly stored, it loses elasticity and breaks on the first tensioning. These are the guidelines for keeping the strapping in operating condition:
- Store the coil indoors, on the core in a horizontal position or vertically supported on a flat surface; do not stack coils directly on top of each other without separators, because the weight deforms the bottom roll.
- Avoid prolonged direct sun exposure: UV radiation degrades polypropylene over time and causes brittleness in the outer layers. If the coil is stored in a warehouse with indirect sunlight, it is not a problem; in an open yard, it is.
- Keep the coil away from heat sources and stagnant moisture. PP withstands occasional moisture without damage, but accumulated water can affect the adhesive or the outer packaging.
- If the coil arrives with damaged edges, do not reject it outright: a damaged outer layer is discarded in the first few meters, and the rest of the coil is usually perfect. If the damage goes deeper, then request a replacement from the supplier.
- Do not mix coils from different batches in the same operation if you notice a difference in color or texture: small manufacturing variations can change the optimal tension and uncalibrate the operation.
Do not use this PP strapping in operations that normally require PET (polyester) strapping: heavy construction loads, long-term maritime export pallets, dense materials such as bricks or cement bags. Polypropylene has a lower tension limit than PET, and for heavy loads with prolonged vibration, PP straps will give way before reaching their destination. For these applications, use PET strapping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the two variants (13 mm and 16 mm) interchangeable on the same tensioner?
Yes, as long as the tensioner is calibrated for the 13-16 mm range (the Fortemo manual PP strapping tensioner is). The same applies to seals and crimpers: the 13-16 mm formats cover both variants. The choice between 13 and 16 mm depends on the weight of the bundle: 13 mm is sufficient for light boxes and packages, 16 mm provides extra tension margin for medium loads or taller pallets.
How many pallets can I strap with one coil?
It depends on the size of the pallet and the number of wraps. As an operational reference, a 13 mm × 1,300 m coil is sufficient for 200 to 350 Euro pallets (1,200 × 800 mm) with two horizontal and one vertical wrap, and a 16 mm × 900 m coil is sufficient for 140 to 240 pallets in the same configuration. Calibrate with your first 5 actual pallets and you will have a precise figure for your operation.
Can PP strapping be reused?
It is not recommended. Once tensioned and sealed, polypropylene loses elastic memory in the cycle and does not offer the same tension the second time. Reusing strapping increases the risk of loosening during transit. If you need to reopen a pallet, cut the strap and use a new one when closing.