Cling film, or cling wrap as some call it, has become an indispensable part of modern life, from everyday home use to demanding commercial applications. But with so many options available, choosing the right one can be confusing. Have you ever stopped to think about the secrets behind this everyday item and how it impacts our planet? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the world of cling film, exploring traditional materials, uncovering their pitfalls, and ultimately, introducing you to the revolutionary world of compostable cling film and biodegradable food wrap.
Whether you’re looking for the best cling wrap for your home kitchen or seeking a more sustainable option for your bulk food business, this article is for you.
The Hidden Truth About Traditional Cling Film
When you reach for cling film, do you know what it’s actually made of? The most common materials used in traditional cling wrap include:
- PE (Polyethylene): A waterproof and breathable option, ideal for wrapping vegetables and frozen foods. However, it struggles with greasy foods, and using it may require a slider or point-break line for ease of use.
- PVDC (Polyvinylidene Chloride): PVDC is a thick, low-oxygen permeability cling film that excels at maintaining moisture and freshness, ideal for long-term preservation. It is safe for use in microwave ovens, steamers, and freezers.
- PMP (polymethylpentene): A high-temperature resistant option with high cost, suitable for cooking at high temperatures. However, it’s not as effective at lower temperatures, making it less suitable for freezing.
- LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene): This material is temperature resistant at low temps, but it’s not suitable for microwave ovens or with oil and is sensitive to UV rays and heat.
The Revolutionary Shift: Compostable Cling Film
For too long, we’ve relied on traditional plastic cling film, a significant contributor to landfill waste. The good news is, there’s a better way! Compostable cling film, also known as biodegradable cling wrap, offers an environmentally friendly alternative. It’s designed to safely decompose in a composting environment, unlike its petroleum-based counterparts.
What Makes Biodegradable Food Wrap So Special?
- Non-Toxic Decomposition: Unlike plastics that leach harmful chemicals, degradable cling wrap breaks down into safe, non-toxic elements.
- Meeting Consumer Demand: Eco-conscious consumers are increasingly demanding sustainable products. By offering compostable cling film, businesses can meet that demand and resonate with a wider customer base.
- Superior Performance: Advanced compostable cling film options utilize innovative sealing technology, providing a tight seal to preserve food’s freshness, flavor, and nutrients. It also effectively slows oxidation and reduces water loss. This makes it ideal for domestic and commercial use. Bulk orders are available for businesses.
- Added Convenience: With a point-and-shoot design or optional cutter for ease of use, there is no more frustrating sticky mess, making preservation simple and efficient.
Types of Biodegradable Cling Wrap:
- Plant Starch-Based: Usually made from corn or potato starch, these are widely available, affordable, and perform similarly to traditional plastic cling film.
- PLA-Based (Polylactic Acid): A bioplastic derived from fermented plant sugars, known for its clarity and durability.
- PBAT-Based (Polybutylene Adipate Terephthalate): An easily biodegradable material with great flexibility, heat resistance, and impact resistance, ideal for various applications.
The Smart Way to Use Cling Film: Tips for Better Freshness and Safety
It’s important to use cling wrap correctly for the best results and to avoid health risks. Here’s the smart way to use it, whether you’re storing leftovers or wrapping fresh produce.
Why Cling Wrap is Better Than Plastic Bags
Unlike plastic bags, cling film provides a better seal, keeping your food fresher for longer. It creates an airtight barrier that locks in moisture and flavor, helping to preserve the taste and texture of your food. Cling film also prevents cross-contamination, stopping flavors from transferring between different dishes.
Cling Film vs. Aluminum Foil: What is the Healthier Option for Fruits and Vegetables
Cling film has a unique advantage over aluminum foil when it comes to storing fruits and vegetables. Unlike foil, cling film allows produce to “breathe,” preventing the build-up of moisture and gases that can accelerate decay. This breathable feature keeps fruits and vegetables fresh longer, helping you reduce food waste. Always choose the right material for the specific food item to maximize its shelf life.
PVC Cling Film: A Hidden Health Risk
One important thing to know is that PVC cling film, commonly used to wrap supermarket fruit cuts and boxed meats, can be a potential health hazard. While PVC itself is non-toxic when new, it contains plasticizers that are added to enhance flexibility. When exposed to light, heat, or grease, these plasticizers can break down into harmful substances, including teratogenic (birth defect-causing) and carcinogenic chemicals.
For this reason, it’s crucial to avoid using PVC cling film for packaging cooked or fatty foods. Always replace supermarket packaging, especially PVC-based wraps, with a safer, home-use biodegradable cling film for storage.
Storing High-Fat Foods: Avoid Direct Contact
When storing high-fat foods like meats or oily leftovers, it’s essential to minimize direct contact between the cling film and the food. The best way to do this is by placing the food in a bowl or container and creating a small gap between the cling film and the food’s surface. This helps prevent the film from breaking down due to oils and fats, preserving both the food and the wrap.
Cling Film Adhesion: The Importance of Static Electricity
Cling film works by creating static electricity to adhere to surfaces, which is why it sticks best to insulators like glass and plastic. It doesn’t adhere well to conductive materials like metals. Some companies are working on new formulations to improve cling film adhesion to ceramics, plastics, and resins, but be aware that its effectiveness may vary depending on the material you’re using.
Avoid Cling Film in High-Temperature Environments
Exercise caution when using any type of cling film in high-heat conditions. Cling film is not designed for direct exposure to high temperatures, especially when food contains fats or oils. The combination of heat and fat can cause the cling film to break down, melt, or even dissolve.
Some types of cling film, like PE film, can tolerate heat up to around 110°C (230°F), but the instant steam from heating food, combined with oils, can cause the wrap to lose its integrity. For high-heat cooking, steaming, or microwave defrosting, cling film is suitable, but avoid using it in situations where the temperature exceeds its heat resistance.
Why Choose ShinHigh for Your Compostable Cling Film Needs?
We are a manufacturer and factory specializing in compostable film. We offer high-quality, biodegradable food wrap solutions for commercial clients looking for sustainable alternatives. Whether you require bulk orders for your restaurant or want to stock eco-friendly cling film in your store, we can provide degradable cling wrap solutions tailored to your specific needs. Please feel free to contact us.
Conclusion:
The shift towards compostable cling film is not just a trend, it’s a necessity for a healthier planet. By understanding the limitations of traditional plastics and embracing eco-friendly options like biodegradable cling wrap, we can make a positive impact on the environment and choose more sustainable solutions.
