a machine and a method for wrapping an elongated object , such as a drinking straw , with a plastic film are disclosed . the machine has a drive for continuously advancing a thin narrow film strip from a supply roll to a wrapper loading and forming station . the wrapper loading and forming station has a trough former for folding the advancing film strip into a film trough . an inserting device positions spaced - apart elongated objects , such as the drinking straws , into the film trough of the advancing film strip for engagement by the film trough . the objects are supplied by a dispenser and disposed in a pre - oriented manner to be grasped by the inserting device . the film trough is advanced through sealing and severing stations wherein individually wrapped elongated objects or straws are produced .