Plastic wrap
Plastic wrap, cling film (UK), cling wrap or food wrap, is a thin plastic film typically used for sealing food items in containers to keep them fresh over a longer period of time. Plastic wrap, typically sold on rolls in boxes with a cutting edge, clings to many smooth surfaces and can thus remain tight over the opening of a container without adhesive or other devices. Common plastic wrap is roughly 0.5 mils, or 12.5 µm, thick. In Australia and New Zealand the genericised trademark glad wrap is commonly used, while Saran wrap has become genericized in North America.
Materials used
Plastic wrap was first created from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which remains the most common material. Non-PVC alternatives are now being sold due to concerns about the transfer of plasticizers from PV into food, although PVC is still the most common. For household use, low density polyethylene (LDPE) is gaining market share as it is much safer.
A number of governments are concerned about the environmental effect of PVC, as the material is said to be toxic and harder to recycle. Nevertheless, PVC is still used as its stretching properties offer excellent food catering presentation on the shelf, and it clings well to more kinds of surfaces. Even so, some countries are starting to ban the use of PVC in toys for infants and food contact applications.