Various compostable cling films are commercially available. They tend to be blends of polylactic acid (PLA), a biobased polymer; polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT), a biodegradable fossil carbon plastic; and starches. All are certified compostable at the end of their useful life in an actively managed municipal or industrial composting facility.

Suppliers:
Find a list of known suppliers of biodegradable wrap here.

Low-density polyethylene requires few chemical additives and is free from any plasticizers. However, it’s made from ethylene, which emits benzene, a known human carcinogen, during production, and is derived from fossil carbon. It is generally not recycled.

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC or vinyl) poses toxic hazards across its lifecycle and requires large amounts of chemical additives known as plasticizers in order to make it flexible enough for use in plastic wrap. Polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC) poses similar concerns and may be used more often than PVC. Plasticizers are continually released from flexible vinyl and PVDC, often resulting in human exposure and environmental pollution. Non-phthalate plasticizers are generally safer than ortho-phthalates, however human exposure is increasing and some data gaps remain on their safety.

Ortho-phthalates are chemicals of high concern that are still used as plasticizers in high percent amounts in some flexible vinyl articles. Phthalates should be avoided in all food-contact uses. Food wrap containing phthalates have largely been phased out of the US market.