Plastic wrap

Plastic wrap is a very thin film used to seal food items. It is also called cling film, Saran wrap, or food wrap. This material is used to keep food fresh for longer periods. It works by clinging to smooth surfaces without the need for any adhesive.

Most modern brands are very thin. They are typically only 8, 9, or 10 micrometers thick. This thinness is common for household use where a lot of stretch is not required.

This film protects food through three main types of barriers. First, it provides a chemical barrier. This blocks gases, moisture, and light from reaching the food. Second, it offers biological protection. This keeps out microorganisms, insects, and animals. Third, it provides physical protection against mechanical damage.

By doing these things, plastic wrap can reduce food waste and help with distribution. It also allows for better product visibility and can be used in microwaves.

Different chemical materials are used to create these films. Polyvinyl chloride, or PVC, is the most common material used around the world. PVC is useful because it has low permeability to oxygen and water vapor. This helps preserve food freshness. Another common and cheaper option is low-density polyethylene, known as LDPE. To make LDPE more adhesive and stronger, manufacturers add linear low-density polyethylene, or LLDPE. In the United States and Japan, some manufacturers use polyvinylidene chloride, or PVdC. Some brands, like Saran Wrap, have changed their formulas due to environmental concerns.

History shows that the materials used for wrapping have changed over time. In the middle of the 20th century, a product called Pliofilm was used. Pliofilm was made from various kinds of rubber chloride. This specific material could be heat-sealed. As technology and concerns evolved, manufacturers moved toward different plastic formulations. Today, the choice of material depends on the desired strength and stickiness of the wrap.

There are important health and safety discussions regarding these materials. Some people worry about chemicals leaching from the plastic into food. For example, diethylhexyl adipate, or DEHA, is a plasticizer added to make plastics flexible. While there are concerns about DEHA exposure, studies show levels are lower than those causing toxic effects in animals. There have also been claims about dioxins, which are labeled as likely human carcinogens. However, the FDA has stated there is no evidence that plastic films contain dioxins. According to the FDA, using plastic wrap properly does not pose a danger to human health.

Plastic wrap also has important uses in the medical field. In hospitals, it can be used as a first aid dressing for burns. Additionally, studies suggest that wrapping premature babies in plastic wrap after birth can be helpful. This helps prevent low temperatures before the babies arrive at a neonatal intensive care unit. These medical applications show how the protective qualities of the film can be used to save lives.

However, the accumulation of plastic debris poses a major threat to the environment. Plastic can travel from land to the ocean through streams and rivers. Once in the ocean, currents move it everywhere. This debris can trap or choke wildlife. Some marine species, such as sea turtles, may mistake plastic for prey. This can cause growth problems or even death. Toxic compounds in plastic can also disrupt hormone regulation in organisms. This might change mating behavior, reproductive ability, or cause tumors. Using recycled plastics or adding fibrous reinforcement can help reduce these environmental impacts.