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Cling Film/Cling wrap
This was invented by Ralph Wiley when he was working for Dow Chemicals in 1933, and is made from Saran polyvinylidene chloride - so he gave it the name 'Saran'.
The molecules of the material are very tightly bound, so that very little air or moisture can pass through. It's original use was as a waterproof coating for military planes operating over the sea, during the Second World War - and it was then coloured green and had an unpleasant smell.
After the War, more work was done, the green colour and smell removed, and it was given a clean bill of health for food use.
It is now advised that cling film containing PVC isn't used to wrap fatty items, such as cheese. But non-PVC wrap is available.
Cling film is often called 'Glad Wrap' in the Southern Hemisphere.
The molecules of the material are very tightly bound, so that very little air or moisture can pass through. It's original use was as a waterproof coating for military planes operating over the sea, during the Second World War - and it was then coloured green and had an unpleasant smell.
After the War, more work was done, the green colour and smell removed, and it was given a clean bill of health for food use.
It is now advised that cling film containing PVC isn't used to wrap fatty items, such as cheese. But non-PVC wrap is available.
Cling film is often called 'Glad Wrap' in the Southern Hemisphere.