The Excessive Use Of Plastic Wrap In Our Lives

Plastic wrap is a convenient and cheap way to keep food fresh, but it comes at a cost to the environment. The world produces 141 million tonnes of plastic packaging a year, and plastic wrap is a significant contributor to this. In the US alone, nearly 80 million Americans used at least one roll of plastic wrap in the past six months, with over five million using more than ten rolls. While it may be useful in the kitchen, plastic wrap is difficult to recycle and often ends up in landfills or oceans, where it can release toxic chemicals and harm marine life. With the growing awareness of the negative impact of plastic pollution, consumers, activists, and manufacturers are seeking alternatives to single-use plastics like plastic wrap.

Plastic wrap for food storage

Plastic wrap is a versatile product used for food storage and packaging. It is commonly found in homes and restaurants, with a standard roll of food plastic wrap measuring 75 ft. in length. However, commercial rolls start at 1000 ft. in length and can go up to 3000 ft. The width of these rolls can vary, typically ranging from 12 to 24 inches.

When choosing plastic wrap for food storage, it is essential to consider the quality and safety of the product. Some plastic wraps may contain harmful chemicals like DEHA, which has been linked to adverse health effects in studies. As a result, some companies have switched to using LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene), which is considered safer for both the environment and human health. It is also important to note that while many plastic products claim to be "microwave-safe," health experts advise against heating food in plastic containers due to potential health risks.

Restaurant-grade plastic wrap, also known as food service film, is a popular choice for those seeking a thicker and more durable option. It is commonly used in restaurant kitchens and offers better functionality than store-bought plastic wrap, which tends to be flimsy and difficult to work with. Restaurant-grade plastic wrap often comes in larger rolls, such as 2000 ft. rolls, and may include features like a cutter box or slide cutter for added convenience and safety.

In addition to plastic wrap, there are alternative food storage options available, such as reusable food storage bags and containers. Reusable bags made from food-grade silicone or BPA-free plastic are safe, eco-friendly, and versatile, suitable for storing liquid-based items like soups or sauces. Stackable and space-saving storage containers are also useful for organising your pantry and fridge, preventing food waste, and maintaining freshness. Airtight containers, in particular, help extend the shelf life of food by locking in freshness and preventing air and moisture from seeping in.

Plastic wrap for moving

Plastic wrap is a highly versatile and inexpensive packing material that can be used in several ways to protect your belongings during a move. It is available in various sizes, and you can easily find the most appropriate type for your packing needs.

Firstly, plastic wrap can be used to secure the doors and drawers of furniture. A few layers of plastic wrap will keep the doors and drawers closed during the move, making the furniture pieces safer and easier to handle. It can also be used to secure lids on plastic bins or other moving containers with lids. You can also use it to secure loose cords and wires.

Secondly, plastic wrap can be used to protect your furniture from scratches, scuffs, dust, and dirt. For best results, drape your furniture with a moving blanket, then secure the blanket using plastic wrap. This is especially useful for leather or wooden surfaces, as it will prevent trapped moisture from damaging your belongings.

Thirdly, plastic wrap can be used to bundle items together. For example, you can use it to bundle curtain rods, couch cushions, stuffed animals, and electric cords. It can also be used to lash packing material to fragile items.

When choosing plastic wrap for moving, it is important to select the correct size and thickness. Plastic wrap is typically available in 5-inch, 10-inch, 15-inch, 18-inch, 20-inch, and 22-inch widths. The rolls are usually 1000 or 1500 feet long. For furniture and other bulky items, a 20-inch width is usually best. For smaller items, a 10-inch roll is ideal. A higher number gauge means better protection, so opt for a higher gauge when packing for a house move. Pre-stretched wrap is lightweight, has a strong cling on both sides, and doesn't require much pull when wrapping larger items.

Plastic wrap for industrial use

Plastic wrap, also known as cling film, Saran wrap, or food wrap, is a thin plastic film commonly used for sealing food items to maintain their freshness. It is typically sold on rolls packed in cardboard containers with serrated edges for easy dispensing and use. While plastic wrap is widely used in the food industry, it also has applications in various industrial sectors.

Industrial plastic wrap, also known as stretch wrap, is a highly elastic and stretchable plastic film used primarily for securing products together during transportation and storage. It is essential for unitizing loads and ensuring they remain stable and intact during transit. The stretch wrap is applied to products or materials loaded onto pallets, providing pressure and holding the items securely in place. This helps prevent items from falling off the pallets, reducing product loss and minimizing the risk of damage during shipping.

The most common material used for industrial stretch wrap is linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), valued at USD 11.69 billion in 2023. LLDPE is favored due to its high elastic recovery, elongation at break, and puncture resistance properties. These characteristics make it ideal for wrapping and securing large loads together. The stretch wrap is produced through two main processes: cast extrusion and blown extrusion.

Industrial stretch wrap offers a range of benefits beyond just securing loads. It improves the efficiency of handling and storing loads by enhancing package stability and reducing the risk of worker injuries. Additionally, it can provide UV protection and enable color-coding for easy identification and organization. However, it is important to note that industrial stretch wrap should not come into direct contact with consumable products as it is not FDA-approved for direct food contact.

Plastic wrap for commercial use

Plastic wrap is a generic term used to describe a variety of flexible packaging products. It is often used interchangeably with the terms stretch film, shrink wrap, and cling film.

Plastic wrap is commonly used in the food industry to seal and secure food items in containers to keep them fresh. Food plastic wrap is typically sold in individual rolls or with a roll in a box with a cutting edge. The standard thickness of food plastic wrap is 35 ga, and it is FDA-approved for direct food contact. Commercial food plastic wrap rolls usually start at 1000 ft in length, in contrast to the common household roll, which is 75 ft long. Perforated plastic wrap is often preferred as it allows users to remove a plastic sheet of the exact size each time.

In addition to the food industry, plastic wrap is also widely used in the shipping and transportation industries. Stretch wrap, or industrial stretch wrap, is used to secure products to pallets, stabilising loads and preventing damage during transit. Stretch wrap is highly elastic, allowing it to apply pressure to the items it secures, and it is also affordable, making it a popular choice for shipping and logistics.

While plastic wrap has its advantages, there are growing concerns about its environmental impact. As a single-use plastic, it contributes to the plastic pollution crisis, and it is difficult to recycle. There is also a risk of harmful chemicals leaching into food from the plastic, such as plasticizers like diethylhexyl adipate (DEHA). However, the FDA has stated that when used properly, plastic wrap in food preparation does not pose a danger to human health.

Plastic wrap for building

Plastic wrap is a useful material in the construction industry. It is often used to create a protective barrier around buildings, scaffolding, and construction sites. This protective barrier is skin-tight and serves many purposes, such as weather protection, environmental containment, and scaffolding enclosures. It is also used to create temporary roofs and prevent mould growth during construction.

One of the key advantages of using plastic wrap in construction is its ability to provide weather protection. It forms a tight, weatherproof seal that guards against rain, snow, wind, and UV rays, ensuring that construction sites and materials remain dry and undamaged. This feature allows construction projects to continue even during unfavourable weather conditions, helping to keep both workers and interiors safe and dry.

Additionally, plastic wrap can be used for climate control and to prevent mould growth. By creating a sealed environment, it helps prevent moisture from entering buildings or materials, reducing the risk of mould. This makes it particularly useful for projects in humid or moisture-prone environments. Plastic wrap can also be used to cover building exteriors and windows, allowing natural light transmission while providing protection from the elements.

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