Swap cling film for reusable wraps and lids
Thin film is effectively unrecyclable everywhere. Silicone lids, vegan waxed cotton and simple containers cover almost every use.
~1.2bn m
of cling film used annually in the UK alone
~1 yr
life of a waxed wrap before re-waxing
100%
of stretch lids are dishwasher-safe
TL;DR
Best replacement right now: Solid Dish Soap Bar by No Tox Life (96/100 ethics). Runners-up: Bento Box (Stainless Steel), Single Sheet Kitchen Towel, Stasher Reusable Silicone Storage Bag (Half Gallon).
How to make the switch
- Start with bowl-covering — that is most cling-film use.
- Choose candelilla-wax wraps if you avoid beeswax.
- Refresh waxed wraps in a low oven when they stop clinging.
Pitfalls to avoid
- Waxed wraps are not for raw meat or fish — use a sealed container.
- Cheap silicone can retain odours; platinum-cured silicone does not.
Top-scoring replacements
- 1
ExcellentVeganCruelty-FreePETA ApprovedLeaping Bunny4.8 (3,200)A zero-waste hero for the kitchen, this ultra-concentrated vegan soap bar replaces up to three plastic bottles of liquid detergent.
- 2
ExcellentB Corp1% for the PlanetWomen-Owned4.8 (850)A plastic-free, ocean-friendly lunch container made from high-quality stainless steel and food-grade silicone, designed to eliminate single-use waste.
- 3
ExcellentB CorpFSC CertifiedCruelty-Free4.8 (12,450)An eco-friendly alternative to traditional paper towels, made from 100% bamboo with 50% of profits donated to build toilets in underserved communities.
- 4
ExcellentB Corp1% for the PlanetPETA ApprovedClimate Neutral4.7 (18,500)Stasher is a pioneer in plastic-free food storage, offering platinum-grade silicone bags that replace thousands of single-use plastics while maintaining high durability and safety standards.
- 5
ExcellentB Corp1% for the PlanetWomen-OwnedClimate Neutral4.7 (22,450)Stasher is the gold standard for plastic-free food storage, offering a durable, platinum-silicone alternative to single-use plastics that is oven, microwave, and dishwasher safe.
- 6ExcellentB Corp1% for the PlanetWomen-Owned4.8 (22,400)
The ultimate plastic-free storage solution made from platinum food-grade silicone. Durable, versatile, and backed by a robust recycling program.
- 7ExcellentB Corp1% for the PlanetWomen-Owned4.8 (22,450)
A high-performance, platinum silicone alternative to single-use plastics, supporting ocean conservation and ethical manufacturing.
- 8
ExcellentB Corp1% for the PlanetPETA Approved4.8 (22,000)The gold standard in reusable storage, these platinum-grade silicone bags are designed to replace thousands of single-use plastics over their lifetime.
- 9
ExcellentFair TradeFSC Certified4.9 (420)A stunning, heirloom-quality serving piece handcrafted by Tunisian artisans from non-productive olive trees, ensuring zero waste and fair wages.
- 10ExcellentB Corp1% for the PlanetWomen Owned4.8 (22,000)
The gold standard for plastic-free food storage, offering extreme durability and a closed-loop recycling program.
- 11
ExcellentB CorpFSC Certified4.8 (12,450)A high-impact, plastic-free alternative to traditional forest-based paper towels, utilizing 100% recycled paper fibers and supporting global sanitation projects.
- 12
ExcellentB Corp1% for the Planet4.7 (12,450)An infinitely reusable, platinum silicone storage solution designed to replace single-use plastics in the kitchen, featuring a patented Pinch-Lok seal.
- 13
ExcellentB CorpEWG VerifiedLeaping BunnyCradle to Cradle+1 more4.7 (5,420)An innovative, zero-waste glass cleaning solution that eliminates single-use plastic through a dissolvable tablet system. It delivers a streak-free shine using non-toxic, plant-based chemistry.
- 14
ExcellentVeganCruelty-FreeParaben-FreePhosphate-Free4.6 (18,500)An ultra-concentrated, plastic-free laundry solution that eliminates heavy plastic jugs while maintaining high cleaning efficacy.
- 15
ExcellentB CorpFair TradeUSDA OrganicLeaping Bunny+1 more4.9 (24,500)The gold standard for multi-purpose ethical cleaning, featuring organic oils and fair trade sourcing in a post-consumer recycled bottle.
- 16
ExcellentB CorpFair TradeUSDA OrganicLeaping Bunny+2 more4.8 (24,500)The gold standard for multi-purpose ethical cleaning, this concentrated soap is built on fair trade principles and regenerative agriculture.
- 17
ExcellentB CorpFair TradeUSDA OrganicLeaping Bunny+2 more4.8 (24,500)The gold standard of ethical cleaning. Dr. Bronner's Peppermint Castile Soap is a versatile, concentrated liquid soap made with organic oils and fair trade ingredients.
- 18ExcellentB CorpFair TradeUSDA OrganicLeaping Bunny+2 more4.8 (22,000)
The gold standard for multi-purpose ethical cleaning, this concentrated soap is made with organic oils and fair trade ingredients suitable for 18 different household and personal uses.
- 19
ExcellentB CorpFair TradeUSDA OrganicLeaping Bunny+1 more4.9 (24,000)The gold standard of ethical cleaning; a multi-use, highly concentrated liquid soap made with organic oils and fair trade ingredients.
- 20
ExcellentB CorpCradle to Cradle4.9 (310)A stunning glassware set made from repurposed wine bottles collected from the Dutch hospitality industry, processed in a social workplace that empowers people with disabilities.
- 21
ExcellentFair TradeUSDA OrganicRegenerative Organic4.9 (8,500)A pioneer in fair trade, Equal Exchange offers bird-friendly, organic coffee that directly supports small-scale farmer cooperatives globally.
- 22
ExcellentFair TradeVegan4.9 (860)Exquisite, handcrafted serving utensils made by artisans in Kenya. Each set supports fair wages and preserves traditional woodworking techniques using sustainably harvested olive wood.
- 23
ExcellentB CorpFair TradeUSDA OrganicLeaping Bunny+2 more4.8 (22,450)The gold standard for multi-purpose ethical cleaning. A highly concentrated, organic soap that supports regenerative agriculture and fair trade projects globally.
- 24
ExcellentB CorpFair TradeGOTSPETA Approved4.9 (312)A stunning, artisan-made throw that supports women’s empowerment in India while utilizing 100% plant-based, organic fibers.
Categories in this swap
Frequently asked questions
Is beeswax wrap vegan?+
No. Beeswax is animal-derived; candelilla or soy-wax wraps are the vegan equivalent and perform similarly.
Can I recycle cling film?+
Rarely at kerbside. Some supermarket soft-plastic points accept it, but reuse avoids the problem entirely.