Film clamp and related methods and apparatuses for wrapping loads

An apparatus for clamping a leading end of a length of packaging material to be wrapped on a load, the apparatus comprising:

• a packaging material dispenser for dispensing packaging material to the load;
• and
• a packaging material holder, the packaging material holder comprising:
• a first jaw;
• a second jaw disposed opposite the first jaw;
• the first and second jaws fixed relative to each other and defining an opening therebetween for receiving the packaging material extending between the packaging material dispenser and the packaging material holder;
• first and second opposing surfaces disposed within the opening between the first and second jaws;
• and
• at least one inflatable element within the opening and defining at least one of the first and second opposing surfaces;
• the at least one inflatable element convertible between a first, unpressurized condition defining a gap within the opening, and a second, pressurized condition closing the gap to thereby bring the first and second opposing surfaces in contact with one another, wherein the at least one inflatable element is configured to, when in the second, pressurized condition, clamp the packaging material in the opening between the first and second opposing surfaces when the packaging material is received in the opening.