Biaxially Oriented Polypropylene Overwrap Film

29 Apr.,2024

 

Biaxially Oriented Polypropylene Overwrap Film

You are looking for a new flexible packaging film. Perhaps you are looking for a more affordable alternative to cellophane.

If you are looking for more details, kindly visit bopp film manufacturing machinery dealers.

 

Or, maybe, you require a film that has increased strength and superior barrier properties to resist water vapor and oxygen gas.

 

You may have many reasons for searching for biaxially oriented polypropylene overwrap film (also known as BOPP). But, the main thing you have had trouble finding concerning this material is information.

 

You have likely discovered that BOPP is a bit obscure when compared to other types of flexible packaging films. And, this has made finding the information you are looking for even more difficult.

 

Well, today, we are going to solve that problem for you.

 

As a multi-generational packaging company, Industrial Packaging has over 65 years of experience with packaging films. And, we have a library of information on the different types of packaging films currently available.

 

With the information in this article, you will better understand biaxially oriented polypropylene overwrap film, its applications, and its uses.

 

 

What Is Biaxially Oriented Polypropylene Overwrap Film?

 

Biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP) film is a type of flexible packaging film. Biaxially oriented polypropylene overwrap film is stretched in machine and transverse directions. This results in a molecular chain orientation in both directions. 

 

This type of flexible packaging film is created via a tubular production process. A tube-shaped film bubble is inflated and heated to its softening point (this is different from the melting point) and is stretched with machinery. The film stretches between 300% - 400%.

 

Alternatively, the film can also be stretched by a process known as tenter-frame film manufacturing. With this technique, the polymers are extruded onto a cooled cast roll (also known as a base sheet) and drawn along the machine direction. Tenter-frame film manufacturing uses several sets of rolls to create this film.

 

The tenter-frame process generally stretches the film 4.5:1 in the machine direction and 8.0:1 in the transverse direction. That being said, the ratios are fully adjustable.

 

The tenter-frame process is more common than the tubular variant. It produces a highly glossy, clear film. Biaxial orientation increases strength and results in superior stiffness, enhanced transparency, and high resistance to oil and grease.

 

BOPP film also boasts increased barrier properties to vapor and oxygen. Impact resistance and flexcrack resistance are substantially better with BOPP versus polypropylene shrink film.

 

Want to learn more about shrink film?

 

 

What Are The Applications For BOPP Overwrap Film?

 

Biaxially oriented polypropylene overwrap films are most commonly used for food packaging. They are fast replacing cellophane for applications including snack food and tobacco packaging. This is primarily due to their superior properties and lower cost.

 

Many companies choose to use BOPP in place of traditional shrink films as they feature enhanced properties and capabilities that are superior to those of standard flexible packaging films.

 

It should be noted that heat sealing is difficult for BOPP films. However, this can be made easier by coating the film after processing with a heat-sealable material or co-extruding with a co-polymer before processing. This will result in a multi-layer film.

 

 

Who Uses Biaxially Oriented Polypropylene Overwrap Film?

 

Businesses that commonly use BOPP film include food manufacturing and distribution companies, tobacco companies, supermarkets, and consumer goods manufacturing companies.

 

You can see BOPP at your local supermarkets, retail food stores, and gas stations.

 

Many companies that use cellophane for their product packaging also use BOPP films. In some cases, these companies have replaced cellophane altogether with BOPP film.

 

 

Is B

iaxially Oriented Polypropylene Overwrap Film Right For You?

 

To figure out if BOPP films are the correct packaging solution for your company's packaging requirements, you will need to answer a few questions.

 

  • Are you looking for a food-grade flexible packaging film with better vapor and oxygen resistance than regular shrink film?

    - If you answered yes, BOPP film is a good choice.

 

  • Are you looking for an alternative to plastic packaging? - If you said yes, BOPP film is not the right material for you.

 

  • Do

    you need a stronger packaging film than regular polypropylene shrink film?

    - If that is the case, BOPP film is a good fit for you.

 

  • Are you looking for a recyclable packaging film? - If you answered yes, there are some recyclable BOPP films currently available and they would be a good choice for your packaging needs.

 

  • Are you looking for a less expensive alternative to cellophane? - If you said yes, BOPP film is a good choice for you.

 

  • Are you looking for a packaging film with a higher strength than regular shrink film? - If the answer is yes, BOPP film is a good option for your packaging.

