As one of the premier Tissue Suppliers, Matrix Tissue often fields questions about safe practices for food preparations in the kitchen, one being “Can I put cling film in the oven?”
The short answer? No, cling film is not oven-safe.
But you need to digest how cling film acts when heat is applied, what it comprises, and recommendations from the experts.
What Cling Film Is Made Of—And Why It Matters
Cling film – also known as plastic wrap – is primarily made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or low-density polyethylene (LDPE). Both PVC and LDPE cling film technology is made to stretch around and cling to surfaces such as bowls, plates, and containers. While cling film does a good job of sticking around in cold storage, and even microwaves under certain conditions, it is NOT designed for use in high-heat cooking environments like ovens.
Cling film made of PVC will begin breaking down and deforming at approximately. 100 degrees Celsius. This means that PVC-based cling is wastefully discarded, and more than that, any molecules released by the cling film may be hazardous to health, or on rare occasions, ignite a fire with the heating element.
Matrix Tissue, as a tissue supplier focused on hygiene and health-centred living, firmly recommends NOT to misuse cling film in this manner.
Why People Think It’s Safe—and Why It’s Not
It’s common for people to mix up the safety of cling film when microwaving, and to assume cling film is safe in an oven. The confusion is understandable, but it’s a problem. Generally, microwaving uses lower temperatures and steam to heat food, whereas ovens use direct dry heat, which is much hotter.
Even if your cling film doesn’t melt, there’s a significant chance of chemical leaching, warping, and the food being compromised. While there are “oven-safe cling films” sold by manufacturers, there are rules and limitations to using them. Unless it says “oven-safe cling film” on the packaging and you are using it according to certain restrictions, don’t use it.
As a responsible Tissue Supplier, Matriz Tissue believes it is important to not only protect product integrity but also our customers’ health. This means educating purchasers about kitchen products and food materials, and materials to be used with heat.
The Risks of Using Cling Film in the Oven
Let’s look at this in a real-world context. You cover a lasagna container with cling film and put it into a preheated oven. What happens then? Plastic starts sagging. It may stick to the container or food. Worst, it starts to burn. This can:
- Completely ruin and damage luxe cookware
- An unsafe food product
- Toxins in the kitchen, clouds, and air
- A person could be allergic or have a sensitive respiratory issue
These are not hypothetical hazards but genuine issues we have received feedback from a varying range of domestic and commercial kitchens. As a reputable Tissue Supplier, Matrix Tissue deals with restaurant chains, caterers, and food processors to effectively mitigate the risk of items totally burning.
Safe Alternatives to Cling Film in the Oven
What can you safely use instead of cling film when baking, roasting in an oven, or slow cooking in an oven?
The best alternative to cling film is aluminium foil. They are generally inexpensive, typically readily available, can withstand high temperatures, and provide an effective barrier to prevent burning and drying out. Parchment paper is another excellent option, and although it is dedicated to baking, it can withstand a maximum temperature of 230 degrees Celsius.
Flexible silicone lids, or silicone baking mats (which are more common in kitchens), are becoming ever more popular in the hospitality industry on conscience grounds of sustainability and reusability. High-quality silicone lids and baking mats are flexible, safe, and durable, great for both home chefs and kitchens. Oven-safe glass or ceramic covers remove the need for anything plastic, and will also not stick to the food being cooked!
At Matrix Tissue, we provide more than the best tissue products available globally, and we care about our customers and their customers. This is what differentiates a conscious Tissue Supplier from all others.
What About “Oven-Safe” Plastic Wraps?
If you have come across plastic wraps that market themselves as “oven safe,” then you should proceed with caution. While they may be able to withstand marginally hotter temperatures than regular cling film, there are still very definite parameters associated with the application. For example, typically these wraps will require:
- The wrap doesn’t contact the food directly
- That the edges be covered with foil
- The oven temperature is below a pre-specified amount
- The plastic was not close to a heating element
Not to mention that one miscalculation could still result in a melt, a contamination, or worse. That’s why Matrix Tissue does not recommend them for general consumers. Unless you work in a commercial kitchen and know the exact specifications, it’s best to use proven materials.
Consumer Awareness Is The First Step on the Road to Safer Kitchens
One of Matrix Tissue’s missions is not just to be a quality Tissue Supplier, but a place for information and awareness. Over the past few years, we have observed a significant increase in consumer interest in food safety, hygiene, and environmentally conscious recommendations.
The improper use of cling film is part of a larger trend where kitchenware is assumed to be a one-size-fits-all all. This is not the case. Just like you wouldn’t take tissue paper and use it to scrub a pan, or use napkin paper for baking sheets, you’re not supposed to use cling film as a heat-safe alternative!
Why Matrix Tissue Cares
As a trusted Tissue Supplier, Matrix Tissue delivers products that have a profound but nuanced impact on people’s lives – from a soft tissue in a baby’s nursery, to a hygienic wipe in a hospital, to a robust napkin found on a table in a restaurant.
This is a serious responsibility for us. That’s why our customer education does not just stop at the product label. We inform the user on the proper application, safety tips, and use with the most sustainable usage in mind. We want to be more than a Tissue Supplier; we want to be a valued partner in each kitchen, clinic, café, or home we service.
What You Can Do Now
So now you know that cling film isn’t safe to use in ovens. But what’s next?
Firstly, consider your kitchen practices. If you’ve previously used cling film for oven usage, consider switching to aluminium foil or better alternatives. Look for microwave-safe labeling if you are heating up food. Review product packaging. Most importantly, spread the word to family, associates, and even your cooking group on WhatsApp.
When in doubt, ask the pros, like us. At Matrix Tissue, we’re always available to answer questions, suggest alternative products, or provide tailored tissue and hygiene products and solutions for your business.
Conclusion – Improved Safety Starts with Better Decisions
While cling film can be a wonderful tool for storage, it should never be used in the oven. The dangers of using cling film in the oven (melting, chemicals escaping into your food, increased risk of fires) outweigh the easy convenience. The good news is that most safer options are very accessible, and often found already in your kitchen.
Use foil, parchment paper, or silicone! Read your packaging and be mindful of the purpose of what you are using. And when it comes to hygiene and safety, trust a professional Tissue Supplier such as Matrix Tissue to steer you in the right direction.
