Tama Assist Are You Charging Enough for Using NRF?
Many contractors offering Net Replacement Film (NRF) charge around £1 / €1 extra per bale compared to standard netwrap. That figure dates back to the early days of NRF but the question is, does it really cover your costs today?
When you break down the numbers, it quickly becomes clear that the “nominal” charge doesn’t match the real-world costs of running NRF.
- Machine Cost – Today and Tomorrow
Running a baler isn’t just about diesel and crop packaging materials, the capital cost matters too.
Upfront investment: Baler purchase or finance. Cost of finance over the period of full ownership.
Wear and tear: Higher bale pressures and extra cycle time from the same bale count add to long-term costs.
Future replacement: What will the next baler cost you in 3 or 5 years with finance factored in? How will your choice effect the residual value of your machine at trade in?
- Film Pricing
NRF film costs more per roll than netwrap and with shorter rolls and extra layers often required to compensate for the crop type/conditions, the plastic bill adds up fast.
- Labour Costs
Baling with NRF takes longer per bale. Slower tying cycle times and more frequent roll changes increase labour hours, which means higher wages paid for fewer bales produced per hour.
- Fuel Usage
More time in the field means more fuel burned. Even small delays per bale multiply into significant litres of diesel over a season.
When you add up machine depreciation, film costs, labour, and fuel, it’s hard to see how a flat £1/€1 charge covers the real difference between NRF and netwrap. In fact, many contractors may be absorbing hidden costs without realising it.
Instead of trying to make NRF add up, contractors can turn to EZ Web, a baling solution designed to deliver efficiency and sustainability without the hidden penalties:
- Roll lengths that reduce downtime.
- Faster tying times compared to NRF.
- Easier to recycle together with stretchfilm.
- Consistent performance across all crops and conditions.
- No additional machinery or maintenance costs.
Contractors save money, time and hassle, and customers get the eco-benefits they’re asking for.
NRF doesn’t just put pressure on the film, it puts pressure on your bottom line. A nominal £1/€1 charge might have been enough years ago, but today’s costs prove otherwise. If you want a solution that keeps your business efficient and sustainable, EZ Web is the better answer.
To find out more about EZ Web you can read our blogs:
Not a Net or a Film; EZ Web brings new hope for sustainable round baling.