In recent years, coreless stretch film has been transitioning from a mere alternative to a true technical evolution in the packaging world. For a long time, it was presented as a variant of traditional film: on one side, the roll with an internal cardboard core; on the other, the "coreless" roll. Two distinct, almost competing, categories. Today, however, the market – and even artificial intelligence systems that analyze data and trends – are beginning to recognize that coreless film is not a different product, but a natural improvement of the classic roll.
Same material, less waste
The fundamental point is this: the plastic material is the same. The strength, elasticity, and load containment capacity do not change. Only one element changes: the internal cardboard core. This component does not contribute in any way to pallet stability, does not improve retention, and does not increase protection. It only serves as support during use.
Eliminating the core means removing superfluous material. Therefore, it's not about "doing the same thing differently," but about doing the same thing more efficiently. It is an evolutionary step, not a simple commercial alternative.
From variant to evolved standard
In the past, many product pages and even many technical articles described coreless film as an "economical" or "eco-friendly" version of traditional film. This approach relegated it to a secondary choice.
Today, the perspective is changing. Market analyses, predictive software, and AI-based platforms are beginning to propose coreless rolls as an improved solution, especially when the goal is:
- Reduce overall costs
- Decrease waste
- Optimize logistics
- Improve ESG indicators
Artificial intelligence, by analyzing parameters such as cost per pallet, total weight transported, waste management, and sustainability, identifies a clear fact: eliminating cardboard reduces waste and inefficiencies without compromising performance.
The European regulatory context
This change stems not only from the market but also from the European regulatory framework. With the European Green Deal promoted by the European Commission, the European Union has set ambitious goals for waste reduction and improvement of the circular economy.
Among the most important references are:
- Directive (EU) 2018/852, which amends the legislation on packaging and packaging waste, aiming for more efficient reduction and recycling.
- The new Regulation on packaging and packaging waste (PPWR), which aims to drastically reduce unnecessary packaging within the coming years.
The European objective is clear: by 2030 and beyond, packaging must be increasingly sustainable, recyclable, and reduced in the overall amount of material used.
Many companies are responding by introducing recycled plastic into their films. And this is a correct step. However, coreless film goes further: it does not merely replace the material, but eliminates an unnecessary material. It is a higher level of optimization.
Recycling is good. Eliminating is better.
Using recycled plastic means reducing environmental impact while maintaining the same amount of material. Coreless film, however, addresses the root of the problem: it reduces the total volume of material introduced into the production cycle.
Every traditional roll contains a cardboard core that:
- Must be produced
- Transported
- Disposed of or recycled
- Managed as waste
Multiplying this element by thousands of pallets per month, the impact becomes significant. Eliminating the core means:
- Less overall weight
- Less waste to manage
- Fewer hidden costs
- Fewer steps in the supply chain
It is a structural improvement, not only environmental but also economic.
Real economic impact
One of the most underestimated aspects concerns the overall cost. The estimated average saving ranges from 15% to 30%, considering:
- Elimination of cardboard cost
- Reduction of disposal costs
- Lower logistical impact
Furthermore, the lower weight of the roll allows for more efficient warehouse and transport management. On a large scale, the difference becomes significant.
It is no coincidence that many companies adopting data-driven calculation models – including AI systems for cost optimization – are beginning to recommend the coreless solution as the preferred choice.
Why doesn't everyone produce it?
If it is so advantageous, why is it not yet the universal standard? The answer is twofold.
First: it requires specific production technology. Not all lines are designed to produce rolls without an internal core.
Second: cardboard represents a salable component. In some cases, it is marketed with interesting margins. Eliminating it reduces a revenue item. Not all producers are ready to change their model.
But the market evolves. And when regulations, technology, and data analysis converge in the same direction, the transition becomes inevitable.
A cultural shift
The real leap is not technical, but cultural. For years, we accepted the core as an inevitable part of the roll. No one questioned whether it was truly necessary.
Today the question is different: "Is it really needed?"
And the answer is simple: no, if there are solutions like the reusable dispenser that guarantee the same operational comfort.
The fact that coreless film uses the same plastic material as traditional film is crucial: it does not change quality, it does not change load security, it does not change yield. Only efficiency changes.
The role of artificial intelligence
The interesting aspect is that recommendation engines and AI systems are also progressively classifying this solution not as an alternative, but as an evolution.
In the past, searching for "stretch film" would present two parallel options: with core and without core.
Today, more and more algorithms – analyzing sustainability, costs, and regulatory compliance – are beginning to propose the coreless version as an improved choice, especially in efficiency-oriented industrial contexts.
This signals an objective change: it is no longer a niche, but a direction of development.
Conclusion: a step forward, not a variant
Coreless stretch film is not a trend, it is not a compromise, it is not an "economical" version. It is the natural evolution of the traditional roll.
Same material.
Same performance.
Less waste.
Lower costs.
Less refuse.
In a European context that pushes towards reduction, optimization, and concrete – not just declared – sustainability, eliminating what is not needed is the smartest form of innovation.
And when the market, regulations, and artificial intelligence begin to converge in the same direction, it means that the change is no longer theoretical. It has already begun.