Plastic Wrap for Food: Uses, Benefits, and Concerns

Plastic wrap for food is a staple in many households, but have you ever stopped to think about its uses, benefits, and concerns?

Plastic wrap is a great way to keep food fresh, as it prevents air and moisture from entering the container.

One of the main benefits of plastic wrap is that it's easy to use and clean up.

It's also a convenient way to store leftovers, making it perfect for meal prep and reducing food waste.

Plastic wrap is a thin, flexible sheet made from a type of plastic called polyethylene.

It's commonly used to cover food and keep it fresh for a longer period.

Plastic wrap is usually clear or tinted to allow food to be visible underneath.

Plastic wrap is made through a process that involves heating plastic granules until they melt. The liquid plastic is then forced through a die to form a tube of stretchable plastic.

The next step involves compressing air into the tubes to create a bubble, which stretches the plastic into the desired thicknesses. This process is crucial in determining the final quality of the plastic wrap.

To form a plastic film, the bubble is collapsed between metal rollers. The film is then rolled onto a large metal roll that can hold several kilometers of film. I've seen these large rolls in factories, and they're truly massive!

The plastic wrap is then unwound from the large roll, cut, and rerolled onto smaller rolls. This process helps to provide more cling to the plastic wrap, making it easier to use.

The smaller rolls are then placed into cardboard containers with serrated edges or packed individually for the end-user.

Plastic wrap was initially created from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which remains the most common component globally. PVC has an acceptably-low permeability to water vapor and oxygen, helping to preserve the freshness of food.

PVC was used to make the first plastic wraps, but it's not the only option. A common, cheaper alternative to PVC is low-density polyethylene (LDPE). It is less adhesive than PVC, but this can be remedied by adding linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE).

In the US and Japan, some plastic wraps are made using polyvinylidene chloride (PVdC). However, some brands have switched to other formulations due to environmental concerns.

Plastic wrap for food is a convenient and effective way to preserve freshness. It can be used to cover bowls, containers, and even leftovers in the fridge.

Keeping food fresh is its primary benefit. Plastic wrap prevents moisture, air, and other contaminants from reaching the food, which can cause spoilage.

It's also great for storing food in the freezer, as it prevents freezer burn and keeps food tasting fresh for longer.

Plastic wrap is easy to use and can be found in most households.

You can use plastic wrap to protect food when freezing it. This is because plastic wrap will help protect the food from freezer burn when it's in direct contact with the food.

It's recommended to make sure there's no air between the plastic wrap and the food to prevent freezer burn. This will also help the plastic wrap do its job effectively.

For long-term storage, it's still recommended to use zip lock bags.

If you're looking for a reliable plastic wrap that can withstand the rigors of daily use, I highly recommend Freeze-Tite Clear High Cling Freezer Wrap. Its thick plastic is super clingy and remarkably durable, resisting tears and punctures.

This wrap is perfect for tasks both big and small, thanks to its width, which falls somewhere in between standard consumer-grade wrap and food-service wrap. You can use it to seal and reseal food containers with ease, and it's also great for wrapping large items like chicken cutlets for freezer storage.

One of the standout features of Freeze-Tite Clear High Cling Freezer Wrap is its serrated blade and easy-to-use slide cutter, which ensure that you get a perfect sheet every time. This makes it a breeze to use, even for those who are new to plastic wrap.

For a less expensive option, Freeze-Tite's little sibling, Stretch-Tite Premium Plastic Food Wrap, is a great alternative. It's thinner and narrower than the original, but it still clings just as well and is available with a slide cutter.

In fact, both Freeze-Tite wraps have been put to the test, and they've come out on top in terms of durability and clinginess. So whether you're a busy home cook or a professional chef, these wraps are sure to become your go-to choice.

Commercial wraps come in wider rolls, typically 18- and 24-inches, allowing for more area to be covered in a single pass.

This greater coverage is particularly helpful when wrapping large containers, baking sheets, or cuts of meat.

