The main advantages of using BOPP films are:
It provides a higher surface area per unit weight, which makes it cost effective;
It has very low moisture transmission rate than other packaging films, which improves the shelf life and retains crispness of the food products sensitive to moisture;
It has a combination of excellent slip and optical properties. The high gloss and excellent clarity provides good aesthetic appeal whereas controlled slop properties make it suitable to perform well on various form fill seal (FFS), overwrapping and converting machines in order to improve or maintain high productivity;
High tensile strength, low elongation and thermal shrinkage render it suitable for processing on high-speed printing, coating/laminating and other converting machines.
It can be tailor-made to suit various customer needs, which may be a combination of any optical/surface, optical/barrier and optical/mechanical properties etc;
It is non-reactive or inert to its olefinic (hydrocarbon) nature, which makes it suitable for safe use in the food and pharmaceutical industries. It is also suitable for common methods of sterilization practiced presently in the industry;
The co-extruded heat sealable films are preferred because they provide sealability in addition to barrier and better aesthetics without involvement of any additional coating or laminating operation, making the package cost effective;
It is recyclable and does not emit hazardous gas while reprocessing.
Role of BOPP Film in Food Packaging
The food packaging requirements are very stringent. BOPP films have many properties that are suitable and advantageous for packing food materials. The basic properties for packing food materials are as follows:
The package should be able to protect the nutritional properties of the food till final consumption. Therefore, it is desirable that the package should have sufficient barrier to moisture, gas and light.
The package should be cost-effective.
The package should be able to enhance the product's sales appeal on the shelf and also give all the statutory information. Hence, the pack should have good optical properties and printability. BOPP films have excellent clarity, transparency and gloss.
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