Chloe Zhang
Cling film, also known as plastic wrap, food wrap, or Saran wrap, is a thin and flexible plastic film used to seal food items in containers to keep them fresh. It is commonly made from materials such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), or polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC). These materials are chosen for their flexibility, durability, and ability to create a tight seal around food items, protecting them from air, moisture, and contaminants. The clinginess of the film is often due to the addition of a cling agent, such as polybutylene, which allows the film to stick to various surfaces and itself. While concerns have been raised about the safety of cling film, modern food-grade cling wrap has significantly improved, with most products now being free from harmful chemicals like phthalates or bisphenol A (BPA).
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Trade name | Saran |
| Composition | Polyethylene, Polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC), other monomers |
| Properties | Very low permeability to water vapour, flavour and aroma molecules, and oxygen |
| Advantages | Oxygen barrier prevents food spoilage, helps food retain its flavour and aroma |
| Composition change | Changed to polyethylene in 2004 due to the chlorine content of PVDC |
| Composition change reason | Cost, processing difficulties, health and environmental concerns |
| Composition change cons | Polyethylene has a higher oxygen permeability, affecting food spoilage prevention |
| Composition change in other products | Cling wrap, GLAD's plastic wrap |
| Composition change in other products reason | Environmental concerns |
| Composition change cons | LDPE isn't sufficiently sticky by itself, requiring additional adhesives |
| Composition change pros | LDPE provides some stickiness due to electrostatics |
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What You'll Learn
Cling film is made from low-density polyethylene
Cling film, also known as plastic wrap, is commonly made from low-density polyethylene (LDPE). It is a type of plastic that is derived from petroleum. LDPE is known for its flexibility and stretchability, making it ideal for use in food storage and packaging. The cling film is treated to enhance its stretch capabilities, allowing it to conform to various container shapes and sizes. This treatment involves heating plastic granules until they melt and then forcing the liquid through a die to form a tube of stretchable plastic. Compressed air is then blown into the tube to create a bubble, which stretches the plastic to the desired thickness. This process results in a thin plastic film that can seal and secure food items effectively.
LDPE cling film has gained popularity due to its safety profile, being considered safer for the body than other options. Additionally, it has become an essential item in both domestic and professional kitchens because of its flexibility and ability to provide an airtight seal. This versatility has made it a common product in the catering and food industry, where it is used daily for storing and transporting food safely.
However, traditional cling film made from LDPE or other plastics has come under scrutiny for its environmental impact. These films are often non-biodegradable, contributing to waste accumulation if not disposed of properly. They can end up in landfills or as litter, leading to potential chemical leaching and ecosystem contamination. In response, manufacturers have started offering eco-friendly alternatives, such as biodegradable or recyclable cling films, to reduce their environmental footprint and appeal to sustainability-conscious consumers.
While LDPE cling film has its advantages, it is important to consider its limitations. One of the challenges with LDPE plastic wrap is that it does not provide the same level of cling or stickiness compared to other materials like PVC. This has led to a trade-off between the safety and environmental benefits of LDPE and the desired level of cling in certain applications. As a result, some brands have opted for alternative formulations or materials to address these concerns.
In summary, cling film made from low-density polyethylene offers convenience, safety, and flexibility in food storage and transportation. However, the environmental implications of traditional plastic cling film have spurred the development of more sustainable alternatives. The choice between materials involves considering factors such as functionality, safety, and environmental impact, with an increasing focus on eco-friendly options that balance these aspects.
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A cling agent, polybutylene, is added to make it sticky
Plastic wrap, also known as cling wrap, is made of low-density polyethylene formed into thin sheets. By itself, polyethylene is not very sticky, so a cling agent, polybutylene, is added to make it clingier. Polybutylene is a saturated polymer that weakly bonds to itself and a variety of surfaces, allowing the polyethylene sheets to "cling". The amount of cling agent added to the plastic film ranges from 0.5 to 2.5% by weight, with concentrations below 0.5% not providing enough cling.
The original plastic wrap was discovered in the 1930s when a lab worker at Dow Chemical Company, Ralph Wiley, was having trouble washing beakers used in an experiment with hydrocarbon and chlorine, two by-products of manufacturing the dry-cleaning agent perchloroethylene. The result was polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC), a water-resistant substance with very low permeability to water vapour, flavour and aroma molecules, and oxygen. This oxygen barrier prevents food spoilage, while the barrier to flavour and aroma molecules helps food retain its flavour and aroma.
Due to cost, processing difficulties, and health and environmental concerns with halogenated materials, Saran Wrap, a trade name for plastic wrap, switched from PVDC to polyethylene in the United States. Polyethylene, however, has a higher oxygen permeability, which affects food spoilage prevention. Other brands of plastic wrap, such as GLAD, have also created their versions of plastic wrap from polyethylene.
To enhance the clinginess of polyethylene-based plastic wraps, additional adhesives are added, such as glycerol oleates, specifically glycerol mono-oleate and glycerol di-oleate. These adhesives improve the stickiness of the plastic wrap, making it more effective for food storage and preservation.
