What is BOPP plastic film? BOPP film manufacturing process
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BOPP plastic film, or Biaxially Oriented Polypropylene film, is a versatile and widely used material in a variety of industries. From food packaging to product labeling, BOPP film is known for its strength, transparency, and durability. In this article, we will examine the concept of BOPP film, its characteristics, and the process of manufacturing.
BOPP (Biaxially-Oriented Polypropylene) film is a type of plastic film that has a wide range of applications in the packaging, labeling, and laminating industries. It is produced by extruding polypropylene resin into a thin film and then stretching the film in two perpendicular directions, known as biaxial orientation. This process enhances the strength and durability of the film, making it resistant to tearing, puncturing, and other forms of damage.
BOPP Films are the substrate of choice for food packaging all over the world due to the inherent moisture barrier properties, seal ability, high clarity and graphic reproduction, and shelf appeal that they provide, as well as the best possibility of the pack having a monolayer or homogeneous structure.
It is most often used as a co-extruded heat-sealable reverse-printed film for the purpose of food packaging. In the field of labeling, it is favored because of the benefits it offers in terms of yield (the lowest density of 0.55 for the IML orange peel effect), as well as its recyclability with PP containers and other materials. BOPP Films are in high demand all over the world, which is mostly due to the growth of the flexible packaging sector.
BOPP film become a common type of plastic film used in a wide range of packaging, labeling, and laminating applications due to its numerous benefits. The following are some of the key advantages of using BOPP matt film:
The BOPP film offers the best moisture barrier of all the regularly used plastic films, and its metalized version offers the best oxygen barrier to the goods. These two characteristics of BOPP films are crucial for food packaging because they increase product shelf life and decrease food waste.
BOPP film has excellent transparency, which makes it an ideal material for packaging applications where the visibility of the product is important. This clarity allows customers to see the product clearly, helping to increase sales and improve the overall aesthetic appeal of the packaging.
Due to its limited gauge spread, BOPP film offers constant and exceptional seal integrity in addition to its barrier capabilities. The food packaging business also benefits from strong heat seal strength, reduced seal initiation temperature, a wide sealing window, and superior machinability.
Clear BOPP films' excellent transparency makes it possible to provide product packaging with a high degree of visual appeal. In this film, half-tone printing tasks with multicolor printing may be easily completed for high-quality graphics. Excellent gloss, great opacity, and exceptional whiteness in the white opaque film type provide product packaging with an appealing appearance.
The superb metallic look of the metalized film variant makes your goods stand out on the shelf. The ability to do post-lamination procedures like foil stamping, UV spot coating, and embossing to improve the visual appeal of product packaging is made possible by the material's high surface tension.
BOPP film can be easily converted into bags, pouches, laminates, and other forms of packaging, which makes it a cost-effective and efficient solution for many packaging needs. Its versatility allows manufacturers to tailor the packaging to the specific needs of their product, whether it be for presentation, protection, or both.
In comparison to all other regularly used flexible packaging films, BOPP films have a special quality. Low density promotes the idea of using less plastic per product by increasing yield during conversion. Low density leads to lighter rolls that are easier to handle since they weigh less per roll than other plastic films of the same length.
Is BOPP film recyclable? In comparison to other plastic film substrates like polyester, BOPP film has a comparatively low carbon footprint. Due to its eco-friendliness in flexible food packaging, BOPP Film is the second most favored substrate after cellulose film. Low melting point materials need less energy to change from one form to another. Reprocessed BOPP resin granules are often used to create injection molded components, furniture such as chairs and tables, and other home products like seat mats.
BOPP film is an economical choice for packaging and labeling, as it is readily available, easy to convert, and has a low cost per square foot compared to other materials. This cost-effectiveness makes it an attractive option for companies that are looking to reduce costs while still providing quality packaging for their products.
BOPP film is a highly versatile material that has a wide range of applications across many different industries. Some of the key applications of BOPP film include:
BOPP film is widely used in the packaging of food and beverage products due to its high strength and durability, as well as its moisture resistance. BOPP film can be used to create a variety of different types of packaging, including stand-up pouches, vacuum pouches, and side gusseted bags. These types of packaging help to protect food and beverage products from damage during transportation and storage.
