What is the difference between PE and PVC cling film? How to distinguish good and bad cling film

In our daily life, plastic wrap can be said to be a necessity to keep food fresh. But although we use it every day, people are not so familiar with it. Today, let's take a look at the difference between PE and PVC plastic wrap, how to distinguish good and bad plastic wrap, and can plastic wrap be put in the microwave? I hope it will be helpful to your life.

Contents of this article

1. What is the difference between PE and PVC cling film?

2. How to distinguish good and bad plastic wrap

3. Can plastic wrap be put into the microwave?

What is the difference between PE and PVC cling film?

1. Different materials Polyethylene cling film is referred to as PE cling film. This material is mainly used for food packaging. Fruits, vegetables, and semi-finished food products that we usually buy are all packaged with this cling film. Vinyl chloride cling film is referred to as PVC cling film. This material can also be used for food packaging, but it has a certain impact on human safety.

2. Different safety Most experts believe that PVC food cling film is quite harmful to the human body. The harmful substances in this cling film are easy to precipitate. After entering the human body with food, it has a carcinogenic effect on the human body, especially interfering with the endocrine system of the human body, causing breast cancer in women, congenital defects in newborns, male reproductive disorders and even mental illness. The United States, Japan, South Korea and other countries have already banned the use of PVC food cling film. However, household cling film made of PE material is safe.

How to distinguish good and bad plastic wrap

1. Check the packaging. If there is a "QS" mark, number and detailed address of the manufacturer, you can use the cling film marked with PE or polyethylene without worry; if it says polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or does not specify the material, try not to choose it.

2. Look at the color. The yellowish color of the whole roll is polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and the white color is polyethylene (PE).

3. Rub with your hands. PE cling film generally has poor viscosity and transparency, and is easy to open after rubbing with your hands, while PVC cling film has good transparency and viscosity, and is not easy to unfold after rubbing with your hands.

4. Burn it. When the PE cling film is ignited, the flame is yellow and burns quickly. It will not go out even if you leave the fire source. There is a phenomenon of oil dripping and the smell of burning candles. However, the PVC cling film is not easy to ignite. The root of the flame is light green and emits black smoke. It will go out after leaving the fire source and has a pungent odor.

5. Go to the supermarket. Supermarkets usually sell PE cling film, while farmers' markets mostly sell PVC cling film.

Can plastic wrap be put in the microwave?

Plastic wrap may contain chemicals such as phthalates and DEHA, which can produce carcinogens when heated in a microwave.

Therefore, when food is wrapped in any plastic wrap, it is best not to cook it in a microwave or heat it in a steamer or rice cooker; even if it does not come into contact with the food, it is best to remove the plastic wrap.

When storing food, use covered porcelain bowls or stainless steel containers. If possible, wrap meat in paper you bring with you when buying it. Put food in uncovered ceramic bowls. If there is plastic wrap on them, do not fill them up to the brim to avoid touching the food.