Alexei Volkov
Plastic wrap is a versatile packaging tool used for both industrial and home applications. It is commonly used to seal and secure food items in containers to keep them fresh and safe for longer, reducing food waste. The most common plastic wrap used at home is made from low-density polyethylene, while industrial plastic wrap is often made from polyvinylidene chloride (PVdC). However, due to environmental and health concerns, manufacturers have started to phase out the use of PVdC in favour of safer alternatives. Plastic wrap can also be made from recycled materials, which can help reduce the environmental impact of natural resource exploration, mining, and transportation. While plastic wrap is convenient and affordable, there are concerns about the potential release of undesirable chemicals when it comes into contact with food or is heated. Overall, plastic wrap plays a significant role in food packaging and preservation, but it is important to consider its potential benefits and drawbacks.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common names | Cling wrap, cling film, food wrap, Saran wrap, plastic wrap |
| Thickness | 35-40 ga |
| Use cases | Sealing and securing food items, industrial use for securing pallets, boxes, etc. |
| Ingredients | Low-density polyethylene (LDPE), Polyvinylidene Chloride (PVdC/PVC), biofilms |
| Environmental impact | Recyclable plastic can reduce environmental impact, but PVC has been phased out due to environmental concerns |
| Health concerns | Potential release of undesirable chemicals, toxic compounds, and carcinogens |
| Heating | Not suitable for oven or direct heat, can be used in the microwave for short periods |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic wrap composition
Plastic wrap, also known as cling film, food wrap, and saran wrap, is a thin plastic film commonly used for sealing and securing food items in containers to keep them fresh. The first plastic wrap was invented in 1933 and was made of polyvinylidene chloride (PVdC). Today, plastic wrap is typically made from polyethylene, PVC, or PVDC.
Polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC) is a plastic film developed by the Dow Chemical Company during World War II for military use. It offered a high degree of protection from moisture and resistance to oils, greases, and corrosive chemicals. In 1952, it was offered to the public under the trade name Saran Wrap. However, due to environmental concerns, some brands, including Saran Wrap, have switched to other formulations.
Another common type of plastic wrap is made from low-density polyethylene (LDPE). LDPE is considered safer for the body and is more environmentally friendly than PVC. However, it does not provide the same level of cling as PVC plastic wrap. LDPE is a thermoplastic that can be made into various plastic products, such as plastic trays, lids, and beverage containers. Manufacturers may add additional ingredients like biofilms to LDPE plastic wrap.
Plastic wrap helps keep food fresh by protecting it from air and preventing dry foods from absorbing moisture and wet foods from losing moisture. It also seals in odors to prevent them from spreading to other nearby foods. Plastic wrap is typically clear or lightly coloured and can be used in the microwave, but it should not come into direct contact with food during the heating process.
There have been health concerns about the use of plastic wrap due to the possibility of releasing undesirable chemicals and substances used to make plastics leaching into food. One such substance is diethylhexyl adipate (DEHA), a plasticizer added to some plastics to make them flexible. While exposure to DEHA during food consumption is a concern, the levels of exposure are much lower than the no-toxic-effect levels in animal studies.
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Health and safety concerns
Plastic wrap is a thin plastic film typically used for sealing food items in containers to keep them fresh for longer. It is also used as a first aid dressing for burns.
There are several health and safety concerns associated with the use of plastic wrap. Firstly, there is the potential for the migration of chemicals from the plastic into food items, a process known as "leaching". While the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States regulates packaging materials that come into contact with food through a premarket notification process, requiring manufacturers to conduct safety tests, the specific chemical makeup of plastic wraps is not always disclosed to consumers, making it difficult to fully understand the potential risks.
One particular chemical of concern in plastic wrap is diethylhexyl adipate (DEHA), a plasticizer added to make the plastic more flexible. Studies have shown that DEHA can migrate into food, especially fatty foods, and has been linked to liver tumors in mice. While the levels of DEHA exposure from plastic wrap are considered safe according to animal studies, there is ongoing research to understand the potential risks for humans.
Another concern is the presence of endocrine-disrupting chemicals, such as phthalates, which can interfere with hormone regulation in humans and other organisms. Phthalates were commonly used in plastic wrap in the past but have since been mostly phased out in the United States as of 2006. However, other chemicals and additives in plastic wrap, such as plasticizers, UV absorbers, and colorants, may still pose health risks if they migrate into food.
The use of plastic wrap with food also raises safety questions, especially when heated. The FDA advises against using plastic wrap in the microwave unless it is labelled "microwave-safe", as the heat can cause the plastic to melt and release chemicals. Similarly, single-use plastic containers should be discarded after one use, as reheating them may cause chemicals to leach into food.
Lastly, there are environmental concerns associated with plastic wrap. The accumulation of plastic debris can harm wildlife and ecosystems, both on land and in oceans. While using recycled plastic materials can help reduce environmental impacts, the original production and disposal of plastic wrap contribute to resource usage and global warming.
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Environmental impact
Plastic wrap, also known as cling film, food wrap, and saran wrap, is a thin plastic film commonly used for sealing and securing food items in containers to keep them fresh. The most common plastic wrap used at home is made from low-density polyethylene, although some brands, such as Saran wrap, have switched from polyvinylidene chloride (PVdC) due to environmental concerns.
