What is biodegradable cling wrap made of?

If you're a conscientious consumer, you've undoubtedly been minimising your use of plastic and recycling what you can. However, there are some goods that are difficult to give up and cling wrap is one of them. 

The most environmentally friendly method is to avoid using cling wrap entirely and instead go for reusable alternatives such as beeswax wraps and silicone food covers. But you may discover that there are some things you still want to cover with single-use products.

Some 'green' cling wrap goods are exorbitantly priced and of poor quality. Others make hazy (or even questionable) claims regarding their environmental credentials. So, what should an environmentally concerned buyer do? 

We’ve put together some critical and well thought out information and things to consider when looking for an eco-friendly cling wrap. From avoiding greenwashing to understanding what compostable cling wrap is made from, read on for our tips and thoughts. 

Can you avoid greenwashing?

There is a lot of greenwashing in the cling wrap category, as there is in many other items. Companies that only utilise 50% (or less) sustainable content in their products are glad to market them as "green," even though they aren't usually that much better for the environment than their petroleum-based competitors. 

Many of the best-performing and most well-known cling wraps worldwide that claim to be 'eco' aren't very green at all. These companies claim they are green despite using only 50% plant-based plastics. The other half is constructed of good old-fashioned plastic derived from fossil fuels. This proves that researching companies, reading labels correctly and checking the fine print are all critical when avoiding greenwashed labels. 

Unfortunately, eco claims are challenging to establish, and there is no regulatory standard for these labelling systems, making it impossible to know what you're getting. 

The best way to ensure you're using the best eco cling wrap is to take all 'environmental' statements with a grain of salt, read all the important details before buying, and then properly dispose of it.

What is biodegradable cling wrap made of?

Biodegradable cling wrap is created from corn-based PLA and is compostable even in our homes. Biodegradable materials degrade rapidly and easily, requiring no further effort. 

In the same way that it breaks down natural materials, the environment can break down this biodegradable product using oxygen and light.

What does 'compostable' actually mean?

Check the label to see what it means if a product is labelled "compostable" — some require an industrial composting system, while others are home compostable. 

This is because 'compostable' biodegradable cling wrap degrades faster in a home compost and industrial composting facilities. If either of these is disposed of in a landfill, they may take the same amount of time to degrade as other cling wraps. It’s very important that you know what your cling wrap is made of and even if your cling wrap is compostable or biodegradable, always ensure they make into your compost and not your regular or recycling bin. 

How to find the right biodegradable cling wrap

At Urban Ethos, we think that sustainability does not have to be expensive. Plus, we also understand that finding the correct items can be difficult, which is why we stock the best of the best for your convenience and peace of mind. 

Compostable SugarWrap Cling Wrap is created from corn-based PLA but has the same practical durability as standard petro-based plastics and is 100% compostable in a home composting environment.

If you don’t have biodegradable cling wrap, use glass jars, aluminium containers, or reusable dishes instead. Although these aren't always biodegradable, they can still be reused multiple times, allowing you to lessen your carbon footprint. 

Make the sustainable switch today

Cling wrap is easy to use and keeps your food fresh. Unfortunately, the convenience they give is nothing compared to the negative environmental effects they have. Thankfully there are compostable, biodegradable alternatives such as SugerWrap for you to enjoy the convenience of cling wrap, while still practising environmentally friendly measures. 

Here at Urban Ethos, we offer a great alternative to plastic cling wrap, head here to check out our kitchen range for all your food plastic replacement needs.