BOPP film's high transparency and clarity help this kind of film effective for labeling. Its smooth surface also makes it easy to print on, which allows for the creation of eye-catching and informative labels that can help to build brand recognition and customer loyalty.
BOPP film can be used to laminate a variety of different materials, including paper, cardboard, aluminum foil, and print materials. BOPP film helps enhance the strength and durability of the materials it is laminated to, hence, becoming one of the most suitable choices for applications such as brochures, posters, and other print materials.
BOPP film is used in the production of tamper-evident films, which are used to secure products and prevent unauthorized access. These films are often used in the packaging of products that need to be protected from tampering, such as pharmaceuticals, electronic components, and other similar items. This helps to ensure that the products remain secure and protected, while also providing a measure of consumer protection and confidence.
BOPP film is also used in the packaging of personal care products, such as cosmetics, shampoos, and other similar items. Its high strength, durability, and moisture resistance make it an ideal choice for packaging products that need to be protected from damage and maintain their quality. BOPP film can also be used to create attractive and eye-catching packaging that helps to build brand recognition and customer loyalty.
BOPP film is also used in the packaging of medical products and devices due to its strength, durability, and transparency. BOPP film can be used to create a variety of different types of medical packaging, including bags, pouches, and blister packs. These types of packaging help to protect medical products and devices from damage, while also allowing for easy identification of the contents.
BOPP film is often used to make various types of adhesive tape, including packaging tape and Scotch tape. Its strength and resistance to tearing make it an ideal choice for applications where a strong and reliable tape is required.
BOPP film is used in the production of agricultural films, such as greenhouse covers and mulch films. Its high transparency allows light to penetrate, while its resistance to weathering helps to protect crops from the elements.
In the flexible packaging sector, BOPP (Biaxially-Oriented Polypropylene) film has been utilized for many years. It is well regarded for its affordable price, superior optical and mechanical features, and exceptional gas barrier qualities (particularly water vapor).
Below is a detailed demonstration of the BOPP film manufacturing process:
Isotactic Polypropylene, a semi-crystalline, thermoplastic polymer, serves as the primary raw material in the center layer. While ethylene-propylene copolymers and/or ethylene-butane-propylene copolymers are used for the outer layers. A hopper system is used to introduce these ingredients into the extruders.
The materials are melted and heated to 200–230°C within the extruders before being fed into the extrusion head, where they emerge as a foil.
The foil is then brought into direct contact with a cylinder that has been chilled before being submerged in a water bath to cool the melt.
The film is subsequently passed over many rollers, which raise the temperature and prepare the film for longitudinal stretching (machine direction). By moving the foil between the rollers that spin at increasing rates, stretching is accomplished. The polymer chains are aligned at this point after the foil has typically been stretched up to five times its original length. The mechanical qualities of the film may be improved at this step, and the thickness can be cut by up to five times.
The film is heated again after stretching to remove the tension created during stretching (annealing phase).
A quick-moving chain of metal jaws grabs the film on both edges once it exits the longitudinal stretching zone (tenter clips). The film is stretched transversely by the diverging rails after being heated up in an oven in the middle (i.e. stretching in the transverse direction up to 9 times its original width).
The macromolecules align at this point, but this time in a transverse orientation, improving the mechanical characteristics of the film and reducing its thickness by up to 9 times. After stretching, the chain and the film converge, allowing the film to balance off the tension that built up during stretching (annealing phase).
The film enters a new processing step at which point the thickness is automatically measured (along the entire width). After that, one of the faces is given a flame or corona treatment to prepare the film for the subsequent conversion processes, specifically to change the surface that will serve as an anchor for materials like ink (for printing), glue (for laminating), or metal (metallization process).
After being wound around a reel, the film is then sliced to the specific measurements.
The following are the primary metrics that the final product is subject to:
The film has at least three layers and a thickness between 15 and 60 microns; the center layer is the thickest and primarily responsible for the mechanical qualities, while the two outer layers provide the film with different characteristics (i.e. heat-sealing properties).
In order to completely fulfill the application criteria, additives may be added, depending on the ultimate application the film is intended for.
BOPP (Biaxially-Oriented Polypropylene) film is produced from PP (Polypropylene) plastic resins. This type of plastic is harder than PE and is considered to have the general characteristics of good tensile strength, and higher transparency than other kinds of plastic. Besides, BOPP film is also known as a thin film, with a thickness of 10 ~ 40 microns. It is due to the low density of PP particles, only 0.90 g/m3.
