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: Modu-Loop Leakproof Lunchbox Set by Ekobo (96/100 ethics). Runners-up: Soulbottles Glass Water Bottle (Steel Flower - 0.6L), Solid Dish Soap Bar, Bento Box (Stainless Steel).
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
ExcellentB CorpGOTSPETA Approved4.5 (520)A revolutionary modular lunch system made from FSC-certified bamboo fiber and premium silicone, designed by a French-Belgian duo to replace single-use takeout containers.
- 2
ExcellentB CorpVegan1% for the Planet4.8 (850)A 100% plastic-free, carbon-neutral glass bottle made in Germany, featuring stunning artist-designed motifs and a swing-top closure.
- 3
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.
- 4
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.
- 5
ExcellentVeganCruelty-FreeFair Trade4.8 (1,240)A traditional, cold-process dish soap bar handmade in the UK/EU border regions, offering a high-sudsing, plastic-free alternative to liquid soaps for the eco-conscious kitchen.
- 6
ExcellentB CorpLeaping BunnyMADE SAFE1% for the Planet4.8 (850)A high-performance, plastic-free travel kit featuring concentrated laundry soap and an all-purpose cleaner stick, perfect for eco-conscious teens on the go.
- 7
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.
- 8
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.
- 9
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.
- 10ExcellentB 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.
- 11ExcellentB Corp1% for the PlanetWomen-Owned4.8 (22,450)
A high-performance, platinum silicone alternative to single-use plastics, supporting ocean conservation and ethical manufacturing.
- 12
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.
- 13
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.
- 14
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.
- 15
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.
- 16
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.
- 17ExcellentB 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.
- 18
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.
- 19
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.
- 20
ExcellentVeganCradle to CradleFSC Certified4.8 (340)An innovative, mushroom-based countertop composting solution that arrives as a 'living' kit, allowing you to grow your own bin from mycelium and agricultural waste.
- 21
ExcellentFair TradeVeganRegenerative Organic4.9 (145)Hand-woven vetiver root bundles from West African cooperatives that naturally deodorize and purify air without synthetic aerosols.
- 22
ExcellentVeganCruelty-FreeIndigenous Owned4.9 (310)A powerful multi-surface cleaner featuring traditional indigenous botanicals, packaged in a refillable glass system to eliminate single-use plastics.
- 23
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.
- 24
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.
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.