 

  • Are you looking for a biodegradable packaging film? - If you are, BOPP film is not a good material for your needs.

 

  • Are you looking for a less expensive alternative to regular shrink film? - If you said yes, BOPP film is not the appropriate material for your packaging.

 

  • Are you looking for an ultra-glossy packaging film? - If you said yes, BOPP film is a good material for your needs.

 

  • Do you need a packaging film with high resistance to grease or oil? - If the answer is yes, BOPP is an excellent material for your packaging requirements.

 

 

Is BOPP Or Shrink Film Right For Your Packaging Needs?

 

With the answers to the questions above, you should have everything you need to figure out if biaxially oriented polypropylene overwrap film is proper for your packaging or not.

 

With that being said, BOPP may or may not be the best type of flexible packaging film for your packaging requirements.

 

Depending on your application, shrink film may be a better choice. Would you like to learn about the different kinds of shrink films currently available and which one would be most appropriate for your business?

 

If you would like to learn more about the different types of shrink films, you will want to consider reading our complete guide to shrink film.

 

This free resource is packed to the brim with everything you need to help you choose the correct shrink film for your packaging line.

 

 

The Complete Guide to Understanding BOPET Film ...

BOPET film is versatile and can be found in everything from your kitchen to outer space.  It’s as ubiquitous as it is essential. Standing for Biaxially-oriented Polyethylene Terephthalate, BOPET is a shining star in the polymer universe, known for its strength, durability, and clarity.

 

 

Are you interested in learning more about bopp film properties? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!

But what makes BOPET unique, and how is it used in many different ways? Buckle up; we’re about to enter this material world’s heart. BOPET films are extensively used in packaging, especially for food, beverages, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and electronic products: their high mechanical strength, good transparency, and excellent resistance to the contents.

The following will introduce the specific applications of BOPET films across various industries, covering nearly all industry sectors.

 

As Packaging Materials

     

Printed Composite Films

 

 

Composite films are commonly used to enhance packaging effects and achieve complementary properties and sealing functions. They normally combine the BOPET thermal lamination film or BOPET gloss Film laminating with PE, CPP, BOPA, or EVOH films. Dry lamination, which bonds two or more substrates using a solvent-based adhesive, is the primary method for creating composite films.

The table below shows examples of the structure and application of BOPET composite films.

 

Packaged Goods Laminated Film Structure Food Milk Powder PET-AL/CPE Coffee PET/PVDC/PE Tea PET-AL/CPE Hot Pickled Tuber Mustard、Salted Product PET-AL/PE Biscuits B0PP/PET-AL/CPE

PET/CPE

Small Sausage、Lunch Meat PET/PVDC/PE Cheese PET(127)/PE(50)

PET(127)/PVDC(25)/PE(50)

Semi-Finished Products

(vegetables, cold cuts, fish, etc.)

PET(127)/PE(50) Liquid Soup PET/PVDC/PE Rice Cake PET(12)/PE(50) Cooking Food PET/AL/HDPE

PET/HDPE

PET/CPP

Military Food PET/PE、PET/AL/PE Broad Bean PET/PE Non-food Medical surgical equipment injection needle, etc PET/PE

   

Vacuum Metallized Films

PET Aluminized films are produced by vacuum depositing a very thin layer of metal aluminum onto the surface of BOPET films through a unique process.

The processing occurs in a high vacuum, where heating melts and evaporates metal aluminum. The vapor is deposited on the BOPET film surface, forming a metallic aluminum foil layer, giving the film a metallic luster and significantly enhancing its barrier properties.

Therefore, aluminized films are widely used in packaging for food, pharmaceuticals, and chemical products, such as fast food, tea, coffee, milk powder, and cosmetics.

Electrochemical Aluminum (Hot Stamping Film)

Electrochemical aluminum hot stamping is a special printing process that does not require ink. It uses a template on a hot stamping machine to quickly transfer metal foil or pigment from the hot stamping foil to the product surface under specific pressure and temperature, forming images and text. This process is also colloquially known as hot stamping.

Heat Transfer Film

PET heat transfer films are specialized plastic films made from Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), which is renowned for its strength, dimensional stability, and chemical resistance. These films are widely used in heat transfer to imprint designs onto various materials, including textiles, metals, and plastics, through a combination of heat and pressure.

