Reusable food wraps have revolutionized the manner in which we store food items and eatables today. The reason why we make use of foodwraps is to ensure that eatables become capable of lasting longer than usual.
So, when food items are en-wrapped in wraps made of plastic, cling, food and Saran wraps, the overall shelf life of the eatable is increased several folds over. Reusable food covers also help protect your eatables from flies and other pests.
So, can reusable organic food wraps replace the plastic ones? Well, this is very much a possibility. Not only are they safe, organic food wraps also offer cost effectiveness owing to their repeated usage capabilities.
Not only are they safe, organic food wraps also offers cost effectiveness owing to their repeated usage before needing a replacement. Well, let me walk you through everything that you really need to know about food wraps.
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Reusable Food Wraps Article Contents:
1) What is a Food Wrap?
2) What are Food Wraps Used For?
3) What are the Different Types of Food Wrapping Paper?
4) How Good is a Reusable Sandwich Wrap?
5) Bees Wax Wrap Vs Reusable Cling Wrap – Which is Better?
6) What are the Health and Environmental Concerns Pertaining to Food Wraps?
7) How to Choose the Best Reusable Food Wrap?
8) Eco Friendly Food Wrap Vs Plastic Wraps?
9) Can Reusable Food Wraps Replace Cling Wraps?
What is a Food Wrap?
A thin cling or film made from wax, plastic, aluminum, cellophane or other such materials that covers your edibles to enhance their shelf life is termed as a food wrap.
Basically, these cling or stretch wraps are mainly used for extending the shelf life of your eatables. Wraps made from plastics are super thin. They have the ability to cling to food items and keep them fresh without the aid of any sticking substance.
Most wraps are available in the form of rolls. You need to simply pull open the amount of wrap you need and slice it off using the available cutter. The most popular wraps are made from plastic. They are super thin and are capable of clinging onto any food item with utmost ease.
What are Food Wraps Used For?
Here are the following points that I (LeanandFit review staff)have identified that determine the main uses of food wraps.
Prolonged Shelf Life:
As I have mentioned above, food wraps are clings that are mainly used to enclose food items so that they last longer. Besides this, wraps are also used to keep the eatables safe from pests and insects.
Safety from Insects & Animals:
So, flies, insects, dust mites and other bacteria/parasites are saved from infecting the food. These food covers also save your food from microorganisms and animals. This in turn permits you to consume food that is healthy and free from infections.
Protection from Water:
Polyvinylidene Chloride is the main component of wraps used for protecting food items with. This material does not absorb moisture and is less permeable to oxygen. Hence, your food is able to remain healthy and nutritious for a prolonged time period.
Protection against Chemicals:
Gasses of various kinds have the ability to infiltrate unprotected food items and spoil them. Hence, food covers are essential to protect foods from harmful chemicals and gasses as well as light. This helps you use food for a longer time period.
Tagging Becomes Easier:
In order to prolong the existing shelf life of your food items, cover it with a wrap. If the food cover is made from plastic then, you can even write the “best before dates” on the cling itself.
Warm it and Distribute it:
When you have a film clinging to your delicious food, you have a protection guarantee affixed to your eatable. Simply warm it in the microwave and serve it hot.
What are the Different Types of Food Wrapping Paper?
There are several kinds of wraps available in the market for enclosing food items. Nonetheless, the most popular ones are what we shall be discussing via the means of this article. So, here goes:
The Kraft Food Wrap:
This is a food wrap that is specifically meant to enclose meats. This is also known as butcher wrap. You can also wrap fish in it. It is leak proof and can handle a lot of wet weight.
Patty Wrap:
As the name itself suggests, this wrap is used for enclosing patties. This paper is made from wax that has been dried and smeared onto it. This paper is used for storing patties in cold storage. The wax prevents the patties from joining each other.
The Freeze Burn Wrap:
This wrap is made especially for storing foods in the cold storage. It is made from polyethylene and is leak proof. This wrap is also laminated to prevent the food from burning in the freezer. You can store fish as well as poultry in this wrap.
