Dongguan Dingsheng Paper Plastic Packaging Products Co., Ltd
PVC Cling Film Manufacturer

PVC Cling Film Manufacturer

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Home > News > What Is Cling Film Made Of

What Is Cling Film Made Of

2025-12-23 16:57:21

Cling film is one of the most widely used packaging materials in households, restaurants, and food-processing industries worldwide. From preserving leftovers at home to protecting fresh produce during transportation, this transparent film plays a crucial role in modern food storage. Yet many people still ask: what is cling film made of, and how does it safely wrap food while remaining flexible and transparent?


1. What’s Cling Film?

Before discussing materials, it’s important to define what’s cling film. Cling film—also known as plastic wrap or food wrap—is a thin, stretchable plastic film designed to adhere to surfaces such as containers, bowls, and food items without additional adhesives.

Its defining characteristics include:

  • High transparency

  • Strong stretchability

  • Self-adhering (cling) properties

  • Moisture and air barrier performance

These features make cling film an essential tool for food storage and packaging.


2. What Is Cling Film Made Of?

The composition of cling film depends on its type and intended application. Traditionally and commercially, the most common material is PVC (polyvinyl chloride).

2.1 PVC as the Primary Material

Most traditional cling film is made from PVC stretch film, which is valued for its excellent clarity and cling performance. PVC-based films have been widely used in both household and professional food environments for decades.

Common forms include:

PVC films require plasticizers to achieve softness and flexibility, which also contribute to their strong cling behavior.


3. Why PVC Is Used in Cling Film

PVC remains popular due to several functional advantages:

  • Exceptional stretchability

  • High transparency for product visibility

  • Strong self-cling without adhesives

  • Excellent sealing performance

  • Cost-effective production

These benefits explain why PVC food film is widely used in supermarkets, catering services, and food-processing facilities.


4. Additives Used in PVC Cling Film

Pure PVC is rigid by nature. To transform it into flexible cling film, manufacturers add specific additives.

4.1 Plasticizers

Plasticizers are essential for making PVC soft and elastic. They:

  • Improve stretch performance

  • Enhance cling properties

  • Prevent cracking

Food-grade plasticizers are strictly regulated for PVC cling film for food wrapping to ensure safety.

4.2 Stabilizers

Stabilizers protect the film during processing and use by:

  • Preventing heat degradation

  • Maintaining transparency

  • Extending shelf life


5. Manufacturing Process of PVC Cling Film

Understanding how cling film is made provides insight into its performance and quality.

5.1 Raw Material Preparation

PVC resin, plasticizers, and stabilizers are blended to form a uniform compound suitable for film extrusion.

5.2 Film Extrusion

The compound is melted and extruded into thin sheets using either:

  • Cast film extrusion

  • Blown film extrusion

Cast extrusion is more commonly used for PVC stretch film due to its superior clarity.

5.3 Cooling and Stretching

The film is rapidly cooled and stretched to achieve:

  • Uniform thickness

  • High elasticity

  • Controlled cling strength

5.4 Slitting and Rolling

The finished film is cut and wound into different formats such as:

These rolls are then packaged for retail or industrial use.


6. Types of PVC Cling Film

6.1 Household PVC Cling Film

Used in kitchens for wrapping leftovers, fruits, and vegetables. It is typically thinner and packaged in small rolls.

6.2 Commercial PVC Food Film

Designed for restaurants, supermarkets, and catering services. It offers stronger stretch and durability.

6.3 PVC Cling Film Jumbo Roll

A PVC cling film jumbo roll is used by distributors and large-scale food processors. It allows:

  • Custom roll sizing

  • High-volume usage

  • Reduced packaging waste


7. Food Safety of PVC Cling Film

One of the most common concerns is whether PVC Cling Wrap is safe for food.

7.1 Regulatory Compliance

High-quality PVC cling film for food wrapping complies with:

  • FDA food-contact regulations

  • EU food safety standards

  • Migration limit requirements

7.2 Proper Usage Guidelines

To ensure safety:

  • Avoid direct contact with high-fat foods unless specified

  • Do not use in microwave ovens unless labeled microwave-safe

  • Store away from heat sources

When used correctly, certified PVC food film is safe and effective.


8. Environmental Considerations

PVC cling film is durable and effective, but environmental concerns exist due to:

  • Limited recyclability

  • Use of plasticizers

  • Disposal challenges

Many manufacturers are now improving formulations and exploring alternative materials while maintaining the performance advantages of PVC.


9. PVC Cling Film vs Other Materials

MaterialCling PerformanceTransparencyCostCommon Use
PVCExcellentHighModerateFood wrapping
PEModerateMediumLowGeneral packaging
PVDCVery HighHighHighSpecialty food packaging

Despite alternatives, PVC plastic wrap remains dominant due to its balance of performance and cost.


10. Industrial Applications of PVC Cling Film

Beyond home kitchens, PVC cling film roll products are widely used in:

  • Supermarkets (fresh meat and produce)

  • Food processing plants

  • Catering and hospitality

  • Cold-chain food transportation

The film’s ability to maintain freshness and reduce contamination makes it indispensable.


11. How to Choose the Right PVC Cling Film

When selecting PVC cling film for food wrapping, consider:

  • Film thickness

  • Cling strength

  • Food safety certification

  • Roll size (standard roll vs jumbo roll)

  • Intended food type

Professional buyers often prefer PVC cling film jumbo roll formats for efficiency and cost control.


12. Storage and Handling Tips

To maintain performance:

  • Store rolls in a cool, dry place

  • Avoid direct sunlight

  • Use compatible dispensers for smooth cutting

Proper storage ensures consistent cling and stretch over time.


Conclusion

So, what is cling film made of? In most cases, it is made from PVC stretch film, enhanced with food-grade plasticizers and stabilizers to deliver excellent transparency, stretchability, and cling performance. From household PVC plastic wrap to industrial PVC cling film jumbo roll solutions, PVC-based cling film continues to be a reliable and efficient packaging material.

By understanding what’s cling film, how it is manufactured, and how PVC food film is safely used, consumers and businesses can make smarter choices that balance convenience, safety, and performance.


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