PET heat transfer films come in different types to cater to specific applications, such as general-purpose, low-temperature, and high-strength films, as well as transparent and recyclable variants. The structure of a typical PET heat transfer film comprises several layers: the PET base material, a release layer, a printed pattern layer, and sometimes an adhesive layer for enhanced bonding with the substrate.

This technology offers a fast, efficient, and aesthetically pleasing method to decorate products, making it a popular choice in industries ranging from fashion and labeling to packaging and promotional goods. Its versatility and environmental friendliness, owing to its recyclability, underscore its growing preference in the market.

Laser Anti-Counterfeiting Film

In the production of laser holographic anti-counterfeiting films, patterns that can be displayed by laser are embossed on the PET film, followed by aluminum plating, mainly for anti-counterfeiting purposes, hence known as laser anti-counterfeiting filFor instance, holographic anti-counterfeiting labels can be found on internationally recognized bank credit cards, government-issued licenses, ID cards, driver’s licenses, passports, customs documents, certain national currencies, as well as clothing and electrical appliances from global brands.

Protective Card Film

Made from a PET film base, the surface is coated with a heat-sealable thermosetting adhesive, such as EVA. It is primarily used for protecting the surfaces of documents, files, photographs, and other items.

Heat Sealable Film

A heat-sealable co-polymer resin, such as PETG, is added to the outer layer of a triple-extruded PET film, giving it heat-sealing properties without the need for compositing with PE or CPP.

Heat Shrink Film

With the development of PET beverage bottles, the demand for PETG heat shrink film to create heat shrink labels for PET beverage bottles has increased. PETG heat shrink film, belonging to the polyester family like PET, is an environmentally friendly material. It is easily recyclable and reusable and does not pollute the environment, making it an ideal substitute for PVC.

 

 

The features of heat shrink film packaging include:

  • Body-fitting transparency, highlighting the product’s appearance.
  • Tight wrapping with excellent scatter prevention.
  • Rain, moisture, and mold resistance.
  • Irreversibility offers some anti-counterfeiting.

In addition to being used as shrink labels, PETG heat shrink film is also used in packaging for alcohol and cosmetics, with its demand expected to grow by 6~8% annually. In recent years, it has also been used for the outer packaging of daily-use products.

It protects packaged items from impact, rain, moisture, and rust and enhances user attraction through beautifully printed packaging, reflecting a positive image of the manufacturer. Currently, many packaging manufacturers opt for printed shrink films over traditional transparent films.

 

As Decorative Materials

 

Gold and Silver Threads

This material is made from a PET film base through vacuum aluminum plating and color coating. It is colorful and bright and is widely used in knitting, embroidery, crafts, and decorations.

Gold and silver threads are mainly used in clothing and textiles for embroidery, weaving, and fabric decoration, enhancing the aesthetic and uniqueness of the products.

In handicraft production, gold and silver threads create decorations such as jewelry, Christmas ornaments, and art pieces.

In some cultures, gold and silver threads have special symbolic meanings and are often used in traditional costumes and ceremonial items.

Glass Film

At present, glass films are mainly divided into three categories: architectural glass film, automotive glass film, and safety glass film.

Architectural glass films are primarily used for energy savings and have UV protection and safety features. They are generally between 25 and 38 micrometers thick and are divided into heat-reflective and low-emissivity films.

  • Heat-reflective films applied on the glass surface allow visible and near-infrared light to enter while blocking far-infrared light. This helps maintain sufficient indoor lighting, reflecting most of the solar heat, thereby controlling indoor temperature and reducing air conditioning load in summer to achieve energy savings.
  • Low-emissivity films allow short-wave solar radiation to penetrate, enabling the absorption of solar heat by indoor objects and reflecting over 90% of the long-wave infrared rays to retain indoors. This type of film effectively utilizes solar energy and indoor long-wave radiation, particularly suitable for cold regions and heated buildings, achieving insulation and energy-saving effects.

Besides energy-saving and safety features, automotive glass films must also be highly transparent. When applied to car windshields, their visible light transmittance must exceed 70% to meet the national standard GB7258-1997.

Safety glass film is primarily used for explosion-proof safety and is commonly found in banks, jewelry store windows, and museums. It is highly transparent and has good impact resistance and UV-blocking abilities. Safety films are usually composed of single or multiple layers of PET, with thicknesses including 50, 100, 180, 280, and 380 micrometers.

