What is cling film used for?
Cling film performs several functions at once:
Hygiene protection: Covers food from dust, germs, and cross-contamination
Freshness preservation: Keeps food juicy and aromatic for longer
Odor control: Prevents odor transfer and leakage
Space-saving storage: Ideal for stacking or refrigerating
Transport protection: Secures food during catering and takeaway services
Especially for meat, fish, vegetables, baked goods, or prepared dishes, airtight sealing plays a central role in maintaining quality and shelf life.
Types of cling film
Standard rolls for household and kitchen use
Classic rolls (e.g., 30 cm wide, approx. 50 m long) are ideal for occasional use. They fit into any kitchen drawer and are perfect for small quantities and single portions.
Large cling film rolls (e.g., 300 m)
For professional use in gastronomy, hotels, or communal catering. Large rolls are more economical, require fewer changes, and are ideal for use in dispensers or cutter boxes.
Cutter box systems
Cling film supplied in dispenser boxes with an integrated cutting edge enables fast, clean, and safe handling—especially useful in high-consumption environments.
PVC or PE film | what’s the difference?
Cling films are mainly made from two types of plastic: PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and PE (polyethylene). Each material has specific properties suited to different applications.
PVC cling film
PVC cling film is widely used in professional environments. It offers excellent elasticity and superior adhesion. The film clings tightly to food items, containers, or trays, forming a nearly airtight seal.
Advantages of PVC film:
- Highly elastic and adhesive
- Glossy and visually appealing surface
- Ideal for meat, cheese, sausage, fruits, and vegetables
- Excellent oxygen and aroma barrier
- Lower material thickness for the same performance – reduces weight and waste
Important: Not all PVC films are approved for use with fatty or acidic foods. Always check for proper certification or use PE film in such cases.
PE cling film
PE film is made of polyethylene, a recyclable and plasticizer-free material. It is less elastic than PVC but offers excellent neutral smell and taste characteristics. For many users, PE is the more eco-friendly option because of its superior recyclability.
Advantages of PE film:
- Free of plasticizers and PVC
- Ideal for cold, delicate, or acidic foods
- Good recyclability (in many areas via plastic recycling streams)
- Particularly well suited for fatty foods
- Odorless and tasteless
Drawback: Less stretch and cling. Handling may be more difficult for irregularly shaped foods compared to PVC.
Conclusion: Which material for which use?
| Application |
Recommended Material |
| Meat, cheese, vegetables |
PVC |
| Fatty or acidic foods |
PE |
| Sustainability-focused operations |
PE |
| Maximum stretch and cling |
PVC |
| Easy sorting & recycling |
PE |
Many businesses use both types depending on storage area and product type—to balance hygiene, efficiency, and environmental concerns.
Cling film in gastronomy
Gastronomy demands high standards of hygiene, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. Cling film plays an essential role in kitchen operations:
- Securely covering GN containers or mise en place
- Wrapping leftovers for interim storage
- Meeting HACCP guidelines by preventing contamination
- Storing in cold rooms and refrigerated counters without flavor loss
Note: Some cling films are certified specifically for contact with certain types of food, such as fatty or acidic dishes.
Advantages of high-quality cling film
| Feature |
Benefit |
| Cling & elasticity |
Conforms to all shapes, adheres without adhesive |
| Tear resistance |
Durable, even under tension or stress |
| Food safety |
Suitable for all common food types |
| Cost-effectiveness |
Large rolls save time and packaging costs |
| Compact storage |
Ideal for fridge, shelf, or transport containers |
| Hygienic & safe |
Clean separation between food and surroundings |
Usage tips for kitchen and business
- Gently unroll the film and stretch it over the item
- Press lightly – the film adheres by itself
- Use a cutter box for large quantities
- Suitable for cold storage – not for heating
- Store away from heat and direct sunlight after use
Tip: For heating applications (e.g., microwave), use heat-resistant alternatives such as microwave lids or silicone covers.
Cling film vs. aluminum foil
| Feature |
Cling Film |
Aluminum Foil |
| Use |
Wrapping, sealing, preserving |
Baking, grilling, freezing |
| Elasticity |
High, self-adhesive |
Rigid, non-elastic |
| Food contact safety |
Safe, especially with cold foods |
Caution with acidic or salty foods |
| Environmental impact |
Lightweight, PE is recyclable |
High energy consumption in production |
Buying cling film – what to look for
Key criteria when purchasing cling film:
Roll length & width: 300 m for professional use or 30 m for home use?
Material type: PVC for stretch & cling, PE for recyclability
Compatibility: Does the roll fit your cutter box or dispenser?
Certification: Approved for contact with all food groups?
Packaging unit: Individual or bulk packs?
FAQ | Frequently Asked Questions about Cling Film
Can cling film be used in the microwave?
To a limited extent. Most standard cling films are not heat-resistant. Look for “microwave-safe” labeling. Better: use special microwave covers.
How should cling film be disposed of?
PE films are recyclable and should go in plastic recycling. PVC films are generally not recyclable.
How long does food stay fresh with cling film?
Depending on the product, between 1 and 5 days. The film slows down drying and aroma loss but does not replace refrigeration.
Is cling film available for professional dispensers?
Yes. Specially sized large rolls (e.g., 300 m) are ideal for cutter boxes or wall-mounted dispensers in commercial kitchens.
Buy cling film online
As a specialist supplier of hygiene and gastronomy products, Heros Hygiene Switzerland offers a wide range of cling films for kitchens, businesses, and households. Our selection includes practical large rolls, with or without cutter boxes.
Your benefits at heroshygiene.ch:
✅ Specialized products for gastronomy & large-scale kitchens
✅ 300 m rolls for efficient operations
✅ Tear-resistant, food-safe quality
✅ Compatible with cutter boxes & pro dispensers
✅ Fast shipping & fair quantity pricing
✅ Swiss supplier – reliable & professional
