Core Ingredients of Great Wrap: From Waste to Wrap
Great Wrap is a materials science company that has pioneered a genuinely compostable cling film, addressing the massive plastic waste problem. The ingredients that make up this innovative product are a direct result of re-engineering plastic at a molecular level, using organic, plant-based feedstocks rather than petroleum. The key components are derived from food waste, creating a circular economy model where waste is transformed into a valuable, temporary-use product.
Potato Waste and Starch Extraction
One of the most prominent ingredients in the great wrap is starch derived from potato waste. This waste comes from the potato chip manufacturing industry, which typically produces large quantities of potato scraps and peels. Instead of being relegated to cattle feed or landfill, Great Wrap utilizes these otherwise discarded materials. The process involves extracting the starch from the waste, which is then 'plasticized' with a bio-based product. This step is crucial for giving the material its film-forming properties, mimicking the function of conventional plastic wrap without the environmental cost.
Plant-Based Oils and Biopolymers
In addition to potato starch, Great Wrap incorporates a blend of plant-based oils and other compostable biopolymers. Some formulations have included used cooking oil and a starchy root vegetable like cassava. These ingredients are combined through a compounding process to modify the polymer structure, making it suitable for creating a stretch film that functions just as effectively as its petroleum-based counterpart. The company also uses other biopolymers like PBAT (Polybutylene adipate terephthalate), a known compostable polymer, to ensure the final product meets certification standards for decomposition. The material inputs are certified home compostable and food-contact approved, which is a major selling point for eco-conscious consumers.
Additives and the Future of Great Wrap's Ingredients
Great Wrap also incorporates specific additives to enhance performance and provide clear differentiation. For example, a plant-based additive gives the pallet wrap a distinctive yellow tint. This subtle colour change helps users easily distinguish the compostable material from traditional plastic in a supply chain, ensuring it is disposed of correctly in composting facilities. The company is also heavily invested in ongoing material innovation, with plans to produce PHA (Polyhydroxyalkanoate) in its own biorefinery. PHA is a highly advanced, bio-based polyester that is not only home compostable but also marine degradable, meaning it can break down in ocean environments. This commitment to evolving its ingredient list demonstrates Great Wrap's dedication to creating increasingly sustainable solutions. To learn more about their journey and vision, visit the Great Wrap journal.
Great Wrap vs. Traditional Plastic Wrap
| Feature | Great Wrap (Compostable) | Traditional Plastic Wrap (LDPE/PVC) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Ingredients | Plant-based materials (potato waste, biopolymers, oils) | Petroleum-based plastics (LDPE, PVC) |
| Decomposition | Breaks down completely in compost (home or industrial) | Takes hundreds of years to break down in landfill |
| Environmental Impact | Reduces landfill waste and microplastic pollution | Contributes to plastic pollution and environmental damage |
| End-of-Life | Turns into nutrient-rich soil when composted | Persists in the environment, breaks into microplastics |
| Renewable Resource | Made from food waste and renewable plant sources | Made from non-renewable fossil fuels |
How Great Wrap's Ingredients Impact Sustainability
The ingredient list is at the heart of Great Wrap's sustainable mission. By using food waste as a primary feedstock, the company reduces the demand for non-renewable fossil fuels used in traditional plastic production. The process also diverts organic waste from landfill, where it would otherwise release methane, a potent greenhouse gas, as it decomposes. The end product's ability to compost cleanly and rapidly ensures a true circular economy is achieved, returning carbon to the soil rather than releasing microplastics into the ecosystem. This ingredient model provides a compelling and functional example of how material science can create real, positive change in tackling global plastic pollution.
Conclusion
The simple but ingenious combination of potato waste, plant-based oils, and other biopolymers is the secret to what are the ingredients in the great wrap. This materials science innovation has led to a compostable cling film that effectively replaces conventional petroleum-based plastic. By sourcing ingredients from food waste and ensuring a clean end-of-life cycle, Great Wrap offers a compelling and functional solution to the problem of single-use plastic, setting a new standard for sustainable packaging in both homes and businesses.
