What are the benefits of plastic wraps?

Packaging – Plastic Wrap

In this series, we explore packaging ingredients. In this post, we look at the main ingredients that make up the food-safe plastic wrap we use at home.

What are food-safe plastic wraps and what do they do?

Plastic wraps are typically clear or lightly colored transparent food-safe coverings that cling to themselves and to food containers to form a seal.
 
The plastic wrap keeps foods fresh by protecting them from the air which can expedite spoiling and oxidation, preventing unwanted drying, and preventing undesirable moisture absorption. They can also help keep food odors contained.
 
Currently, plastic wraps play an important role in food preservation and safe transportation, helping to keep our foods fresh and safe which in turn can help reduce food waste.
 

What are food-safe plastic wraps made of? 

There are a few types of food-safe plastic wraps, the most common plastic wrap we use at home is made from low-density polyethylene.
 
Manufacturers used to make many food-safe plastic wraps from polyvinylidene chloride. However, manufacturers have phased out polyvinylidene chloride use due to potential environmental harm as well as concerns that plasticizers from the polyvinylidene chloride food wrap could migrate into food products. We may still find this ingredient on some food packaging, but it’s typically combined with another ingredient or a film that provides additional food safety properties (1,2,3). 
 

What is low-density polyethylene?

Low-density polyethylene is a thermoplastic that can be made into many different plastic products. We find this ingredient in plastic trays, snap-on lids, beverage containers, plastic wraps, and more.

Do manufacturers add other ingredients to low-density polyethylene? 

Sometimes, manufacturers will add additional ingredients like biofilms to plastic wrap such as low-density polyethylene. These biofilms are designed specifically for a food product to increase food preservation properties.
 
Plastic wraps for home use may contain an ingredient to help the plastic stick to itself, however, they do not typically contain other ingredients like biofilms.

Is it regulated?

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates packaging and materials that will come into contact with food through a premarket notification process (1). A premarket notification process involves the manufacturer submitting key data and safety points around the material demonstrating that the packaging or contact substance satisfies the FDA’s safety requirements.  
 

 
To get the required data points, manufacturers enlist researchers to perform a battery of safety tests evaluating the ingredient’s safety profile. Sometimes ingredients found in the packaging or contact materials will be present on food. The researchers will measure this residue in parts per million (ppm) or parts per billion (ppb) (1). Once they have results, they will calculate a safety profile using a risk assessment process.
 

Is low-density polyethylene microwave safe?

The USDA recommends following the manufacturer’s directions for microwaving or otherwise heating plastic wraps, in an overabundance of caution the recommend avoiding plastic wrap from touching your food directly during the heating process (1).
 

Are there new concerns around low-density polyethylene?

There are a few emerging research areas that scientists are exploring to ensure food safety. These include nanomaterials from biofilms that manufacturers may incorporate into low-density polyethylene packaging on an industrial scale, unintended contaminants migrating from packaging into products, and sustainability concerns (1,2,3). 
 
We’ve invited speakers to address these issues at our 2021 Science Symposium. More information on our symposium to come.

The good news.

In our daily lives, plastic wraps help keep our foods fresh and safe longer, reducing food waste. On an industrial scale, plastic wraps protect food from potential contamination and spoilage during their journey from their origin to our plates

Plastic food packaging has become an integral part of our daily lives but is often criticized for its environmental impact. Plastic packaging provides a range of benefits that help improve food preservation, reduce waste and promote sustainability, which include but aren’t limited to: 

• Preservation: Plastic food packaging is designed to create a protective barrier that extends the shelf life of various food products. By sealing out air, moisture, and light, plastic packaging helps preserve the freshness, flavor, and nutritional value of food. This enables consumers to enjoy the same high-quality product for an extended period, reducing the chances of food spoilage and waste. 
• Helps Reduce Food Waste: One of the significant benefits of plastic food packaging is its ability to reduce food waste. Packaging prevents contamination and physical damage, ensuring that products reach consumers in optimal condition. By protecting against external factors that accelerate spoilage, plastic packaging helps to minimize the amount of food discarded due to deterioration, ultimately reducing food waste in households and the supply chain. 

• Durability: Plastic food packaging is known for its durability and strength. Lightweight yet resilient, plastic packaging can withstand handling, transportation, and potential impacts without compromising the integrity of the packaged food. This durability not only protects the product but also minimizes the risk of spillage, breakage, and other accidents, enhancing both the convenience and safety of food packaging. 
• Recyclability: The recyclability of plastic food packaging is an essential factor in promoting sustainability. Many plastic packaging materials can be recycled and transformed into new products, reducing the demand for virgin plastics and conserving valuable resources. Raising awareness about proper recycling practices and supporting initiatives for plastic recycling infrastructure can contribute to a circular economy and a significant reduction in plastic waste. 
• Strength: Plastic food packaging offers exceptional strength, providing a secure enclosure for various food items. Plastic packaging reliably protects the contents from physical damage or contamination during handling, distribution, and storage. This strength ensures that the packaged food remains intact and maintains its quality until it reaches the consumer. 

Plastic food packaging offers numerous benefits that contribute to food preservation and waste reduction. While it is important to be aware of the environmental impact of plastic, efforts to promote responsible plastic use, recycling, and exploring sustainable packaging alternatives can help us strike a balance between leveraging the advantages of plastic food packaging and minimizing its potential drawbacks.