Bees Wax Food Wrap:
This is a paper that is fortified with bees wax. The wax enables the food placed within this wrap to remain moisture free. Bees wax also helps the food retain its original moisture. So, you shall not miss out on the juicy element. No moisture can enter this wrap.
Reusable Sandwich Wrap:
Sandwiches too need to be kept safe and intact. This is why a wrap is essential. Sandwich wraps are made from wax paper. Some wraps are also made from parchment. In certain countries aluminum foil is used for wrapping sandwiches.
How Good is a Reusable Sandwich Wrap?
You all would agree that a sandwich is one of the easiest food preparations available in the market today. It takes just a few seconds to a few minutes to prepare a sandwich.
Thereafter, all you need to do is take it along wherever you go. In order to carry a sandwich easily, you need to place it in a special casing. This is also termed as a food wrap.
These wraps not only keep the sandwich safe from pests, gasses and animals, they also increase the freshness of the food item. This in turn enhances the overall shelf life of the sandwich.
What are the Most Common Sandwich Wrap Types?
The best options for wrapping your precious sandwich are a foil, a wax paper or a parchment. Let me walk you through each of these in brief:
Aluminum Foil Food Wrap for Sandwich:
This paper thin sheet of aluminum metal is used to wrap sandwiches in. The thickness of these foils is usually 0.2 mm and is used to encapsulate, transport and even insulate food items.
Apart from en-wrapping sandwiches, aluminum foil is also used for keeping bakery items intact. Wrapping meats and uncovering baking dishes in hot ovens is also part and parcel of aluminum foils. It is also great for packaging a wide variety of sandwiches.
Advantages of Aluminum Foils for Sandwiches:
>>> Aluminum is a metal that helps absorb the natural shape and consistency of food.
>>> It can negate the effect of wet sandwiches thereby keeping them from leaking.
>>> Helps retain freshness of the food and enhance the overall shelf-life of the sandwich.
Any Harm using Aluminum Foil for Wrapping a Sandwich Inside:
>>> Avoid cooking sandwiches at high temperature. High temperatures can cause the metal to seep inside the food item.
>>> Whenever you use acidic based foods within the sandwich (such as tomatoes and lemons) use as less foil as possible.
>>> Aluminum foils should never be mixed with foods that are extremely acidic in nature. Tomato sauce is a classic example of the same.
>>> In case you do consume excessive aluminum that has passed via the wrap into the sandwich, you need not to worry. The excessive aluminum shall be flushed out of your system in a jiffy.
Wax Paper Food Wrap for Sandwich:
This food wrap is made from bees’ wax that is blended with cotton, coconut oil and jojoba oil. Sometimes, rosin is also blended with organic cotton to produce this wrap.
This is a cloth material that is made breathable owing to the wax coating. The wax capping derived from the hives is used for making bees wax. The wax is processed via washing in a boiler and strained through cheese cloth. It takes 50 pounds of honey to produce 1 pound of wax.
This wrap is reusable in nature. It can wrap sandwiches several hundred times before needing a replacement. It also keeps the sandwich fresh and moisture proof. This wrap has anti-microbial properties. This stops the sandwich from decaying.
Advantages of using Bees Wax Food Wrap for Sandwiches:
>>> Bees Wax is organic and free from any harmful substance.
>>> You can reuse this wrap several times over before replacing it.
>>> Simply wash the bees wax wrap with warm water and allow it to dry under the sun. Reuse it to wrap another sandwich after it has dried.
>>> Bees wax food wraps minimize the environmental pollution caused by aluminum and plastic wraps.
Disadvantages of using Bees Wax Food Wrap for Sandwiches:
>>> Bees Wax food wraps made from sandwiches are very expensive. Compared to plastic wraps, bees wax costs a fortune.
>>> You need to maintain bees wax wraps by washing and drying them after every usage.
>>> You cannot completely seal sandwiches within a wax wrap. This is contrary to complete sealing (of the chosen food item) made possible via plastic films.
