Compostable cling wrap in Australia: what to look for

Compostable cling wrap should do two things: work like the cling wrap you're used to, and break down when you're done with it. If it can't stretch, cling and tear cleanly, it stays in the drawer. If it can't go in your compost, it's not much of a swap.

Here's what to look for, and how ZERO's wrap stacks up against the checklist.

Start with the roll you'll actually use

ZERO Cling Wrap is made from bioplastic: mainly PLA made from sugarcane (bagasse), with about 20% PBAT for stretch. It's certified home compostable by two schemes, DIN CERTCO and TÜV Austria OK compost HOME. In compost it breaks down fully to CO2, water and biomass.

We designed it to perform. The film is strong enough that a standard metal cutter strip bent the box or pulled away, so the box uses a detachable blade. Remove the blade before composting the box and film.

30 m and 60 m rolls, from $6.99. For anything involving heat, follow the usage guide on the pack.

What is compostable cling wrap made from?

Most compostable films use one or both of two bioplastics:

• PLA (polylactic acid) is made by fermenting plant sugars, such as sugarcane, and gives the film its body and clarity. Read more in what is PLA.
• PBAT is a compostable polymer added for flexibility and stretch. It's fossil-based, not plant-based. More in what is PBAT.

Blends of the two are common because PLA alone is too stiff to cling well. The blend, the thickness and the way the film is made all affect how it performs, which is why two "compostable" wraps can behave very differently. Our explainer on PLA vs PBAT goes deeper.

Which certifications matter in Australia?

A certification is how you know a compostable claim has been independently checked. The ones to know:

• AS 5810: the Australian standard for home compostable plastics.
• AS 4736: the Australian standard for compostable plastics in industrial composting.
• TÜV Austria OK compost HOME: an international home compostable certification scheme.
• DIN CERTCO: a German certifier that also certifies home compostable products.

The big distinction is home versus industrial. Home compostable products are tested to break down in backyard compost conditions. Industrial compostable products are tested for the higher, controlled temperatures of a commercial facility. If you want to compost at home, look for a home compostable certification. Our guide to AS 4736 vs AS 5810 and compostable certifications explained cover the detail.

The Australasian Bioplastics Association runs Australia's verification programme for compostable products and is a good place to learn more.

Where does it go when you're done?

• Home compost: the best route for a certified home compostable wrap. Tear larger pieces up and mix them through your food scraps and garden waste.
• Council FOGO bin: rules vary by council, so check your council's accepted items list before putting compostable packaging in the green bin.
• Not the recycling bin. Compostable film isn't recyclable and doesn't belong with soft plastics.

Not sure how home and industrial composting differ in practice? Read home compostable vs industrial.

A quick buying checklist

• Is the material named? "Eco" or "plant-based" alone doesn't tell you what you're buying.
• Is a certification scheme named? Look for AS 5810, AS 4736, OK compost HOME or DIN CERTCO.
• Home or industrial? Match it to how you'll dispose of it.
• Does it actually cling? A wrap that doesn't stick or tears in the wrong place won't replace your old roll.
• Is there a usage guide? Heat, freezer and storage guidance should be on the pack.
• Compare price per metre, not per roll, because roll lengths vary.

Spotting vague claims

Words like "eco-friendly", "green" or "biodegradable" without a named standard are hard to check. The ACCC has made it clear that environmental claims need to be accurate and able to be backed up. If a wrap doesn't tell you what it's made from or how it's certified, ask. Our guide on spotting greenwashing on compostables has more.

Bioplastic, not conventional plastic

There's no dedicated regulatory category for bioplastics, so they're often grouped with plastics. The difference is the end of life. PLA can fragment while it breaks down, but in compost it continues to CO2, water and biomass, so it doesn't persist the way conventional polymers do. Our goal is to move completely away from petroleum-based polymers through our own materials R&D, PBAT included.

Pair it with bags

For sandwiches, snacks and freezer portions, ZERO Resealable Food Storage Bags often beat a sheet of wrap. They're made from PBAT, corn starch and calcium carbonate, tested for food contact, freezer-friendly and certified home compostable (TÜV Austria OK compost HOME). From $4.99.

FAQ

Is compostable cling wrap as good as plastic cling wrap?

It depends on the film. A good compostable wrap should stretch, cling and seal like the roll you're used to. That was our benchmark for ZERO Cling Wrap.

Can I put compostable cling wrap in my home compost?

Only if it's certified home compostable. ZERO Cling Wrap is (DIN CERTCO and TÜV Austria OK compost HOME). Remove the detachable blade first.

Can I put it in my green bin?

Check with your council. FOGO rules for compostable packaging vary across Australia.

Can I use it in the microwave?

Follow the usage guide on the pack.