We use BOPP for all of our custom labels. But what is BOPP exactly?
Packaging industry experts would answer the question with a technical term: biaxially oriented polypropylene. That's a fancy name for a type of plastic. "Biaxially oriented BOPP" means manufacturers stretch the plastic film in two directions during its production. They do this to improve its strength, flexibility and clarity.
Basically, BOPP is the kick-ass material we use to make the best labels and stickers. Here’s why we and other online printing services love it.
BOPP (Biaxially Oriented Polypropylene) is a thermoplastic polymer that has many similar properties to PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate). It is commonly used in sticker and label printing, food packaging, bottle caps, and other applications.
BOPP is produced by cross-linking two propylene molecules with a chemical compound called di-(2-propen-1-ol) adipate (DA). The resulting thermoplastic polymer chain is biaxially oriented. This orientation creates a film that is stronger along two axes than it is along just one axis.
/end nerdTalk
BOPP is a type of plastic that was first commercially manufactured in the early 1960s by companies like Brückner-Maschinenbau. It became popular for its low cost, opacity, and ability to withstand harsh outdoor conditions. Today, BOPP is one of the most commonly used plastics in the world; by some accounts, it’s the 2nd most popular plastic in the world!
Stickers and labels should be easy to print on, resistant to water and chemicals, and either clear or opaque, depending on your needs. BOPP label material ticks all of these boxes and more.
Printing with both water- and solvent-based inks is possible on BOPP labels. Manufacturers of BOPP film treat its surface using various methods—like corona treatment—to improve its adhesiveness and printability.
The corona treatment is a process of applying a thin layer of metal oxide to the surface of the BOPP label. The metal oxide layer is added by applying a liquid or gas on the surface of the label. The liquid or gas is then evaporated to form an oxide film on the surface of the label.
The corona treatment is not only applied on the surface of BOPP labels, but also to other labels as well, such as those used in food packaging and automotive parts packaging, due to the ease of printing and durability it provides.
The tough BOPP is "the Hulk" of plastic films. Almost indestructible, it resists oil and water, making it perfect for labeling products used in the kitchen or in the bathroom.
Thanks to its resistance to most chemicals—solvents, bleaches, and disinfectants—BOPP is also suitable for drug and cosmetic labels.
BOPP film is an excellent choice for any indoor or outdoor use. While it's waterproof, it doesn't have to be sealed against moisture, which means it can be used in kitchens, bathrooms, and classrooms. It can also withstand harsh UV light exposure, meaning it can be used for printing signs, graphics, and more.
BOPP has excellent clarity, so it's ideal for see-through labels. But this material is also available in its opaque variety. So, whether you want a totally transparent or brightly colored label, we have a type of BOPP label to meet your needs.
Versatile and durable, BOPP is an excellent material for labels in the food and non-food packaging sectors. It has many advantages over other label materials, like paper and vinyl. BOPP has a long shelf life, which means it will last longer than other labels. This makes it ideal for use in the food and non-food packaging sectors where shelf life is important.
BOPP can be used in any type of container, whether plastic or metal.
Unlike paper labels, BOPP stands up to water, oil, and chemicals. Plastic is also more durable and stronger than paper. So, a BOPP label resists tears and scratches better than paper does.
However, since it's a plastic material, BOPP will usually have a shiny look that some people and designers may not like. If you want a more "matte" finish, paper labels and stickers might be more for you. Just remember these stickers and labels will be way less durable, and are not great for many practical uses.
BOPP is thinner (3.4 mil) than the vinyl material (7 mil) we use for custom stickers. And because labels are printed on a roll, this makes them ideal for fast peeling and application. Check out stickers vs. labels for a more detailed comparison.
Being food-safe, BOPP is a superstar in the food packaging industry. Almost any kind of food product can use a BOPP label. Coffee and tea packaging, honey jars, wine bottles, and all sorts of food containers are just a few examples.
As an open-cell construction material, BOPP has many advantages: lightweight, easy to handle, inexpensive to produce, and doesn't need any special packaging. What's more, it's recyclable and biodegradable. So not only does it keep food safe while protecting it from contamination, but it can also be easily recycled when no longer needed.