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BOPP film is the most in-demand packaging material due to its flexibility and durability. Its strength, versatility, and outstanding mechanical properties make it the best among others. Moreover, what if the packaging material is also cost-effective and eco-friendly?
These are the added perks that make you inclined towards buying a specific packaging material. Amazingly, global BOPP film manufacturers facilitate you with these benefits.
Let’s have a look at the reasons for the popularity of polypropylene films!
Reasons
Amazing properties and benefits
Wide variety of BOPP film rolls
Compatible with countless industries
Decorative purposes
Printability
Edge over paper packaging
Distinctive polypropylene-based film
Environmentally Friendly
BOPP Films Properties & Advantages
They are flexible. Therefore, you can wrap them on various products.
They are water, heat, and chemical resistant.
Food-grade polypropylene films are safe for health.
Above all, they are recyclable and eco-friendly.
BOPP plastic films are lightweight and also easy to wrap.
Equally important, these films increase the shelf life of edibles.
To conclude, BOPP films are cost-effective, strong, versatile, and durable.
Figure 1 Food Grade BOPP Film
BOPP film rolls possess the following astonishing characteristics:
Heat sealable
Ideal surface gloss
Moisture-resistant
Anti-static
Low toxicity
Anti-fogging
Printable
Extended shelf life
Solvent & acid-resistant
Durable
Due to the increasing controversies against the use of plastic, plastic has become taboo. Authorities have banned single-use plastic. To overcome this problem, global BOPP film manufacturers use polypropylene as their raw material. Polypropylene emits the lowest carbon dioxide in contrast with other plastics.
BOPP film manufacturing process is also safe for the environment. This process uses less energy. As the emphasis on energy conservation is increasing, BOPP is taking over conventional (plastic) packaging.
Moreover, BOPP is among the recyclable materials. Therefore, BOPP film manufacturing process takes place without toxic emissions, halogens, or toxic wastes. Thus, causing no hazardous effect on the environment.
The Manufacturing Process of Bopp Film
BOPP is a multi-layer film having polypropylene at its core with several additional layers. When polypropylene is orientated in two directions, it guarantees that the resulting BOPP film has excellent mechanical properties and durability in both these directions
Layers of BOPP film may also contain a combination of appropriate functional additives and polymers that determine its barrier properties, whiteness, opacity, gloss, or matting. So, the manufacturer is in complete control of film properties.
A BOPP film can be produced by several methods but three processes are most commonly used. These include the Tubular process and Tenter Frame Sequential process.
1)Tubular Process
In this process, BOPP film manufacturers create the sheet by extruding a thick plastic tube. After that, the tube passes through the stretching heaters and inflates into a tubular bubble.
Then the bubble is compressed, and the lay-flat stretches and gives the sheet its required thickness. Nevertheless, this process is not as commonly used as the tenter frame process.
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2)Tenter Frame Process
In this BOPP film manufacturing process, a thick plastic sheet is softened at a low temperature. Then it is 300 – 400% stretched in two directions.
There are two methods for the biaxial orientation – simultaneous or sequential. In the tubular process and some new-technology tenter frame processes, simultaneous orientation forms BOPP sheets.
However, most commonly, BOPP film manufacturers use sequential orientation to form polypropylene films.
Polypropylene Film Types
BOPP is available in many types. Namely:
Clear BOPP Plastic Film
These transparent films are most commonly used for food packaging, for example, pulses, nuts, fresh fruits, vegetables & meat, cookies, etc.
Pearlized BOPP Film
Ideal for printing and is a perfect inner sealant for products like chocolate, ice cream, and labels for soda drinks.
BOPP Thermal Lamination Film
It is an ideal solution for two-sided printing. These films are usually used for brochures, shopping bags, textbooks, leaflets, etc.
Matte Polypropylene Film
This film is also suitable for printing. It is appropriate for cable wrapping, printed pouches, and strip packaging.
Printable White BOPP Film
White BOPP plastic film gives fantastic printing results. Also, the fast colors with accurate printing enhance the quality of pouches and labels.
BOPP Film for Adhesive Tape
The versatile properties of BOPP plastic make it adequate for coating and printing. Therefore, manufacturers prefer using these films to create self-adhesive tapes. Furthermore, you can custom-print these tapes as well.
