Cellophane vs. Plastic Wrap: How to Tell the Difference

Our natural product, Zellglas, is a biodegradable paper film; however, due to its transparency, it is not always easy to distinguish from a “standard” plastic film. Nevertheless, the two types of film differ significantly in terms of freshness preservation and sustainability: On the one hand, we have cellophane, which is garden-compostable and breathable, and on the other hand, we have a non-ecological and non-breathable plastic product, which, for cost reasons, is nevertheless very frequently used to wrap or cover fresh meat or cheese products.

If you’d like to know whether your deli counter uses sustainable wrapping film made of cellophane, or perhaps polyethylene (PE) or polypropylene (OPP) plastic film, you can check this yourself:

Appearance

Since plastic is derived from fossil fuels such as petroleum, a stack of OPP sheets (plastic), for example, also has a slight bluish tint. Cellulose film, on the other hand, is made from renewable raw materials and originates from wood—which is why a stack of compostable cellulose film blanks has a golden sheen and looks more high-quality.

texture

Cellophane has a characteristic “cellophane feel”—it is particularly sturdy (plastic can be stretched, but “paper” cannot). Cellophane still feels soft and silky to the touch (plastic, on the other hand, crinkles).

Did you burn it?

The safest method, however, is to set the film on fire (provided this can be done safely)—since celluloid is essentially a wood-based product, it burns with a red-orange flame like paper and smells like burnt wood or paper. Plastic, on the other hand, burns with a bluish flame and simply melts away, and depending on its origin, the smell is not only unpleasant but can even be toxic.

With these options, you can easily check for yourself whether your trusted butcher, baker, or supermarket carries our beautiful cellophane wrap.

As a consumer, why should you make sure that you’re actually getting cellophane for wrapping at the deli counter?

Experience shows that Cell-Glas keeps fresh food fresh significantly longer. This is primarily because condensation typically forms in the refrigerated section, and with Cell-Glas, this moisture can escape due to its defined water vapor permeability. For example, if your fresh sausage or fine cheese is covered with our cellophane film, the food remains relatively dry (even in the refrigerator). As a result, moisture does not directly damage the fresh food—as evidenced, for example, by the classic condensation on the surface, which in extreme cases can lead to mold growth. This therefore not only affects the appearance but also directly impacts the shelf life of your food. Considering that spoiled food has a significant impact on the carbon footprint, a minimal percentage investment in a higher-quality film can yield an enormous effect here.

In addition, Zellglas is also a truly sustainable product. Even if a sheet of Zellglas were to end up in the environment, since it is a biological product, it will naturally decompose within a few weeks and will not, like plastic, continue to pollute our environment for hundreds of years. For this reason, we like to promote Zellglas by highlighting its benefits for flavor and the environment.

Cellulose glass