BOPP Film Guide: Applications, Benefits, Features

BOPP film is an outstanding material in today’s fast-moving packaging industry. It is made from bi-oriented polypropylene by a special process. High transparency and high strength. It is commonly used for food packaging and personal care products. Printing and laminating are also easy to do, and BOPP not only keeps products safe and fresh, it’s also aesthetically pleasing. It’s also highly sustainable and has a big impact on product sales and the supply chain. This guide takes a closer look at the production, applications, recyclability, and benefits of BOPP films. Get to know this material better. See how it helps companies better deliver value to their customers.

What is BOPP Film?

BOPP film is a widely used packaging material in the market. It is a bi-oriented polypropylene film. It is made from the same size of polypropylene. Polypropylene is extruded in its molten state. It is then produced by a biaxial orientation stretching process in both the Longitudinal and Transverse Direction Orientation. This unique production process gives it many excellent properties. High transparency, high strength, and moisture resistance. Not easily affected by other environmental factors.Very durable. The uses are also extensive. For example, in food packaging. It can be very reliable to ensure the safety and hygiene of food. There are many other areas that are widely used. It is also recyclable, which is a very good environmental choice. The demand for BOPP film has continued to grow worldwide in recent years.

Key Characteristics of BOPP Film

BOPP film has many properties. It has a density of about 0.92 g/m. Compared to other films, such as polyester, BOPP produces a lot more for the same cost.BOPP produces more at the same cost. With high transparency and a smooth surface, you can see the items very clearly. It is also resistant to moisture and can effectively block external pollution and harmful chemicals. There are many types of BOPP. They are matte, glossy, and silky and there are many kinds. Its size is also very fixed. And it is not easy to deform. There is also very little static electricity. It is also not afraid of oils and lubricants when it comes to printing. It can withstand a wide range of temperatures as well. The resistance to puncture bending and cracking is also very good. It does not wrinkle easily and can be reused. Transparent and flexible, it can display products well. It is also environmentally friendly and recyclable. It is a very good packaging material.

Difference between BOPP/PP/OPP

PP is polypropylene film. It is strong, heat resistant, and not easily corroded by chemicals. The barrier property is also good. Often used in the mass production of layers, etc.

OPP is a unidirectional oriented polypropylene film. Compared with ordinary PP film. Strength, clarity, and printability are better. It is often used for labels and small bags.

BOPP is a bi-oriented polypropylene film. Strength, printability, and clarity are higher than PP and OPP. It is commonly used for woven tapes used in laminated packaging and medium to large bulk packaging with complex logos. The difference between the three is mainly in the way the polypropylene is processed.

Types of BOPP Films

There are many types of BOPP films. They can be categorized into two main types: general and special. These different types can meet the needs of different industries.

Ordinary BOPP Film: i.e. glossy Film Performance is very comprehensive. High transparency, strong, and durable. It can also effectively isolate moisture and air. So it is commonly used in food packaging with many features and is very cost-effective.

High shrinkage BOPP film:

Uniform shrinkage is possible after being heated, suitable for packaging irregularly shaped items. It can also be used for tamper-proof packaging.

Heat-sealable BOPP film: has a special coating on the surface. Can be easily sealed even at low temperatures. Often used for packaging snacks, candies, and medical products.

Matte finish (no glossy effect), Metallized Film Performance, and Anti-fog (prevents fogging) BOPP films are also available with special treatments. These are used in a wide range of applications such as packaging for high-end products, snacks, and fresh produce. There are also BOPP aluminized films, BOPP holographic films, and BOPP pearlized films. These films have unique properties. These films are widely used in food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and many other fields. They provide diversified packaging solutions for different products.

Applications of BOPP Film

BOPP film in the field of packaging applications

• In the field of packaging, BOPP film is commonly used in food and beverage packaging. It can preserve freshness and extend shelf life.
• It can also be used for labeling and branding. It can provide a clear, durable printing surface and will not be damaged during transportation.
• It can also be tamper-proof. Make security tapes, and labels, and add identifiers to improve tamper resistance.
• In medical packaging. It is possible to incorporate materials that are resistant to moisture and gases.
• In printing and lamination. Can provide a glossy surface and is a very high-quality printing substrate material.
• Electrically, it can be used as an insulating material.
• Can also be used as flower packaging.Can preserve flowers. Enhanced performance through the Extrusion Coating production process, commonly used in multi-layer structure packaging, and is also the main raw material for adhesive tapes.

Comprehensive advantages of BOPP film

• Overall, it protects against moisture and oxygen in food packaging.
• In labeling, packaging can enhance the visual effect and protect the product.
• It can be used as an insulating and protective layer in industry.
• In the field of personal care and cosmetics, it can protect the contents.
• In the pharmaceutical field, it can block moisture, oxygen, and light, and extend the shelf life of drugs.

The manufacturing process of BOPP film

The manufacturing process of BOPP film

• The manufacturing process of BOPP films is very delicate and the production process works like this:
  • First, polypropylene pellets are poured into the machine. These small pellets are melted during the extrusion stage.
  • Then they are squeezed out of the flat Die. Into a thin sheet.
• The thickness of the sheet can be controlled by adjusting the distance between the cooling equipment and the extruder head.
  • The film is then cooled quickly and cured.
• The cooled film goes into bi-directional stretching:
  • Longitudinal Stretching is performed first. This is the stretching of the film in the direction of the production line. The polymer chains are rearranged. This improves the stiffness and tensile strength of the film.
  • Then comes Transverse Stretching. Stretching perpendicular to the machine direction. The mechanical properties of the film are further optimized to give a more balanced strength in both axial directions.
• After stretching, the film is heated and shaped. The structure is stabilized by controlling the heating and cooling process to lock the properties in place.
• In order to meet some special needs, the film can also be subjected to surface treatment:
  • For example, corona or plasma treatment, which improves printability and adhesion.
  • This is followed by a flame treatment to allow inks and coatings to adhere better to the film.
• Throughout the production process, the thickness of the film is monitored in real-time with specialized instruments. This ensures that the uniformity meets the specifications.
• Finally, the film is wound into large rolls. It is then ready for distribution. It is usually used in packaging and other areas such as food, cosmetics, and electronics.

Benefits of Using BOPP Film

BOPP film has many advantages.

It is widely used in various fields. The main advantages are as follows. BOPP films are economical and environmentally friendly, cost-effective and recyclable. High clarity and Glossiness make product packaging more attractive and enhance market competitiveness.

Good quality and High transparency:
Good quality and clear transparency. Products can be displayed at a glance. Attract consumers, enhance trust in the quality of the product, more assured of the product.

Dimensional stability:
not easy to stretch and deform, more stable packaging during storage and transportation.

Sustainability:
Recyclable, in line with the concept of sustainable packaging. Light weight and less material used, reducing transportation costs and carbon emissions.

Convenient for printing:
It is a good substrate for pursuing high quality printing. Smooth surface, with a variety of printing techniques, can be printed with exquisite patterns.

Density and lightweight:
Low density makes it an excellent choice for lightweight packaging solutions. It is also durable and protective.

Mechanical Properties:
High tensile strength, puncture resistance, Impact strength, abrasion resistance, reliable use.

Barrier properties:
Protects against moisture and oxygen, extending the shelf life of food and other products. Metallized Film is more protective.