Heat Sealing Film
These films are a perfect solution for applications that require solid and durable sealing. You may get variations in the sealing properties. Some may seal at low temperatures, while some may give you the flexibility to clinch a single side.
BOPP Films Applications
BOPP films are widely used in the packaging industry. If we see in a broad spectrum, they are suitable for:
Bags and pouches
Labels
Wrapping
Adhesive tapes
Let’s elaborate on these four categories. For instance, polypropylene films are functional for:
Packing personal care products
Tamper evident films
BOPP labels
Adhesive tape
Food and beverage packaging
Cigarette packaging
Medical packaging
Lamination
Decorative and industrial applications
Gift wrapping
Flower sleeves
Bagging
How to Print a BOPP Film?
BOPP films are incredibly versatile and that’s what makes them so good for printing labels. They can be simply white, clear, or transparent, and even metal-colored. With clear BOPP film, transparent labels can be easily created. These are ideal for businesses that want to show the contents of their products with clear containers. By using certain adhesives and inks, BOPP labels can be made waterproof.
The recommendations to print a polypropylene film are:
Flexography printing
Digital printing
Rotogravure printing
Lithography printing
Choosing a specific printing technique depends on your budget, material, design, and graphics.
King Chuan Packaging facilitates you with numerous BOPP plastic films. Therefore, you can choose the best-suited printing method to print your particular BOPP film roll.
However, the most common printing technique that gives you the best results is flexography printing.
Be creative! Print your BOPP Films Label to Captivate the Buyer’s Attention
Another reason behind the increasing popularity of BOPP film rolls is their printability. Beautifully printed BOPP labels are an ideal solution for brands to promote their name.
Purpose of Labels
Consequently, brands use BOPP labels to:
Promote their name
Showcase company’s contact details
Beautify the packaging
Captivate buyer’s attention
Provide you with the product’s specifications
Figure 4 Printed BOPP Labels
Types of BOPP Labels
These labels can be:
White
Metallized
Transparent or opaque
Flexible and squeezable (for tubes)
Not only labels, but you can get printed plastic bags, pouches, wraps, and tapes as well.
Customized BOPP Labels
Do you want customized prints on the BOPP labels?
It is not a big deal. BOPP film manufacturers facilitate you with the opportunity to have custom-made labels.
You can have your brand name, product details, and contact information on the label. As a result, this label is a promotional tool for your brand.
Difference between Paper and BOPP Film Packaging
There are two types of BOPP film manufacturing processes – tubular or tenter frame process. In both methods, the BOPP film manufacturers stretch the film in two directions to make it strong, tensile, and durable.
On the other hand, paper is not as flexible and robust as plastic.
Secondly, polypropylene film is resistant to water, oil, and chemicals. In contrast, paper cannot resist fluids.
A BOPP film is scratch and wear-resistant, unlike paper.
Is Bopp Film Recyclable?
Yes, the Biaxially oriented polypropylene film is recyclable. They have a low density yet excellent stiffness that allows for thin yet durable BOPP films. While recycling, it doesn’t degrade as much as other films. BOPP films can be easily recycled by mixing them in a polypropylene recycling stream. Almost every product made from polypropylene (including BOPP) can be recycled into polymer pallets that can be used for a variety of industrial and commercial applications.
Advantages of Choosing Our Recyclable Packaging Films:
Upcoming Trends for BOPP Films
The rapidly growing packaging industry is increasing the demand for packaging material.
Because of its extraordinary qualities, BOPP plastic film is taking over traditional packaging materials (metal and paper).
Furthermore, the packaging industry prefers using polypropylene films as they are easy to use and lightweight.
According to recent research, the international market demand for BOPP film was $24.2 billion in 2020. It is projected that, by 2025, it will grow to $31.4 billion.
Hence, these statistics show that investing in the plastic industry is profitable. Indeed, your business will get a boost by dealing in eco-friendly BOPP plastic film rolls.
For example, if you are related to food packaging, BOPP is an appropriate solution for you. Highly sterilized BOPP films are food safe. Additionally, they prevent food from contamination.
These easy to wrap films are widely used for pet food, baby food, frozen meals, etc. Briefly, your investments are secure while dealing with polypropylene films.
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