 

As Electrical Engineering Materials

 

Insulation Materials

BOPET film, known for its excellent insulation and high-temperature resistance, is commonly used in the insulation layer of wires and cables, effectively isolating the current to ensure safe operation.

Motors and Transformers

BOPET film, insulating paper in motors and transformers, enhances the insulation performance of the equipment and reduces performance loss caused by electromagnetic interference.

Capacitor Manufacturing

BOPET film is widely used in capacitor manufacturing, especially in film capacitors, due to its high dielectric constant and low dielectric loss.

Flexible Printed Circuit Boards

In manufacturing Flexible Printed Circuit Boards (FPCBs), BOPET film supports substrates and insulation layers while maintaining lightness and flexibility.

LED Light Manufacturing

BOPET film is used to manufacture LED lights, isolating and protecting circuit boards, ensuring their heat resistance and stability.

 

As Photosensitive Material

 

Photographic Film Base

Traditional photography uses BOPET film as the base material for film rolls. Its strength and transparency ensure stability under light exposure, maintaining clear images.

Digital Printing Media

BOPET film is a photosensitive material in digital printing, creating high-quality print media suitable for outdoor advertising and high-resolution imagery.

Flat Panel Displays

BOPET film is a base layer in flat panel displays like LCD and OLED, providing mechanical stability and optical properties.

Photoresist Support Material

BOPET film is a support material for photoresists in semiconductor and microelectronics manufacturing, aiding in the formation of precise circuit patterns.

Medical Imaging Materials

BOPET film ensures clarity and stability in the production of X-ray films and other medical imaging materials.

 

As Magnetic Tape Base

 

Magnetic Tape Base Material

BOPET film is commonly used as the base material for magnetic tapes due to its high strength and good dimensional stability, fully meeting the critical requirements of tape manufacturing.

Data Storage

When magnetic tapes are used to store audio, video, and computer data, BOPET film provides robust and reliable support, ensuring long-term stable data storage.

Durability and Stability

BOPET film, with its chemical resistance, heat resistance, and tensile strength, ensures the durability and stability of magnetic tapes during long-term use and repeated playbacks.

High-Quality Audio and Video Recording

BOPET film, used as the base for magnetic tapes in professional audio and video recording, ensures high-quality recording due to its physical and chemical stability.

 

As Special Function Films

 

High Barrier Film

ALOx Coated BOPET film, with its exceptional gas and water vapor barrier properties, is widely used to enhance the shelf life and protection of food, pharmaceutical packaging, and sensitive electronic products.

Anti-static Film

BOPET film, with its special surface treatment or coating, effectively reduces static accumulation in anti-static film applications, protecting sensitive electronic devices from electrostatic damage and dust adhesion.

Flame Retardant Film

BOPET film, enhanced with special flame retardants or through processing techniques, improves fire resistance. It effectively slows the spread of flames in electronics, construction, and transportation, enhancing safety.

Antibacterial Film

BOPET film, with surface coatings or embedded antibacterial agents, provides antibacterial and anti-fouling properties and is widely used in areas requiring strict hygiene control, such as medical, food packaging, and public facilities.

Release Film

BOPET film’s smooth, non-stick surface makes it an ideal carrier for adhesives or other substances, easily released or removed during manufacturing or use.

Diffusion Film

BOPET film’s optical diffusion properties make it widely used in LED lighting and LCD screens. It evenly disperses light, enhancing lighting effects and visual experience.

Reflective Film

BOPET film, with its high reflectivity and weather resistance, is effectively used in solar panels, lighting, and decoration, reflecting light to increase energy efficiency and aesthetics.

Backsheet Film

The weather resistance and UV protection capabilities of BOPET film shield the cells from environmental impact, its high mechanical strength and chemical resistance ensure structural stability and its excellent electrical insulation characteristics enhance safety performance. Additionally, its reflective and light-transmitting properties further increase the energy conversion efficiency of solar cells, improving energy utilization efficiency and durability.

 

Wrapping Up

 

BOPET films, with their blend of durability, versatility, and sustainability, are indeed material for the modern age. From keeping our food fresh to powering our gadgets, they touch almost every aspect of our daily lives, often without us even realizing it. As we continue to innovate and seek sustainable solutions, BOPET films are poised to remain at the forefront of material science, lighting the way for a brighter, more sustainable future.

For more information, please visit polypropylene bopp film.