Plastic wrap
Plastic wrap is a thin, flexible plastic film used to cover food or bundle objects. Its cling helps it stay attached to itself and many surfaces.
Polyethylene: Polyethylene is a polymer made from repeating ethylene units and used in films, containers, pipes, and many other products. Low-density polyethylene is a common material for plastic wrap, valued for flexibility and cling.
Food packaging: Food packaging contains, protects, preserves, or presents food during storage, transport, and sale. Plastic wrap is a simple, flexible form of packaging for covering foods and containers.
Aluminum foil: Aluminum foil is a thin sheet of aluminum used for wrapping, covering, and cooking food. Foil blocks light and gases more effectively, while plastic wrap conforms and clings without being molded.
Plastic pollution: Plastic pollution is the accumulation of plastic materials in the environment, where they can persist and harm organisms. Discarded wrap can escape waste systems because its light, flexible form is difficult to collect.
Polyvinyl chloride: Polyvinyl chloride is a synthetic polymer used in construction products, medical devices, and flexible films. Some cling films use flexible PVC, whose formulation can produce strong cling and clarity.
Modified atmosphere packaging: Modified atmosphere packaging changes the gas composition around food to slow spoilage or preserve quality. Unlike ordinary wrap, this packaging controls the surrounding atmosphere to extend storage life.
Wax paper: Wax paper is paper coated with wax to resist moisture and reduce sticking. Wax paper resists moisture but does not cling or provide the same flexible seal.
Plastic recycling: Plastic recycling is the recovery and reprocessing of plastic waste into usable material. Thin, often food-soiled wrap is generally difficult to sort and recycle through curbside systems.
Plasticizer: A plasticizer is an additive that increases a polymer's flexibility by reducing stiffness or intermolecular attraction. Plasticizers make some PVC wrap soft and pliable enough to conform closely to surfaces.
Microwave oven: A microwave oven heats food using electromagnetic radiation in the microwave frequency range. Some wraps are labeled for microwave use, but contact with food and overheating can cause problems.