Plastic wrappers are primarily made from petroleum-derived plastic resins, specifically polyethylene, polyvinylidene chloride, and polyvinyl chloride.
Here's a breakdown:
- Polyethylene (PE): This is the most common type, known for its flexibility and affordability. It's used for many everyday wrappers and bags.
- Polyvinylidene Chloride (PVDC): Known by the brand name Saran, PVDC offers excellent barrier properties against oxygen and moisture, making it suitable for food packaging to extend shelf life.
- Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC): PVC is another type of plastic used in some wrappers, though its use has declined due to environmental concerns.
In addition to these base plastics, plastic wrappers often contain additives such as:
- Plasticizers: These make the plastic more flexible.
- Colorants: These add color to the wrapper.
- Anti-fog compounds: These prevent condensation from forming inside the wrapper, maintaining visibility.
In summary, plastic wrappers are complex materials composed of different types of plastic resins and additives tailored to achieve specific properties for packaging and wrapping applications.