Clear Wrap for Food: Sustainable and Compostable Solutions

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Face of a Woman Covered With Clear Plastic Sheet
Credit: pexels.com, Face of a Woman Covered With Clear Plastic Sheet

Clear wrap for food has come a long way in terms of sustainability. Made from plant-based materials, these wraps are biodegradable and compostable.

They can replace traditional plastic wrap, which takes hundreds of years to decompose. Some clear wraps are even made from seaweed, a highly renewable resource.

In addition to being eco-friendly, these wraps are also a convenient alternative to traditional wrapping methods. They can be used to cover food in the microwave or oven without creating a mess.

Some clear wraps are also designed to be reusable, making them a great option for families or individuals who want to reduce their waste output.

Types of Clear Wrap

Plastic wrap is a general term used to describe many different materials, but when it comes to food, it's most commonly known as cling film, food wrap, and saran wrap.

Food plastic wrap is a thin plastic film commonly used for sealing and securing food items in containers to keep fresh.

Credit: youtube.com, Our Point of View on Glad Cling Wrap Clear Plastic Wrap

It's typically sold in individual rolls or in a box with a cutting edge on it.

The original plastic wrap was invented in 1933 by Ralph Wiley at Dow chemical, and it was initially developed into a spray to be sprayed onto fighter planes to protect them from salty sea spray.

PVdC (Polyvinylidene Chloride) was the original material used to make plastic wrap, but it was later refined into saran plastic wrap in 1949.

Today, plastic wrap is commonly made out of PVC (Polyvinylidene Chloride), but some alternatives like LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene) have become popular in recent years.

LDPE is considered to be safer for the body, but it doesn't provide the same amount of cling as PVC plastic wrap.

The "Saran" brand changed to using LDPE in 2004 due to environmental concerns with the chloride associated with PVC plastic wrap.

Materials and Alternatives

Plastic wrap is primarily made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which is still the most widely used material globally due to its low permeability to water vapor and oxygen.

Credit: youtube.com, Bee's Wrap Unboxing - Plastic Wrap Alternative - Sandwich Wrap

PVC has been a reliable choice for preserving food freshness, but there are concerns about the transfer of plasticizers from PVC into food.

A cheaper alternative to PVC is low-density polyethylene (LDPE), which is less adhesive but can be improved by adding linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), increasing the film's tensile strength.

In some countries, like the US and Japan, plastic wrap is produced using polyvinylidene chloride (PVdC), although some brands have switched to other formulations due to environmental concerns.

Compostable Cling Wrap

Compostable cling wrap is a great eco-friendly alternative to traditional plastic cling wrap. It's durable, lightweight, and strong, making it perfect for wrapping sandwiches, wraps, or covering leftovers.

This compostable food wrap is BPI Certified Compostable, which means it can compost in a commercial composting facility within 180 days. It's also Nature Fresh certified, ensuring product freshness and extended shelf life.

This compostable cling wrap is ideal for use with produce trays to keep food fresh.

Materials Used

Close-up of vibrant red roses wrapped in a clear plastic sheet with visible water droplets.
Credit: pexels.com, Close-up of vibrant red roses wrapped in a clear plastic sheet with visible water droplets.

Plastic wrap was initially created from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which remains the most common component globally.

PVC has an acceptably-low permeability to water vapor and oxygen, helping to preserve the freshness of food.

There are concerns about the transfer of plasticizers from PVC into food.

A common, cheaper alternative to PVC is low-density polyethylene (LDPE). It is less adhesive than PVC, but this can be remedied by adding linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), which also increases the film's tensile strength.

In the US and Japan, plastic wrap is sometimes produced using polyvinylidene chloride (PVdC), though some brands, such as Saran wrap, have switched to other formulations due to environmental concerns.

Plastic wrap is most often made of PVC, but LDPE is a safer alternative that has become more popular in recent years.

The problem with LDPE plastic wrap is it does not provide the same amount of cling as PVC plastic wrap.

Food

Clear wrap for food is a game-changer for meal prep and storage.

Credit: youtube.com, Equipment Expert Reveals Our Top Rated Plastic Wrap

It's perfect for wrapping sandwiches, leftovers, and even snacks like fruits and veggies.

You can also use it to cover bowls and containers to keep food fresh for longer periods.

Clear wrap is a great alternative to plastic wrap, which can leave residue on food and containers.

It's also reusable, making it a more sustainable option for your kitchen.

Clear wrap for food is made from a thin, flexible plastic film that is easy to cut and shape.

This makes it easy to wrap around irregularly-shaped foods like meat or fish.

It's also dishwasher safe, making cleanup a breeze.

Clear wrap for food is a must-have for anyone who loves to cook and meal prep.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the food plastic wrap called?

Food plastic wrap is commonly known as plastic wrap, cling film, or food wrap. It's a thin plastic film used to seal food items and keep them fresh

Is saran wrap the same as clear food wrap?

Yes, saran wrap and clear food wrap are often used interchangeably, referring to a thin, transparent plastic film used for food storage. However, saran wrap is a specific brand name, while clear food wrap is a more general term for this type of product.

Louis Becker

Senior Writer

Louis Becker is a seasoned writer with a deep passion for maritime transportation. His insightful articles have shed light on the complexities and challenges of global shipping, offering readers a comprehensive understanding of the industry's dynamics. With a keen eye for detail and a commitment to accuracy, Becker has established himself as a trusted voice in maritime journalism.

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