For those looking for a flexible package, you may wonder if there is a cellophane alternative. Or maybe you’re looking for a film that offers better barriers and strength in order to resist both water vapor and oxygen. Well, BOPP, or biaxially oriented polypropylene overwrap is an option, but you may wonder how BOPP compares to other flexible packaging. Well, you’re in luck, because we’ll go over the uses, applications, and other important information that this flexible packaging has to offer. 

What is It? 

BOPP is a flexible packaging that’s stretched in a machine and does transverse different directions, which means there is a molecular orientation on both sides of this. It’s made via a tubular production series of steps where tube-shaped bubble is then heated up, inflated, and then brought to a softening point, stretching the film up to 400%. This is also done with tenter-frame film manufacturing, which involves extending the polymers to a cast roll that’s cooled, otherwise known as base sheets and then the machine is drawn to different directions. They use multiple rolls to make this film. 

This does offer adjustable ratios, and typically, the tenter frame option I much more common than the tubular option. BOPP film offers better strength, transparency, and even stiffness, along with a much higher resistance t grease and oil. It also does repel the vapors and oxygen and offers impact resistance along with flex crack resistance that’s better than normal polypropylene shrink wrap. 

The applications 

Usually, this is used for food packaging along with tobacco packaging, offering better properties at a much lower cost. They use this as an alternative to shrink films since the offer better and more enhanced options that are better compared to other flexible packaging alternatives. It also should be noted though that while this is good for many things, it actually is not easy to heat seal. You can fix this though by coating the film after you do process the heat-sealable material or also co-extrude with a co-polymer before you process, resulting in what’s called a multi-layer film for this type of packaging. 

Who Should use It? 

Businesses that benefit from this are those that engage in food manufacturing along with distribution. Supermarkets, tobacco companies, and consumer manufacturing also my benefit from this type of packaging. You also may use this if you’re trying to phase out of cellophane wrap and want something that’s not only a bit more flexible, but also is a little bit more versatile, and is an alternative to plastic. 

Is it right for Me? 

• If you’re not sure, then check out these answers below. 
• If you want something that’s better with water vapor and oxygen than normal plastic wrap or shrink film is, then there you go, BOPP is a great option. 
• If you want a plastic alternative, then yes, BOPP is another good option for you. 
• If you need something that is stronger the polypropylene shrink film, then yes, it is a good fit for your needs. 
• If you’re looking for a recyclable option, then yes, BOPP is good. That’s because they offer a good alternative for most flexible packaging. 
• If you would like to phase out cellphone, then yes, BOPP is a great option. It also offers a higher strength than other shrink film alternatives. 
• But BOPP is not good if you’re looking to get biodegradable plastic packaging, since it is not a good option for that. 
• Another thin about this is that it’s not a less expensive alternative, since it is pretty expensive, just remember when buying this cellphone alternative.