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: Royal VKB EcoLunchBENTO Senior Stainless Steel Lunchbox – 3-Compartment, Ergonomic Handle, 1.3L by Royal VKB (92/100 ethics). Runners-up: Soulbottles Glass Water Bottle (Steel Flower - 0.6L), The Ultimate Travel Laundry & Surface Kit (TSA-Compliant), Zero-Waste Dish Soap Refill Block (4-Pack).
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
Royal VKB
Royal VKB EcoLunchBENTO Senior Stainless Steel Lunchbox – 3-Compartment, Ergonomic Handle, 1.3L
$$$ExcellentClimate NeutralGlobal Recycled Standard1% for the PlanetVegan+1 moreA premium, senior-friendly stainless steel bento lunchbox from Dutch heritage brand Royal VKB, designed with an oversized ergonomic handle and easy-grip latch for arthritic hands. Made from 95% post‑consumer recycled stainless steel, carbon‑neutral shipping, and each purchase funds a meal donation via 1% for the Planet. Ideal for suburban families who want one long‑lasting container for packed lunches, meal prep, and leftovers.
- 2
ExcellentB CorpVegan1% for the PlanetA 100% plastic-free, carbon-neutral glass bottle made in Germany, featuring stunning artist-designed motifs and a swing-top closure.
- 3
ExcellentB CorpLeaping BunnyMADE SAFE1% for the PlanetA high-performance, plastic-free travel kit featuring concentrated laundry soap and an all-purpose cleaner stick, perfect for eco-conscious teens on the go.
- 4
ExcellentVeganCruelty-FreeFair TradeA 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.
- 5
ExcellentFair TradePETA ApprovedB CorpClimate NeutralA high-capacity, heavy-duty insulated tumbler bundle ethically handcrafted in Kenya. Featuring hand-beaded charms by Maasai artisans, these 40oz vessels offer a faith-based mission and superior 24-hour temperature retention for demanding shifts.
- 6
ExcellentB Corp1% for the PlanetWomen-OwnedA plastic-free, ocean-friendly lunch container made from high-quality stainless steel and food-grade silicone, designed to eliminate single-use waste.
- 7
ExcellentB Corp1% for the PlanetWomen-OwnedThe ultimate plastic-free storage solution made from platinum food-grade silicone. Durable, versatile, and backed by a robust recycling program.
- 8
ExcellentB Corp1% for the PlanetWomen-OwnedClimate NeutralStasher 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.
- 9
ExcellentFair TradeFSC CertifiedA stunning, heirloom-quality serving piece handcrafted by Tunisian artisans from non-productive olive trees, ensuring zero waste and fair wages.
- 10
ExcellentB Corp1% for the PlanetPETA ApprovedThe gold standard in reusable storage, these platinum-grade silicone bags are designed to replace thousands of single-use plastics over their lifetime.
- 11
ExcellentB CorpEWG VerifiedLeaping BunnyCradle to Cradle+1 moreAn 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.
- 12
ExcellentB Corp1% for the PlanetAn infinitely reusable, platinum silicone storage solution designed to replace single-use plastics in the kitchen, featuring a patented Pinch-Lok seal.
- 13ExcellentB Corp1% for the PlanetPETA Approved
An industry-leading plastic alternative that eliminates single-use waste through high-grade platinum silicone and a commitment to ocean conservation.
- 14
ExcellentB Corp1% for the PlanetClimate NeutralA high-performance insulated food canister from a B Corp that avoids the plastic odors and leaching common in budget containers—ideal for small-space food prep.
- 15
ExcellentB Corp1% for the PlanetWomen-OwnedCruelty-FreeA revolutionary plastic-free storage solution made from platinum silicone that is endlessly reusable and backed by rigorous environmental advocacy.
- 16
ExcellentB CorpFair TradeUSDA OrganicLeaping Bunny+1 moreThe gold standard of ethical cleaning; a multi-use, highly concentrated liquid soap made with organic oils and fair trade ingredients.
- 17
ExcellentB CorpFair TradeUSDA OrganicLeaping Bunny+1 moreThe gold standard for multi-purpose ethical cleaning, featuring organic oils and fair trade sourcing in a post-consumer recycled bottle.
- 18
ExcellentB CorpFair TradeGOTSPETA ApprovedA stunning, artisan-made throw that supports women’s empowerment in India while utilizing 100% plant-based, organic fibers.
- 19
ExcellentFair TradeVeganExquisite, handcrafted serving utensils made by artisans in Kenya. Each set supports fair wages and preserves traditional woodworking techniques using sustainably harvested olive wood.
- 20
Excellent1% for the PlanetFSC CertifiedA high-quality, reusable alternative to disposable paper towels, handmade in Oregon from sustainable materials to drastically reduce household waste.
- 21
ExcellentEcocertPETA ApprovedCruelty-FreeA premium, heirloom-quality home cleaning bundle from one of the oldest soap makers in Marseille. This set features traditional Savon de Marseille formulated with single-origin French olive oil.
- 22
ExcellentGOTSFair TradePETA Approved VeganDemeter CertifiedHand-loomed in West Bengal by a social enterprise, these biodynamic cotton towels support fair wages and regenerative agriculture for the newly plant-based kitchen.
- 23
ExcellentOEKO-TEX Standard 100PETA ApprovedClimate NeutralThe ultimate paper-towel alternative, these OEKO-TEX certified cloths use just water to clean, removing 99% of bacteria and leaving a streak-free finish on all glass surfaces.
- 24
ExcellentFair TradeVeganAn artisanal floor care solution handcrafted in Bolgatanga, Ghana, featuring naturally antimicrobial vetiver root for deep cleaning and holistic aromatherapy.
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.