Parchment Food Wrap for Sandwich:
This is yet another wrap used for enclosing sandwiches in. This is made from cellulite composite. Parchment food wrap is moisture free and it is also non-greasy in nature.
This paper is also non-sticky in nature. Hence, the fillings within the sandwiches remain fresh and spill free. In order to make parchment food wraps, rolls of paper pulps are dipped in sulfuric acid solution. Even zinc oxide solution is used instead of sulfuric acid.
You can enclose foods that need to be steamed or even lightly cooked within pockets of parchment wraps. This is a smoke free wrap, which is why you can easily hope to use it in steaming dishes.
Advantages of using Parchment Food Wrap for Sandwiches:
>>> It is a non-toxic food wrap that is fortified with paper pulp.
>>> Keeping sandwiches stain-free and fresh within the parchment wrap is possible.
>>> It has low pH value, which makes it ideal for maintaining optimal human health.
>>> Parchment paper is high in density and tear-free in nature.
>>> It is grease proof and does not entertain moisture. This enables sandwiches to remain fresh for longer time period.
Disadvantages of using Parchment Food Wrap for Sandwiches:
>>> Some people are of the opinion that parchment wraps are fortified with sulfuric acid. This is not considered a good combination for human health.
>>> If you use parchment paper that is bleached, it may release a toxin named dioxin. This is harmful for your health.
>>> Never used bleached parchment paper for wrapping sandwiches. Failing to do so may cause health hazards.
Bees Wax Wrap Vs Reusable Cling Wrap – Which is Better of the Two?
Plastic Wrap or cling wrap has been used to keep food fresh and free from decay for several decades. Bees wax wrap (on the other hand) is a recent introduction to enclosing food items within.
So, here is a closer look at each of these in order to determine which is better:
Cling Food Wrap:
@ This is created via polyvinyl chloride. It is also known as PVC.
@ Also known as plastic wraps, these food covers inhibit the influx of oxygen or water vapor from entering the food items.
@ Cling films have the ability to keep the food fresh.
@ These wraps are cost effective and are easily available at the local market.
@ You can tag details pertaining to the date of manufacturing and expiry on the plastic foil easily. Other relevant information too can be shared here.
@ Cling wraps save your sandwich from chemical, biological and physical damage.
Beeswax Food Wrap:
@ This is a food wrap that comprises primarily of cotton and a blend of coconut/jojoba oils and beeswax.
@ The wrap made from wax is tacky and therefore ideal for sandwiches.
@ You can grip this wrap confidently as there is no scope of the cloth slipping out of your hand.
@ Wax wraps can be molded as per your personal discretion.
@ Compost the beeswax wrap after 11 months of regular usage in order to re-use it again. So, it is long lasting in nature.
@ It needs to be washed with warm water and dried in air.
@ Bees Wax food wraps are rather expensive and tough to maintain.
Which is Better of the Two?
This is a rather tough question to answer. After all, both cling wraps as well as beeswax wraps have their advantages. Sandwiches can be enclosed within these wraps easily and made to last longer.
When talking of budget then, cling wraps are cheaper. Nonetheless, the chances of plastics seeping into the wrapped sandwich may occur. This is harmful for your health. Moreover, you cannot dispose of plastics without harming the environment.
Wax wraps are organic, easy to dispose of and safe for the environment. They also last years if you take care of them. The initial cost is high but the long lasting nature of beeswax makes them cost effective. You can also use them to light a fire after beeswax wraps are condemned for food storage.
So, in my personal opinion, beeswax food wraps are a better option of the two.
What are the Health and Environmental Concerns Pertaining to Food Wraps?
Food wraps are great for enclosing your favorite eatables. Not only do they prolong the shelf life of the food items, wraps also help retain the freshness content.
Nonetheless, they do have their share of shortcomings. Well, let us take a quick peek at this aspect:
Drawbacks of using Beeswax Food Wraps:
>>> Unless the beeswax food wrap is mixed with soy or palm, it shall start to melt when exposed to heat. So, the hot summer sun can spoil whatever is inside of your 100% beeswax food wrap.
