When it comes to cling film, we are all very familiar with it, because it is almost a must-have item in every family's kitchen. Most of the cling films and plastic bags we see on the market are made of ethylene masterbatch as raw materials through polymerization. The cling films on the market are mainly divided into PVC cling film and PE cling film. So, what are the differences between them? The following is a comparison of PVC cling film and PE cling film, focusing on their main differences:
PVC Cling Film
Material:
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride): Made from polyvinyl chloride, a versatile plastic material.
Properties:
Cling and Stretchability: Excellent cling and stretchability, making it highly effective for wrapping various shapes and sizes.
Transparency: Often clearer than PE cling film, providing better visibility of the wrapped contents.
Breathability: Allows a certain level of oxygen and moisture transmission, which can help in preserving the freshness of certain foods.
Uses:
Common Applications: Widely used in both household and commercial settings for wrapping food items like fruits, vegetables, meat, and dairy products.
Temperature Range: Can be used in a broader range of temperatures, but it's not suitable for wrapping fatty foods due to potential chemical interaction.
Environmental Impact:
Recycling and Disposal: More challenging to recycle compared to PE. May release harmful chemicals if not disposed of properly.
PE Cling Film
Material:
PE (Polyethylene): Made from polyethylene, which is a simpler plastic material.
Properties:
Cling and Stretchability: Good cling and stretchability, but generally less than PVC.
Transparency: Typically less clear than PVC cling film.
Breathability: Lower oxygen and moisture transmission rates compared to PVC, which can extend the shelf life of some foods.
Uses:
Common Applications: Also used for wrapping food items, particularly in household settings. Preferred for wrapping foods that are fatty or oily since it doesn’t interact chemically with such foods.
Temperature Range: Suitable for freezing and refrigeration but may have a narrower temperature range compared to PVC.
Environmental Impact:
Recycling and Disposal: Easier to recycle compared to PVC and generally considered to have a lower environmental impact.
Feature
PVC Cling Film
PE Cling Film
Material
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
Polyethylene (PE)
Cling and Stretchability
Excellent cling and stretch
Good cling and stretch, less than PVC
Transparency
Higher clarity
Lower clarity
Breathability
Allows oxygen and moisture transmission
Lower oxygen and moisture transmission
Common Applications
Wrapping fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy
Wrapping various foods, especially fatty or oily
Temperature Range
Broad range, but not for fatty foods
Suitable for freezing and refrigeration
Environmental Impact
Harder to recycle, potential chemical release
Easier to recycle, lower environmental impact
Both PVC and PE cling films have their specific advantages and are chosen based on the requirements of the food being preserved and the environmental considerations of the user.
