There is one firm that has solved such worries with its non-toxic materials, Cleanwrap.
Until the early 1980s, most plastic wraps used polyvinyl chlorides, commonly known as PVCs. Concerns lingered over such products, as PVCs contain harmful components known as VCMs, or vinyl chloride monomers. Reflecting such health concerns, in 1984 the Cleanwrap Company introduced a new plastic wrap called “Cleanwrap,” using only non-toxic PEs, or polyethylene components. Also, it used eco-friendly natural corn oil instead of chemical additives.
The non-toxic production method of Cleanwrap has received patents in five countries: Korea, the U.S., Australia, Japan and China. As the firm meets main component regulations at the U.S.' Food and Drug Administration (FDA), customers have no need to worry about dioxins or other harmful chemicals in its plastic products. Cleanwrap helps people maintain the safety and hygiene of their food when defrosting or warming it up in microwave ovens.
Made from PEs, non-toxic ingredients, Cleanwrap enables customers to store food in a safe and clean manner.
Soon after its launch, Cleanwrap sales took off. It quickly secured more than 70 percent of the Korean plastic wrap market. Based on its non-toxic production method and food packaging expertise, the firm produced a wide range of products, including Clean Bag, Clean Disposable Gloves, Clean Zipper Bags, Clean Rubber Gloves, paper cups and kitchen cloths. In 2013, the company recorded total sales worth KRW 120 billion. The same year, the market share of Cleanwrap, Clean Bag and its disposable gloves reached at 80, 72 and 65 percent, respectively in each category.
Clean Bags are thick, strong freezer bags. Each individual bag is dispensed from the box either like a box of tissues or else from a roll.
Made from FDA-approved components, Clean Disposable Gloves are free from endocrine-disrupting chemicals. These vinyl gloves are thick and strong. They can be used a number of times.
Above: With its own Chinese name with a similar pronunciation, 克林萊, Cleanwrap has become one of the top sellers at big-box stores across China. Bottom: Clean Zipper Bags can be found in various sizes, including one with the cartoon character Pororo, the Little Penguin. The rounded edges and re-sealable zipper lock help customers store food in airtight conditions and prevent leaking.
Cleanwrap enjoys popularity overseas, too. Currently, it is exported to 15 countries, including China, Japan, the U.S., Australia, Russia, Qatar, Argentina and France. In the case of China in particular, the company started a local corporation in Shanghai in 1995 to penetrate the Chinese market. With its own Chinese name with similar pronunciation, 克林萊, Cleanwrap has become one of the bestsellers at large-scale retailers in the country. Some Chinese customers even consider Cleanwrap to be a Chinese brand. In 2003, eight years after entering the mainland Chinese market, Cleanwrap secured 30 percent of the market there. Currently, its products are sold at about 1,500 big box retailers across the country. Chinese customers can also pick up Cleanwrap products from its stores in 35 cities.
By Yoon Sojung
Korea.net Staff Writer
arete@korea.kr
Rubber Cleanwrap gloves are made from natural raw rubber and have skin protecting additives which allow customers to use them over a long period of time.
Cleanwrap's waxed paper is non-stick, non-greasy, water-proof and heat-resistant, helping chefs when roasting food in the oven or steaming.
The headquarters of Cleanwrap Company located in Gimhae City, Gyeongsangnam-do (South Gyeongsang Province)
The Cleanwrap Company built a factory and local corporation in Shanghai in 2013.
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