In fact, a single sheet of a commercial wrap can encase a cutting board to keep it clean, and also cover all four chicken breasts with room to spare.

However, for most home cooks, the size of commercial wrap is overkill, and they take up a lot of space.

Plastic materials can release undesirable chemicals into food products, raising health concerns.

The FDA considers the amount of a substance expected to migrate into food and the toxicological concerns about the particular chemical as part of the approval process.

Substances like diethylhexyl adipate (DEHA), a plasticizer that makes plastics flexible, have raised public concerns about exposure while consuming food with plastic wraps.

However, the levels of DEHA exposure are much lower than the no toxic effect levels in animal studies.

Plastic materials used in the food industry can release undesirable chemicals into food products, raising health concerns.

The FDA considers the amount of a substance expected to migrate into food and the toxicological concerns about the particular chemical as part of the approval process.

Substances like diethylhexyl adipate (DEHA), a plasticizer added to some plastics to make them flexible, have caught media attention due to public concerns about exposure while consuming food with plastic wraps.

However, the levels of DEHA exposure are much lower than the no toxic effect levels in animal studies.

Dioxins, labeled as "likely human carcinogen" by the Environmental Protection Agency, have been a topic of concern, but the FDA found no evidence that plastic containers or films contain dioxins.

The use of plastic wrap in food preparation, when used properly, does not pose a danger to human health.

Plastic debris is a major environmental concern, posing a threat to both wildlife and the ecosystem. It can choke or trap animals, and even penetrate toxic compounds into ecosystems.

The problem starts on land, where plastic waste is carried into streams and rivers, eventually making its way to the ocean. This has devastating effects on marine life, with some species mistaking plastic for food or even feeding it to their offspring, leading to growth problems and mortality.

Some marine species, like sea turtles, are particularly vulnerable to plastic debris. They might pick up plastic thinking it's food, which can cause huge problems for their growth and even lead to death.

Using recycled plastic materials can significantly reduce environmental impacts by minimizing the exploration, mining, and transportation of natural resources. This is especially true when fibrous reinforcement is added to plastics, which can sharply reduce resource usage and global warming in civil applications.

Here are some common types of plastic waste that contribute to the problem:

Plastic wrap is a convenient and essential tool for food storage, but it's not without its limitations. It's made from a thin plastic film, typically sold in individual rolls or with a roll in a box that has a cutting edge.

Most store-bought plastic wrap is 35 ga to 40 ga, which is a measure of its thickness. It's also worth noting that plastic wrap can be made from different materials, such as PVC (Polyvinylidene Chloride) or LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene).

You can use plastic wrap in the microwave, but it's recommended to poke holes for steam ventilation to prevent it from melting. It's also not a good idea to use plastic wrap with food high in fat, as it can melt the plastic.

Plastic wrap is not suitable for use in conventional ovens, stovetops, or toaster ovens, as it can melt and release chemicals. It's also not a good insulator, and aluminum foil is a better option if you need to retain heat.

If you're looking to protect food from freezer burn, plastic wrap can be used, but it's essential to ensure that there's no air between the wrap and the food. For long-term storage, zip lock bags are recommended.

Perforated plastic wrap is available and can be used in various applications, including restaurants and salons. It's essential to choose the right size and type of plastic wrap for your specific needs.

Industrial plastic wrap, such as pallet stretch film, should not be used in direct contact with consumable products, as it's not FDA approved for direct food contact. Standard food plastic wrap should not be heated in the oven or with other forms of direct heat, as it can melt and release chemicals.

Using plastic wrap for food can be a bit tricky, but I've learned a thing or two from my own mistakes.

Saran wrap is not the best option, as it easily shreds and can release chemicals into your food.

There are special foils designed for heating food, often referred to as Reynolon, which are stronger and more resistant to chemical release.

You should also be aware that clingwrap melts below 200 degrees, so it's not the best choice for high-heat cooking either.

If you're using a plastic film for oven use, make sure it's specifically designed for that purpose, as some can melt or release chemicals at high temperatures.