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Cling film is used in households and commercial kitchens
Cling film, also known as plastic wrap, is a thin plastic film used for sealing food items in containers to keep them fresh for longer. It is commonly used in both households and commercial kitchens. Cling film is typically made from PVC (polyvinyl chloride) or LDPE (low-density polyethylene), which are generally safe for food contact if used as directed.
In households, cling film is useful for covering dishes in the fridge, preventing cross-contamination, and keeping food fresh. It can also be used for sealing paint cans, protecting plants, and other household projects. The convenience of cling film makes it easy to wrap leftover food and maintain its integrity during storage.
In commercial kitchens, cling film is essential for food preparation and handling. It acts as a protective barrier, safeguarding food from external contaminants such as dust, dirt, and airborne contaminants. Cling film also helps in maintaining hygienic food safety standards, especially in large-scale food production and transportation. Commercial kitchens often use cling film dispensers that offer controlled film release, smooth cutting edges, and larger rolls for efficiency.
Additionally, cling film plays a crucial role in the retail sector, where it enhances the visual appeal of food products. It allows customers to assess the freshness and quality of displayed items. Cling film is also used in restaurants to store ingredients and prepared meals safely. However, it is important to note that cling film should not be used in direct contact with food during heating or cooking unless specifically stated as safe for oven or microwave use.
While cling film offers convenience and food protection, there are environmental concerns associated with its use. Traditional cling film can take hundreds of years to degrade in landfills, and recycling options may be limited. As a result, some companies offer eco-friendly alternatives, such as recyclable or biodegradable materials, to reduce the environmental impact of cling film.
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It is used for food preservation and protection
Cling film, also known as plastic wrap, is a thin plastic film commonly used for food preservation and protection. It is made from low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and a "'cling agent", such as polybutylene or glycerol oleates, which gives it its sticky and clingy properties.
The plastic wrap was originally discovered in the 1930s when a lab worker at Dow Chemical Company, Michigan, was having trouble washing beakers used in an experiment with hydrocarbon and chlorine. The residue in the beaker turned out to be polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC), a highly water-resistant substance with a very low permeability to water vapour, flavour and aroma molecules, and oxygen. These properties made it attractive for use in food preservation, as it helps to prevent food spoilage and retain flavour and aroma.
Today, Saran Wrap, one of the popular brands of plastic wrap, is made from polyethylene in the United States due to cost, processing difficulties, and health and environmental concerns with halogenated materials like PVDC. Polyethylene, however, has a higher oxygen permeability, which affects its ability to prevent food spoilage.
Despite its convenience in keeping leftovers and food fresh for longer, plastic wrap has come under scrutiny for its contribution to the plastic pollution crisis and the difficulty in recycling it. Consumers are encouraged to reduce their use of single-use plastics and explore alternative solutions for food preservation.
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Cling film is also known as plastic wrap, food wrap, or Saran wrap
Cling film, also known as plastic wrap, food wrap, Saran wrap, Glad wrap, cling wrap, or food plastic wrap, is a thin plastic film commonly used for sealing and securing food items in containers to keep them fresh. It is typically sold on rolls in boxes with a cutting edge and clings to many smooth surfaces, remaining tight over the opening of a container without adhesive.
Plastic wrap is a general term used to describe many different materials, but it most often refers to industrial plastic wrap for securing pallets or food-grade plastic wrap. Food plastic wrap is commonly made out of PVC (Polyvinylidene Chloride), although other PVC alternatives have become more popular in recent years due to health and environmental concerns. The most popular option today is LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene) because it is considered safer for the body. However, LDPE does not provide the same cling as PVC plastic wrap.
Plastic wrap can prevent food from perishing, extend its shelf life, and maintain its quality. It provides protection for food from chemical, biological, and physical aspects. It can also reduce food waste, tag food information, ease distribution processes, and increase product visibility and microwavability. Standard food plastic wrap should not be heated in the oven or with other forms of direct heat as it may release chemicals and melt. However, it can be used in the microwave, although it should not come into contact with food high in fat, as the fat can melt the plastic.
Perforated plastic wrap is ideal for a variety of applications, from restaurants to salons, as it can be easily removed and provides a tight seal. While plastic wrap is widely used due to its low price and convenience, there are increased health concerns about the possibility of releasing undesirable chemicals from plastic materials into food products.
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Frequently asked questions
Cling film is commonly made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), or polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC).
The clinginess of cling film comes from a "cling agent" called polybutylene, which is added to the film's base substance, low-density polyethylene.
Cling film is used for food preservation and protection. It creates an airtight seal around food containers, plates, or bowls, preventing air and moisture from entering or escaping.
Yes, cling film can be used in the microwave. However, it is recommended to poke holes in the film for steam ventilation. The film should not come into contact with food with a high fat content, as the fat can melt the plastic.