The environmental impact of plastic wrap is significant and contributes to the larger plastic pollution crisis. Plastic wrap is difficult to recycle, and even when it is recycled, it is more costly than using virgin materials. When plastic wrap ends up in landfills or incinerators, it can release highly toxic chemicals, such as dioxin, which has been labelled as a ""likely human carcinogen" by the Environmental Protection Agency.
The accumulation of plastic debris on Earth threatens both wildlife and the environment. Plastic debris can choke or trap wildlife, and it can penetrate toxic compounds into ecosystems, including aquatic environments. Plastic pollution in oceans is a significant issue, with an estimated eight million metric tons of plastic entering the ocean each year. Microplastics, which are small pieces of broken-down plastic, are everywhere on Earth and pose a deadly problem for wildlife, causing punctured organs or intestinal blockages.
The production of single-use plastics, which includes plastic wrap, also contributes to climate change. Single-use plastics are derived from fossil fuels, and the extraction and transportation of these fuels emit vast amounts of greenhouse gases. Additionally, the removal of forested land for oil extraction and pipeline construction has resulted in the release of over 1.6 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
While plastic wrap has negative environmental impacts, it is important to note that it also has benefits, such as reducing food waste by keeping food fresh. However, there are emerging alternatives, such as nanomaterials from biofilms, that can be incorporated into packaging on an industrial scale to address sustainability concerns.
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Industrial vs. food-grade plastic wrap
Plastic wrap is a thin plastic film typically used for sealing food items in containers to keep them fresh over a longer period of time. It is commonly made out of PVC (Polyvinylidene Chloride). In recent years, LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene) has become a more popular alternative due to safety concerns with PVC. LDPE is considered safer for the body, but it does not provide the same level of cling as PVC.
Industrial stretch film is primarily used in industries such as logistics, warehousing, and shipping. It is designed to stretch and conform tightly to the items being wrapped, providing stability and protection during transportation and storage. This type of plastic wrap is ideal for heavy or bulky items and is not intended for direct contact with consumable products.
Food-grade plastic wrap, also known as food cling wrap, is specifically designed for use with food items. It is thin, flexible, and creates an airtight seal that extends the shelf life and maintains the quality of food. Food-grade plastic wrap is commonly used in catering, cafes, and restaurants due to its ability to effectively protect and preserve food. It comes in various thicknesses and lengths to accommodate different food prep and wrapping needs.
While industrial stretch film is excellent for securing and stabilising cartons and pallets, food-grade plastic wrap is specialised for protecting food. Food-grade plastic wrap is safe for use in the microwave, but it should not be heated in a conventional oven, stovetop, or toaster oven as it may melt and release chemicals. It is important to follow the manufacturer's directions for proper use.
In summary, industrial stretch film is ideal for packaging and transporting heavy or bulky items, while food-grade plastic wrap is specifically designed for preserving and protecting food items, keeping them fresh and safe for consumption.
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Plastic wrap's uses
Plastic wrap is a general term used to describe many different materials. It is most often used to refer to industrial plastic wrap or food-grade plastic wrap. Food plastic wrap, also known as cling film, food wrap, or saran wrap, is a thin plastic film commonly used for sealing and securing food items in containers to keep them fresh.
Food plastic wrap is sold in individual rolls or, more typically, with a roll in a box that has a cutting edge. Plastic wrap is typically clear or lightly coloured, and it clings to itself and to food containers to form a tight seal. This seal helps to keep food fresh by protecting it from contaminants and maintaining food moisture. It also helps to extend the shelf life of food and maintain its quality. In addition, plastic wrap can reduce food waste, tag food information, ease distribution processes, and increase product visibility and microwavability.
Plastic wrap is made from various materials, including polyethylene, low-density polyethylene (LDPE), and linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE). Manufacturers previously used polyvinylidene chloride (PVdC) to make food-safe plastic wraps, but this has been largely phased out due to environmental concerns and the potential for plasticizers to migrate into food products. Some plastic wraps may still contain PVdC, but it is typically combined with another ingredient or film that provides additional food safety properties.
Plastic wrap can be used in the microwave, but it should not come into direct contact with food during the heating process, especially food high in fat, as the fat can melt the plastic. It is also important to follow the manufacturer's directions for microwaving or otherwise heating plastic wraps, as untreated plastic wrap can release chemicals and melt when heated. Standard food plastic wrap is not recommended for use in conventional ovens, stovetops, or toaster ovens.
In addition to food packaging, plastic wrap is used in various other applications, including medical and pharmaceutical industries. It can be used to cover medical instruments, wounds, and medication packaging. It is also useful for protecting electronic parts from dust and covering and protecting building materials from dirt, moisture, and weather elements.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic wrap is a thin plastic film commonly used for sealing and securing food items in containers to keep them fresh.
Plastic wrap is typically made from low-density polyethylene (LDPE). Previously, plastic wrap was often made from polyvinylidene chloride (PVdC), but this has been largely phased out due to environmental concerns and the potential for plasticizers to migrate into food products.
Plastic wrap should not be heated in the oven or with other forms of direct heat as it may melt and release chemicals. Some plastic wraps can be placed in the microwave for short amounts of time, but it is recommended to avoid direct contact with food during heating.
There are potential health risks associated with the use of plastic wrap due to the possibility of undesirable chemicals migrating into food. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates packaging materials that come into contact with food through a premarket notification process to ensure safety.