Flexible and very thin, BOPP labels stick well to any container. That can be a mason jar or a jelly jar, a container for spices, or a scented candle. Add the scratch resistance of BOPP, and the label may last longer than what's inside the container.
Any label that may encounter oil or water needs to come out undamaged. The water and oil resistance of BOPP label material make it useful for applications in the cosmetic industry and many others - Sticker Mule labels are perfect for moisturizer jars, shampoo bottles, and lip balm tubes, among others.
BOPP is a material that needs specialized equipment to print on. But the good news is that Sticker Mule is the easiest way to print stickers, labels and other promotional materials for your homemade products or promotional business needs with BOPP.
Whether you need a few custom stickers for your Etsy shop or a large quantity of custom stickers for your retail store, Sticker Mule can help you get the job done quickly and easily. We use the best materials and equipment so we can turn your design into a high-quality printed product.
With several varieties of plastic packing and film ingredients accessible, it is simple to bundle everything together as one all-inclusive item. In our marketplace, and potentially yours, it is no chance to look at what we do, how we do it, and what might be ideal for your goods, business, and the globe. We evaluate the diverse demands of each circumstance to give the correct answer for every individual case. You can utilize polypropylene as a single sheet option, but there are plenty of possibilities for handling and manufacturing it. It creates a variety of alternative materials. BOPP film is such a type of polypropylene. It is an attractive option for many purposes and is the most extensively employed packaging material in the food sector.
Multifunctional. That’s it. When you comprehend the attributes supplied by its multiple production possibilities, you’ll discover exactly how many packs and items it can cost-effectively handle. Individuals also come to think how it is one of the most-used elements.
BOPP is quite a polypropylene sheet type. That’s the PP meaning, yet the BO represents Biaxially Oriented. Then what does it signify in English?
PP – Polypropylene – Polypropylene seems to be a semi-crystalline thermoplastic polymer and derives oil. It is typically produced into platters and containers used significantly in the automobile sector for car parts.
CPP – Cast polypropylene – It’s own un-oriented production technique. It has a higher rip and impact resistance versus BOPP. CPP is soft and is typically used as an internal web in the lamination to offer a higher sealing ability to BOPP. It is employed in retorted and bag processes, mainly where high temps are needed.
OPP – Orientated Polypropylene – Has been orientated or extended in one direction.
BOPP – Biaxially Oriented Polypropylene – BOPP advances the method one level further by expanding the sheet in two aspects — both longitudinal and transverse ways. This provides a solid, shiny transparent film that can operate on all automation packaging lines.
Users of BOPP generally term it as OPP or polypropylene for a quick. However, if it travels through a normal packaging process, this will be BOPP or CPP.
Like with any packaging sheet lamination, the qualities and look of each BOPP sheet vary according to its classification, barriers, and visuality. By laminating parts together, practically unlimited uses become apparent. Lamination is accomplished with solvent-free glue. BOPP film is accessible in different textures and is suitable for various projects.
BOPP Transparent Character: Offered in many thicknesses ranging from 20 to 50 microns and with a transparent, high-gloss surface, Thermally sealed plastic, and an excellent vapor barrier. Appropriate for single lamination. This is the foundation material upon which the subsequent sections are built.
BOPP solid white: Ideal for mono lamination, this material features a high white glossy appearance and offers a good base for flexographic and rotogravure print.
BOPP metalized – BOPP metalized creates a significant barrier against air, humidity, and oxygen, making it ideal for food conservation and protection.
BOPP Matt – The outside surface is matte, which provides a more stylish appearance than standard glossy plastic packages and bags.
Anti-mist (or anti-fog) BOPP — Integrated into the product rather than coated as a layer, anti-mist (or anti-fog) avoids ‘fogging’ on the pack’s inside surface, increasing shelf life and maintaining a new look.
BOPP White Metallized: Metallized solely on a single side and white on another, this film provides outstanding barrier qualities while the white side provides an appropriate print foundation without the need for massive volumes of white ink.
Cavitated BOPP — This film is ideal for stylized food and bakery boxes with a pearly white finish and a shiny finish. Additionally, it enhances the cavitation process that makes the substance lighter.
