Plastic Wrap 101

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Plastic Wrap- Also known as cling film, food wrap, and saran wrap, is a thin plastic film commonly used for sealing food items in containers to keep fresh over a long period of time. Plastic WrapPlastic wrap is sold in individual rolls or more typically sold with a roll in a box that has a cutting edge on it.

Plastic wrap was discovered in 1933 when a lab worker (Ralph Wiley) at Dow chemical was having trouble washing out beakers used in developing a dry-cleaning product. The product was initially developed into a spray to be sprayed onto fighter planes to protect them from salty sea spray. The original plastic wrap that was invented was PVdC (polyvinylidene Chloride). In 1949 Dow Chemical refined the spray and developed saran plastic wrap.

Plastic wrap is commonly made out of PVC (Polyvinylidene Chloride). In recent years other PVC alternatives have become more popular. The most popular alternative in recent years is LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene) because it is considered to be safer for the body. The problem with LDPE plastic wrap is it does not provide the amount of cling that PVC plastic wrap does. In 2004 the "Saran" brand changed to using LDPE due to environmental concerns with the chloride associated with PVC plastic wrap.

How is Plastic Wrap Made?

1. Plastic granules are heated until they melt.Plastic Wrap Manufacturing

2. The liquid is then forced through a die to form a tube of stretchable plastic.

3. Compressed air is blown into the tubes to form a bubble.

 4. The bubble stretches the plastic into desired thicknesses.

5. The bubble is collapsed between metal rollers to form a plastic film.

6. The film is then rolled onto a large metal roll that may hold several kilometers of film.

7. From the large roll, the plastic wrap is unwound, cut, and rerolled onto smaller rolls.

8. The rolling and unrolling of the plastic wrap helps to give it more cling. 

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

Frequently Asked Plastic Wrap Questions

Can I use plastic wrap in the microwave?

Yes, plastic wrap can be used in the microwave. It is recommend that users poke holes for steam ventilation. The plastic wrap should not come into contact with food high in fat. The fat can melt the plastic wrap if heated to a high enough temperature.Plastic Wrap over egg

Can I use plastic wrap in the oven?

No, plastic wrap is not to be used in conventional ovens, stove tops, or toaster ovens. The plastic will melt if used in any of these cooking units.

Can plastic wrap be used to freeze food?

Yes, plastic wrap will protect food when in the freezer. It is recommended that no air be between the plastic wrap and the food. That will help protect the food from freezer burn. For long term storage, zip lock bags are recommended.

Is plastic wrap a good insulator?

No, plastic wrap does not have very many qualities that make it a good insulator. It may slightly assist in heat retention, but aluminum foil is a better insulator. Two layers of plastic wrap with air in between is the best way to use plastic wrap as an insulator if necessary.

What is the best way to protect against cuts from the cutterbox blade?

The perforated edge on plastic wrap boxes and aluminum foil boxes can cause cuts if not careful.Plastic Wrap Wrapmaster We recommend our wrapmaster aluminum foil and plastic wrap dispenser. It features a hidden cutting blade to ensure safe usage every time.

Do you offer Perforated Plastic Wrap?

Yes. Perforated plastic wrap is ideal for a variety of applications ranging from use in restaurants all the way to use in salons. Our perforated plastic wrap comes in a variety of sizes to ensure the ability to fit multiple plastic wrap applications. Check out the link above to view our perforated plastic wrap.