Cling Wrap / Plastic Wrap Roll

Material Composition Assumptions

Typical household cling wrap rolls consist primarily of petroleum-derived polymers formed into thin, flexible films. The composition varies by manufacturer but follows consistent patterns across consumer products.

• Low-density polyethylene comprises approximately 85% of total product weight at roughly 170 grams for a standard 200-foot roll
• Polyvinyl chloride represents an alternative base material used in some formulations, offering different cling properties
• Plasticizers and processing additives account for the remaining 15% of material composition, including slip agents and anti-block compounds
• Cardboard tube core contributes approximately 25 grams of recycled paperboard material
• Outer packaging consists of printed paperboard or plastic sleeve materials weighing roughly 10 grams

Manufacturing Geography

China dominates global plastic film production, accounting for approximately 40% of worldwide capacity through concentrated petrochemical complexes in coastal provinces. These facilities benefit from proximity to major refineries and established polymer supply chains, though they rely heavily on coal-powered electricity generation.

The carbon intensity of Chinese manufacturing reaches 555 grams of carbon dioxide per kilowatt-hour, significantly higher than regions with cleaner energy mixes. This electricity powers energy-intensive polymerization reactors and film extrusion equipment throughout the production process.

Secondary manufacturing hubs in Southeast Asia and the Gulf States offer alternative sourcing options with varying environmental profiles depending on local energy infrastructure and feedstock availability.

Regional Variation

Manufacturing Region	Grid Intensity	Estimated CCI Score	Adjustment vs Default
China	555 gCO2/kWh	3.2	Baseline
United States	386 gCO2/kWh	2.8	-12.5%
European Union	295 gCO2/kWh	2.4	-25%
Norway	98 gCO2/kWh	1.9	-40%
Saudi Arabia	632 gCO2/kWh	3.5	+9%

Provenance Override Guidance

1. Supplier-specific energy consumption data for polymerization and film extrusion processes, measured in kilowatt-hours per kilogram of finished product
2. Documentation of renewable energy procurement agreements or on-site clean electricity generation covering manufacturing operations
3. Feedstock traceability certificates identifying the crude oil source and refinery processing methods used for polymer precursors
4. Third-party verified lifecycle assessment reports covering cradle-to-gate emissions for the specific product formulation and manufacturing facility
5. Transportation mode and distance data for raw material shipments and finished product distribution to retail channels

Methodology Notes

• The CCI score represents cradle-to-gate emissions for a typical 200-foot household cling wrap roll weighing approximately 200 grams including packaging
• Scope 3 upstream emissions dominate the carbon footprint due to energy-intensive petrochemical processing and fossil fuel extraction requirements
• Functional unit assessment assumes normal household usage patterns with product consumed within two years of manufacture
• End-of-life disposal impacts receive limited weighting due to minimal product mass, though ocean pollution represents an unquantified environmental concern
• Transportation emissions remain relatively low compared to other packaging products due to high volume-to-weight ratios during shipping
• Data gaps exist regarding specific energy requirements for different polymer formulations and regional variations in petrochemical processing efficiency