Fresh produce, safe meat, longer shelf life, lower prices, and less food waste. These are just some of the benefits made possible by PVC wraps used to package many of the products that line our supermarket shelves. If anybody knows how useful and eco-friendly plastic wraps are, it’s the grocery industry that relies on them to safely ship and store the foods it sells.  

Unfortunately, there are PVC competitors that would rather spread misinformation and appease fear-mongering politicians than tell the public why PVC is such a useful wrapping material. 

This was the take home message from a recent article published by the Progressive Grocer, which encouraged retailers to switch to a different wrapping material “out of an abundance of caution.” Indeed some brands, the article continued, are trying “to eliminate the use of PVC because it’s not easily reusable, recyclable or compostable.”

But that’s just false. A closer examination of the facts reveals that these concerns are misguided and based on outdated information. Let’s examine the evidence and dispel some common misconceptions about PVC food wraps.

PVC Overwrap: A Safe and Versatile Packaging Solution

PVC overwrap is a widely used packaging material in the food industry due to its excellent barrier properties, including protection from moisture, gasses, and contaminants. Contrary to the article's claims, PVC overwrap is safe for use in food packaging, as it is subject to rigorous testing and regulation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA has approved PVC for direct food contact applications, ensuring that it does not pose any significant health risks.

The Progressive Grocer also raised concerns about the “fear of phthalates” used to increase the strength and flexibility of PVC. However, it’s essential to note–as we have explained to the media many times–that phthalates used in food-grade PVC are carefully selected to ensure they meet stringent FDA safety standards. Popular concern about phthalates pertists because reporters refuse to accept the FDA’s science-based conclusions. 

Recyclability of PVC Overwrap

The Progressive Grocer also complained about the recyclability of PVC overwrap, the implication being that the material is not environmentally friendly. This, too, is very misleading. Contrary to the claims of anti-plastic groups, PVC overwrap is recyclable. In fact, major retailers like Walmart, Home Depot, Stapes, and the majority of grocery store chains often accept plastic wraps for recycling. The Vinyl Institute also maintains a directory of over 100 recycling centers that accept post-consumer PVC. 

PVC Overwrap vs Alternative Materials

The Progressive Grocer’s final suggestion was that alternative materials, such as biodegradable plastics, are environmentally superior to PVC overwrap. Again, though, this isn’t plausible when we consider all the relevant facts.

For instance, many biodegradable plastics require specific conditions to break down, such as specialized composting facilities. If these conditions are not met, the materials can persist in the environment and contribute to pollution. Moreover, it’s not clear that bioplastics even measure up to proven solutions like PVC in sustainability terms. As an extensive 2023 study explained: 

“It is difficult to determine definitively whether bioplastics are more practical and environmentally friendly than petroleum-based plastics because there is a lack of data.”

In contrast, PVC overwrap offers a combination of performance, safety, and recyclability that makes it an attractive solution for food packaging applications. Its versatility, durability, and compatibility with existing recycling infrastructure make it a valuable material that can contribute to a more sustainable future.

Conclusion

PVC overwrap remains a safe, reliable option for the food packaging industry. If we’re making decisions out of “an abundance of caution,” as Progressive Grocer recommends, sticking with a material with a long track record is the smart choice.