>>> This is an expensive way to wrap your food items within. As the supply of beeswax is rather limited and the demand high, the price is also high.
>>> Remains of the food often seep through the wrap. This is why you need to wash the wrap with warm water often.
>>> Once the outer or inner coat of the beeswax wrap starts to break down, moisture can seep in. This is when mold starts to develop.
>>> It is not easy to find beeswax wraps. Unlike plastic wraps that are available in most grocery stores, beeswax food wraps are usually available at large food chains.
>>> If you store foods within beeswax wrap that contains acids – soy sauce, tomato ketchup, papaya etc. then, their stains tends to remain on the wrap.
>>> Wax food wrap tends to hold onto the smell of the food it stores. Smells of garlic and onions is common.
Drawbacks of using Reusable Cling Wraps:
>>> These food covers are made from polyvinyl, which is not considered good for your health.
>>> The process of plastic wraps degrading into the soil takes hundreds of years.
>>> Plastic may seep into the food you store within the cling wrap. This in turn is hazardous to your well-being.
>>> You cannot use cling film inside an oven. Doing so shall melt the film and contaminate the food you eat.
>>> Storing pastry and cheese inside cling wraps is dangerous. In fact, you cannot store pastry in plastic cling films.
How to Choose the Best Reusable Food Wrap?
When the need of the hour is to keep your eatables fresh for days then, you need just the perfect food covering to get the job done. With so many options available for wrapping food items, choosing the best one has become quite a daunting task indeed.
This is when you need to exercise the pros and cons attached to food wraps before determining which one is best suited for your needs. Well, let us take this discussion forward keeping in mind the practical, health based & humanitarian aspect linked to the usage of food wraps:
Single Vs Multiple Use Factor:
In order to ensure that your wrap is an asset, you need to use it more than just once. In simpler words, if you can make use of a food cover multiple times over then, it is a handy object. This is very true with special regards to reusable wax wraps.
On the other hand, if you can make use of a food cover only once then, it cannot be considered as an asset. So, single ‘use and throw’ food covers are considered an expensive and cumbersome ordeal. This is very true in the case of cling wraps.
The Price Factor:
The price of plastic wraps is pennies to the dollar. At the same time, the cost of reusable wax wraps is a few dollars per piece. So, if you have the ability to shell out a few dollars then opt for beeswax wraps and vice versa.
Over here, cling wraps shall be an asset when you are in food business. Here, you have to wrap hundreds of sandwiches (or other food items) daily. If you are in house wherein just a few food items need to be wrapped daily then, reusable wax wraps are best suited for you.
Moreover, cling wraps are available in large rolls. For example, a 200 square foot of cling wrap shall set you back by $7.00. Nonetheless, it shall wrap hundreds of sandwiches. A single beeswax food wrap shall set you back by $3.00 (on an average). It could go up to $6.00 though!
The Environmental Factor:
Plastic wraps have been known to cause immense environmental damage. A single film of cling wrap takes a few hundred years to dissolve in the soil. So, you can imagine the amount of environmental pollution they cause.
On the other hand, reusable wax wraps are environmentally friendly in nature. Apart from being reused a couple of times, they are completely biodegradable. So, if you prefer a green planet, opt for beeswax wraps.
The Sealing Factor:
Plastic based food wraps tend to seal the food completely. They do not permit moisture to flow out or seep inside the packed food. So, the freshness element is completely maintained here.
Wax based wraps tend to seal the food item stored but not completely. Moisture may enter the wrapping if you are not careful while packing the food.
The Stain and Smell Factors:
When the need of the hour is to maintain clean and fresh food covers then, plastic is the best bet. The main reason behind the same is the ability of plastics to be thrown after every wrap. So, staining or retaining foul odor does not arise here.
On the other hand, reusable wax based wraps have the ability to be used several times over. Some wraps may be re-used several hundred times. So, you need to be super careful with regards to their cleaning and storage of such food covers.