Coated and impervious BOPP – various coatings or barriers can be applied to the film to provide a barrier to gases (especially oxygen) or enable the sheet to seal at upper and lower sealing threshold temperatures. It is convenient for chocolate-coated items.
BOPP is better in several factors. The first is its adaptability. Its mix of practical applications enables it to provide various performance solutions. Rival films will struggle to compete with decreased shrinkage, increased stiffness, opacity, adhesiveness, and barrier qualities. Second, the printing and eco-friendliness of BOPP films are unmatched. Brands appear more vibrant, colors deeper, campaigns more effective, and packing is more punchy. The reversed imprinting of laminated films results in prints that are more protected, resulting in packs that appear as pristine as they departed the manufacturer or packing facility. Thirdly, its extraordinary significance. BOPP films are cost-effective and tolerant to handling in packing lines.
Examples of everyday, practical applications
Crisps, snacks, and meal kits
At some time, everybody has grabbed a crisp packet or similar food made of this substance. A reverse printed transparent polypropylene layer is coated to a metalized surface. The transparent layer creates a high-gloss, elegantly presented pack, while the metalized layer provides barrier properties that help store food fresher. Additionally, the metallic finish adds an appealing element to the presentation.
Bars of fruit and cereal, flapjacks
A more organic-feeling plastic pack thanks to its smoother, various layers. With the addition of a matt exterior polypropylene covering, food products and various snack packages take on a ‘different’ appearance. Additionally, they are becoming increasingly connected with higher-priced, name-brand alternatives.
Powder and food mix packaging
When it comes to powdered items such as cake and bread mixes, a reversal imprinted transparent exterior polypropylene sheet can be laminated with an inside polyethylene sheet. While the polypropylene creates an attractive surface, the polyethylene on the interior offers optimal sealability to contain the tiny granules entirely.
Box packaging
Box wrapping is frequently employed to wrap perfume bottles or chocolates creates a clean, snug bundle utilizing envelop shut ends. Using various coatings on regularly handled goods can help prevent finger marking and act as an olfactory barrier.
Environmentalists and ecologists have been particularly harsh on plastic during the last decade. To be sure, plastics have contributed to landfill concerns, swirling islands of plastic debris, and contaminated fishing gear in our waters. More plastics are recyclable than ever before, and the plastic wrapping sector is continuously innovating to solve difficulties at every stage of the process. BOPP is reusable, and supermarkets are currently testing the acceptance of these films in conjunction with plastic bag recycling in-store. One of BOPP films’ most significant environmental advantages is their shallow carbon footprint. They consume significantly fewer materials and effort during the manufacturing process than conventional packaging technologies.
What is BOPP plastic film? BOPP film manufacturing process
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.
Related:
- Understanding EVOH plastic food packaging
- 3 layer blown film extrusion process
- What was bubble wrap invented for?
- What are Laminating Pouches Made of?
- BIO filler masterbatch – effective solution for mulching film production
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:
Shelf life extension
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.
High clarity
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.
Product quality
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.
Aesthetic/Graphics
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.
Versatility
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.
Density
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.
Sustainability
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.
Cost-effectiveness
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:
Density, grammage, and thickness
Elastic modulus, elongation at break, and tensile strength
Haze (opacity) and Gloss (sparkling appearance)
The friction coefficient between films and between films and metals
Sealing strength and threshold °C
Temperature stability (heat shrinkage)
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.
Currently, EuroPlas is proud to be the world's No. 1 filler masterbatch manufacturer, proudly bringing customers unique plastic raw material solutions to help their factories optimize production costs and improve the competitiveness on the market. PP filler masterbatch brand EuroPlas is a combination of CaCO3 stone powder, PP base resin, and appropriate additives.
EuroPlas's PP filler masterbatch for BOPP plastic film manufacturing is committed to helping customers:
Optimize production costs
Improve some surface features of finished products: increasing hardness, reducing shrinkage,...
Save fuel thanks to the good thermal conductivity of CaCO3
Reduce mold cooling time, shorten the production cycle
If you are looking for a high-quality PP filler masterbatch for BOPP plastic film manufacturing, do not hesitate to contact us for the earliest advice and support.
Want more information on What is BOPP? And Why We Use It For Labels & Stickers?? Click the link below to contact us.