In any scientific environment, maintaining the integrity of experiments and materials is paramount. One small but essential tool that supports this goal is Parafilm laboratory film. This versatile sealing film is a staple in research labs, pharmaceutical industries, and educational institutions worldwide. Whether you're working with petri dishes, flasks, test tubes, or beakers, Parafilm plays a critical role in ensuring airtight seals and preventing contamination.
At Livingstone International, we supply premium Parafilm that enhances lab safety, promotes accuracy, and delivers convenience. In this blog, we’ll explore what makes Parafilm so valuable, its diverse applications, and how your lab can benefit from using it.
What is Parafilm Laboratory Film?
Parafilm is a semi-transparent, flexible, and stretchable thermoplastic film made primarily from a proprietary blend of waxes and polyolefins. It’s specifically designed for laboratory use and is commonly used to seal or cover containers and instruments.
The hallmark of Parafilm is its ability to create an airtight and moisture-resistant barrier, which is essential for maintaining the sterility and stability of substances. It adheres easily to a wide variety of surfaces, including glass, plastic, and metal.
Key Features and Benefits
Parafilm’s popularity in laboratories isn’t accidental. Here are some of the reasons why scientists and lab technicians prefer it:
Exceptional Flexibility and Stretchability
Parafilm can stretch up to 200% of its original size. This makes it easy to mold around irregularly shaped items, from test tube caps to oddly shaped instruments.
Airtight & Moisture-Resistant Seal
It forms a reliable seal that helps preserve sample integrity by preventing exposure to air, moisture, and contaminants.
Chemical Resistance
While not entirely impervious to all chemicals, Parafilm provides resistance against many mild acids, bases, and solvents, making it suitable for numerous lab procedures.
Transparent and Easy to Handle
The transparency allows for easy labelling and visual monitoring of contents without removing the seal.
Eco-Friendly and Recyclable
Made from non-toxic materials, Parafilm is a safer alternative to plastic wrap and is easily disposable in most laboratory waste systems.
Common Laboratory Uses of Parafilm
Parafilm’s versatility is one of its greatest assets. Below are several everyday applications in laboratory environments:
● Sealing Petri Dishes
Parafilm helps prevent microbial contamination by creating a tight seal around the dish, while still allowing for gas exchange essential to biological cultures.
● Covering Flasks and Test Tubes
Use Parafilm to seal openings after a sample has been inserted, especially during incubation or transport. This minimises sample evaporation and contamination.
● Wrapping Bottles and Jars
Need to store chemicals or reagents? Wrapping the opening with Parafilm ensures long-term storage by preventing leakage and exposure to humidity.
● Instrument and Tool Protection
Parafilm can also be wrapped around sensitive lab instruments to protect them from dust, moisture, and airborne contaminants when not in use.
● Label Protection
Apply Parafilm over labels to prevent them from fading, smudging, or becoming unreadable during handling and cleaning.
Why Choose Parafilm Over Alternatives?
While there are alternatives like plastic cling wrap, aluminium foil, or screw-top lids, none offer the flexibility, breathability, and resealability of Parafilm.
Plastic wrap often lacks the sealing strength and can chemically react with some substances.
Aluminium foil is not transparent, limiting visibility and often reacting with acidic contents.
Screw caps, while secure, are not always airtight and may leak under pressure or movement.
In contrast, Parafilm adapts to the needs of the user, offering both ease of application and reliability.
Tips for Using Parafilm Effectively
To get the most out of your Parafilm, follow these practical tips:
Stretch Before Sealing: Stretching the film increases its surface tension and allows for a tighter seal.
Keep Hands Dry: Handling Parafilm with dry hands prevents slippage and enhances adhesion.
Cut with Precision: Use scissors or a dispenser to cut the exact amount needed. Avoid overuse by measuring the surface first.
Avoid High Temperatures: While Parafilm can withstand moderate temperatures, it's not suitable for autoclaving or prolonged heat exposure.
Who Needs Parafilm?
Parafilm is used across various industries and research fields, including:
Microbiology Labs – to seal culture dishes and test tubes.
Pharmaceutical Research – to preserve and store chemical samples.
Food Science Labs – to cover food samples for analysis.
Forensic Labs – to seal evidence containers.
Educational Institutions – for safe lab practices in teaching environments.
Wherever sample protection and contamination prevention are crucial, Parafilm is a go-to solution.
Buy High-Quality Parafilm from Livingstone International
At Livingstone International, we provide high-quality Parafilm laboratory film trusted by professionals in Australia and beyond. Our products are designed to support safe, efficient, and accurate laboratory operations.
Why Choose Us?
Trusted Brands: We stock Parafilm from leading manufacturers.
Bulk Availability: Perfect for institutions and high-volume labs.
Competitive Pricing: Enjoy value without compromising on quality.
Fast Shipping: Reliable delivery across Australia.
We understand the critical nature of lab supplies and strive to provide dependable products that meet your needs.
Conclusion:
In the world of science and experimentation, precision, protection, and cleanliness are non-negotiable. Parafilm laboratory film offers an easy, effective, and trusted solution for sealing containers and safeguarding your samples. Whether you’re conducting cutting-edge research or teaching the next generation of scientists, Parafilm ensures that your work remains uncontaminated and accurate.
For airtight reliability and superior performance, shop Parafilm today at Livingstone International – your trusted partner in laboratory essentials.