If you fail to do so, foul smell and food stains shall become a part and parcel of your reusable food wraps. For example, if you place onion based sandwiches inside a wax wrap, you need to wash the wrap with soapy solution thoroughly. If you fail to do so, the smell shall remain within the wax wrap. This can be quite disgusting!
The Long Lasting Factor:
It is a universal fact that cling wraps are the most widely used food covering in the world today. Hundreds of millions of households and factories the world over are making use of these wraps. These wraps are used once and then thrown in the bin.
On the other hand, the reusable wax based food wraps can last several hundred times before being thrown into the waste paper bin. All you need to do is wash them regularly. So, as far as the durability factor goes then, beeswax wraps are best suited for you.
Eco Friendly Food Wrap Vs Reusable Cling Wraps?
An eco-friendly food wrap has its distinct advantages. These can help you create a greener environment. Nonetheless, you cannot claim that eco-friendly food wraps are an ideal solution to your food storage issues.
These could include beeswax wraps, silicone wraps and food covers that can be reused often. Well, here are the most important eco-friendly food wraps available in the market today:
Reusable Food Covers Made from Beeswax:
These are biodegradable wraps that can be used to keep the food fresh and tasty for long hours. Beeswax is a biodegradable product which makes beeswax food covers an ideal way to maintain a green environment.
Reusable Sandwich Wraps:
You can opt for reusable plastic food covers that have been reinforced with cotton or beeswax. This can also be made from cotton which is reusable. Wash it with mild soap and water and allow it to dry before reusing it.
Reusable Food Covers for Bowls:
Made from both treated as well as untreated cotton, bowl cloth covers are an ideal way to preserve your food items. These are to be used to keep food fresh for short time intervals – up to 48 hours. You can wash these covers and then re-attach them to the bowl using its elastic covering.
Silicone Food Wraps:
Made from food grade silicone, these wraps or covers are microwave proof. You can also use these wraps to store food in deep freeze. So, you can easily store food and allow it to be kept fresh for long time periods.
Cloth Bags for Storing Food:
These are again made from cotton. Simply cover the food item within their safe confines. Nonetheless, you need to store dry foods only. Wet meats and similar items may not be well accepted here.
There are some bags that are made from nylon that help store food. You may make use of these as well.
Why Avoid using Reusable Plastic Wraps?
These wraps are made from plastic. It could be either PVC or low density polyethylene. Regardless of which variant (of plastic) is present within your cling wrap, it is not safe for human health.
Plastics are also non-biodegradable. They take hundreds of years to be dissolved into the earth’s soil. Hence, they can be considered as a hazard for the environment.
If you store meats and even cheese in plastic wraps, the chemicals present in them can seep into the food. Transfer of toxins from a plastic wrap to the food is omnipresent in high temperatures.
So, it is in the best interest of your health and the safety of the environment that you opt for a reusable bio-degradable food wrap instead.
Can Reusable Food Wraps Replace Cling Wraps?
Well, the time has come to answer the question that was asked in the title of this article. Well, the answer is a definite ‘yes’ and ‘no’. This weird answer has a valid logic.
Reusable food wraps can indeed replace plastic wraps but their supply is rather limited!!!
The food wrapping industry is worth hundreds of billions of dollars. Hotels, restaurants, cafes, airlines, organizations, fast food centers and households use food wraps on a daily basis to run their business.
Without the introduction of dedicated industries that produce reusable biodegradable food wraps, the current demand cannot be met. Plastic wraps on the other hand, are easy to manufacture and they have the backing of dedicated industries.
The transition to reusable food covers is a slow but steady process. It would take a few years to get there. Nonetheless, when that happens, the insistent pressure on the environment and human health shall be reduced dramatically.
In my opinion, replacing plastic food wraps is not at all an easy task. Nonetheless, using reusable biodegradable food covers is the most environment friendly option. It is also a healthier option for you. The final choice is definitely yours!