what is cellophane

Cellophane is a thin, transparent sheet made of regenerated cellulose. It is derived from natural sources such as wood, cotton, hemp, or other sustainably harvested natural sources. The raw material of choice is called dissolving pulp. Cellophane is highly permeable to water vapor, but may be coated to improve its water resistance. Its low permeability to air, oils, greases, bacteria, and liquid water makes it useful for food packaging. Cellophane is plant-based, compostable, and a truly “green” product. However, it is important to be aware of any extra ingredients or coatings that can be added to cellophane, such as polyethylene, which are not biodegradable. Cellophane production requires toxic carbon disulfide, and it could end up releasing methane, a powerful global-warming gas, if lodged in a landfill that lacks a methane recovery system.