Parchment, foil or cling film? Choosing a wrap for each kitchen job
Published 2026-10-23
Cling film is commonly used for covering food in storage, foil for suitable covering and cooking tasks, and parchment for suitable lining and baking tasks. The right choice depends on the exact product's food-contact and temperature instructions, not just its material name.
Start with the job
| Kitchen job | Option to assess | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Covering food in the fridge | Suitable cling film or a reusable lid | Food type, contact conditions and seal |
| Long-term storage | A suitable lidded container | Storage guidance, labelling and food-safety procedure |
| Covering an oven tray | Suitable foil | Temperature, food type and oven instructions |
| Lining a baking tray | Suitable parchment | Temperature limit, tray coverage and flame clearance |
| Handling acidic or very salty foods | A suitable container or approved wrap | Avoid unsuitable prolonged aluminium contact |
Cling film: check the permitted use
Ask the supplier before heating, microwaving or freezing any film. Compostability does not establish suitability for those conditions, and film thickness alone does not establish cling performance.
PlanetWrap's film is listed as 44cm × 200m at 12 micron. Its home or industrial composting certification is not currently claimed; documents are pending upload.
Foil: compare width and thickness
PlanetWrap's listed foil is 44.5cm × 90m at 17 micron. Measure the tray and the overlap needed rather than assuming a particular roll covers every full-size tray in one sheet. Check food-contact instructions for acidic or salty foods.
Parchment: know the heat and disposal limits
PlanetWrap parchment is listed as 45cm × 80m. Request its temperature limit and intended-use instructions. Keep parchment away from exposed flames and heating elements. Coatings and food contamination can affect disposal; do not assume used parchment is recyclable or compostable.
One dispenser does not mean three rolls at once
The PlanetWrap dispenser accepts film, foil or parchment one roll at a time. Your kitchen may prefer separate, labelled units for different wraps or food-safety zones. Fit depends on the roll dimensions and feeding performance.
Frequently asked questions
Are parchment and greaseproof paper interchangeable?
Not automatically. Check the manufacturer's intended uses and heat limits; the names do not guarantee the same properties.
Is compostable film always the greener choice?
That depends on the evidence, how much you use and the available disposal route. Reducing unnecessary single-use material and using suitable reusable containers may also help.