Why BOPP Films has high demand in Packaging Industry

What is BOPP Film? 

Biaxially oriented polypropylene film (BOPP) is a thermoplastic polymer widely employed for packaging purposes. The film is termed "Biaxially oriented" as the film is stretched in 2 different directions.

Bi-axially oriented polypropylene (BOPP) films have existed in the world market for four decades and presently used on a large scale instead of waxed paper, aluminum foil and cellophane in several sectors.

Growth of use in Industrial Packaging 

There is an immense demand for BOPP films across the global industrial packaging sector owing to its comparatively higher strength and higher clarity over other types of packaging materials used today. For your information, BOPP films are relatively more flexible than most conventional packaging materials. This results in quicker packaging as well as enhanced sealing characteristics drawing many manufacturers of the food as well as non-food packaging industries to prefer it over traditionally used packaging materials. The excellent durability of the film makes it ideal for industrial packaging.

The rise of the global flexible packaging industry

In recent years the worldwide demand for flexible packaging has substantially risen driven by demand from sectors including personal care, food and beverages and pharmaceuticals. BOPP films are being increasingly employed in flexible packaging resulting in high demand for it globally.

Properties of BOPP films which make it popular in the packaging applications 

• It is more flexible 
• It is light weight compared to other packaging materials 
• Has high degree of flatness 
• Unaffected by moisture 
• High level of clarity 
• Ease of printability 
• Relatively higher strength 
• Lower costs 
• More convenient 
• Does not shrink or wrinkle because of environmental variations 
• Resistant to oils as well as greases 
• Does not allow moisture to penetrate it 
• Excellent puncture and flex-crack resistance over a broad range of temperatures 
• Durable 
• Attractive appearance 

Some popular packaging applications of BOPP films 

• Textiles 
• Garments 
• Stationary 
• Foods 
• Beverages 
• Tapes 
• Adhesives 
• Tobacco products 

BOPP is Environment Friendly 

Other reasons for the popularity of BOPP films that its manufacturing is safe as well as energy efficient. The latter property gives it an advantage over conventionally used packaging materials as governments and markets across the world are increasingly emphasizing on energy conservation. Also, it is possible to recycle as well as reprocess BOPP films into items for several new uses.

Metallized BOPP Film 

Metallized BOPP film is a type of BOPP film which is more attractive than the conventional BOPP film. Hence it is used to package luxury goods, wrap gifts and miscellaneous decorative purposes. Metallized BOPP is also significantly more resistant to gas as well as water vapor transmission. It is employed in packaging where moisture as well as aroma preservation is vital such as covering of tobacco goods and snack items.

Expansion of Food Packaging materials and its varieties

In the old times it was seen that food packaging supplies were used to transport by various containers, nowadays it is not the case. While considering the sort of shipping devices utilized as a part of the past, the essential concentrate remained on the manufacturer's perspective. In Fact, till the finish of 19th century, for the most part all shipment handling methods utilized simple materials to transport their products to the market. Those holders were produced using clay, cork or wood.

But in the 20th century, there was a huge move in the materials utilized for Food packaging as the major part of them were produced using glass, metals and paper. Besides, another development took after as PETE (Polyethylene Terephthalate) material came in to existence. This adaptable plastic made bulk quantity of foods available accessible for circulation to consumers in these PETE compartments. The advantage was that the Polyethylene could be effortlessly stamped or formed in any possible shape. Likewise, it was reasonable to create, subsequently making it a economic packaging solution for foods. In any case, because of the rising ecological security mindfulness nowadays, this arrangement has made clients more pulled in to eco-friendly packaging solutions delivered from suppliers.

Food Packaging is critical in conserving food the whole distribution chain. If not, different food processing risks can cause contamination because of direct contact with chemical, physical or natural contaminants. Regardless, in the previous couple of years, novel food packaging ideas and systems have upgraded the time span of usability of different foods. Subsequently, these measures have enhanced quality, wellbeing and manageability to the market. Such advancements have additionally helped to beverages, pharmaceutical medications, and other perishable items to be more beneficial for utilization and sale.

Some of the basic functions of Food Packaging 

Barrier Safety - Ideal food packaging shields the barrier from water vapor, oxygen, dust and so on. Saturation is the basic factor with regards to design. Food Packaging may incorporate oxygen safeguards, desiccants to expand the product usability time. An atmosphere controlled climate is essential for some nourishment bundles; this keeps the items fresh, sheltered and clean.

Physical security - Food Packaging may require pressure, shock vibration and temperature when encased in single package.

Various Varieties of Food Packaging: 

Food Packaging is fundamental to keep up the quality of the perishable products amid travel or for extended use. These varieties of packaging are explained below:

• Primary packaging contains the primary package in which the sustenance is held for handling.
• Secondary packaging holds numerous essential bundles in one box that is totally wrapped. 
• Next bundling aggregates every single optional bundle in one pallet. 
• Some exceptional food packaging compartments consolidate different advances to have most extreme durability and protection.

Use of packaging films

With its inception in 1981 Cosmo Films is a leading manufacturer of Biaxially Oriented Polypropylene (BOPP) Films globally. It boasts of manufacturing entities in the United States, Korea and India. The company holds a BOPP manufacturing capacity of 136,000 TPA and had revenues of 249 million US dollars in FY 2015-16. Cosmo holds the distinction of being the biggest Indian BOPP films exporter. Additionally, it is the world's biggest producer of thermal lamination films.

The following are some of the different types of packaging films employed in the industry and their respective uses


Polypropylene (PP-OPP) Film - It is the most prevalent film. It is frequently employed in snack foods, candy, baked goods as well as several other industries. Almost 90% of the packaging makers use this film.

Polyester (PET) Film - As it possesses excellent heat resistance it is ideal for products cooked in ovens or microwaves. 

Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) - It is the cheapest polymer film. It is frequently utilized for shrink applications including candles, compact disks, soap, pizza and more. 

High Density Polyethylene (HDPE)  - It possesses a high moisture barrier. Suitable for electronic components, cheese products, powders and more. 

Foil laminations - These are utilized for pharmaceutical goods as well as light sensitive items. 

Paper/polyethylene laminations - Their popular use is to wrap gauze bandages. Numerous frozen food items including burritos and pot pies are covered with this packaging film. 

Glassine Film - It's main use is for packaging fried items present in vending machines. 

Valeron Film - It is employed for covering chlorine tablets intended for swimming pools as well as toilet tanks. 

Shrink Film - Items packaged utilizing shrink films include candles, greeting cards, compact disks as well as trays of frozen items. 

Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) - These films are utilized to package compact disks, greeting cards as well as candles.

 Other uses of packaging films are listed below 

• They are light weight and simple to open, carry, store as well as reseal 
• They extend the shelf life of several items particularly food. 
• Offers convenience to customers 
• Maintains as well as indicates freshness 
• Ensures food safety 
• Results in less overall waste being generated 
• Minimal water and energy consumption 
• Restrict greenhouse gas emissions 
• Significantly limit transportation linked energy and fossil fuel consumption as well as environmental pollution Positively impacts sustainability profile 
• Makes relatively easier the process of transportation and storage 
• Brings down cost and enhances margins