Biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP) Films are one of the most popular all-around flexible packaging films available in the world today, and at the same time, BOPP films are quite possibly the least expensive type of flexible packaging film available today. The clear nature of BOPP Film makes this material applicable to a variety of applications, from food to tape to retail.
In this blog, we, DQ PACK, as a leading custom flexible packaging manufacturer, explain what BOPP film is, why it’s popular, its core and specialty applications, and how it compares to other common films — with a practical table to help you choose the right material for your project.
What is BOPP Film
BOPP is made by stretching the surface of a PP sheet in both directions when it is manufactured. BOPP also contains a number of additives to provide additional strength, stiffness, gloss, and clarity properties. The coating process involves applying various coatings to improve the ink adhesion and sealability of the film. The types and finishes are based on the appearance of the film, whether it is clear, matte, metalized, pearlescent, etc. The types of finishes will determine the types of substrates used in conjunction with the BOPP films being manufactured.
Key properties of BOPP film:
- High transparency or controlled matte finish
- Good moisture barrier (not a high oxygen barrier)
- Excellent surface for high-quality printing
- Stiffness and tear resistance for converting and packing
- Cost-effective vs many alternatives
Why Brands Choose BOPP Film
Brands and converters favor BOPP film because it hits a strong balance of cost, aesthetics, and performance:
- Print quality: BOPP accepts flexo and rotogravure inks very well, producing bright, sharp graphics that boost shelf appeal.
- Mechanical performance: Its stiffness and dimensional stability make it easy to run through high-speed packaging machines and to form into pouches, laminates, or labels.
- Moisture protection: For dry goods and many snacks, the moisture barrier keeps crispness and shelf life acceptable at a low cost.
- Economic value: Compared to PET and some laminated structures, BOPP film is often the cheaper option for large-volume runs.
Core Applications of BOPP Film
Food packaging
BOPP film is ubiquitous in snack foods (chips, crackers, biscuits), confectionery wraps, bread and bakery overwraps, and labels for bottled drinks. Clear BOPP showcases product appearance; metallized BOPP adds a premium look and improved barrier for fats and oils.
Labels and shrink sleeves
BOPP’s dimensional stability and printability make it ideal for pressure-sensitive labels, wrap-around labels, and shrink sleeves where clarity and surface finish matter.
Carton overwrap and retail packaging
Retail multipacks, gift-wraps, and protective overwraps commonly use BOPP film because it provides a glossy, attractive finish while keeping costs down.
Industrial uses
BOPP is used in adhesive tape backing (BOPP packing tape), lamination films, and some agricultural applications where a balance of strength and cost is needed.
Medical and hygiene packaging
Non-sterile medical device overwraps, diaper packaging, and sanitary product wraps often use BOPP for its printability and protective properties.
Specialty BOPP Variants and Uses
- Metallized BOPP: Adds a metalized layer for a metallic look and modestly improved barrier versus plain BOPP — common for snacks and premium wrappers.
- Matte BOPP: Used for luxury packaging where a muted, non-reflective surface is desired.
- Heat-sealable BOPP: Tailored for vertical form-fill-seal (VFFS) and flow-wrap machines.
- Anti-fog BOPP: For fresh produce trays and packaging where condensation may occur.
- Pearlized/opaque BOPP: For decorative labels and cosmetic packaging.
Comparison with Other Materials
| Property / Use | BOPP film | PET (Polyester) | PE (Polyethylene) | PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clarity & Gloss | Excellent (high gloss possible) | Excellent | Moderate | Good |
| Printability | Excellent surface for inks | Excellent, premium quality | Poorer print surface unless coated | Good |
| Moisture Barrier | Good | Good | Excellent (esp. LDPE/LLDPE) | Good |
| Oxygen Barrier | Moderate (not high) | Better than BOPP | Poor (unless EVOH layer) | Moderate |
| Heat Resistance | Moderate | High | Lower | Moderate |
| Stiffness | High (good machinability) | High | Flexible | Rigid to flexible (depending) |
| Cost (material) | Low–Medium | Medium–High | Low | Medium |
| Recyclability (mono-material) | Good where PP stream exists | Good in the PET stream | Good in PE stream | Problematic in many streams |
| Common Uses | Snacks, labels, tapes, overwraps | Bottles, high-barrier pouches, premium labels | Sacks, liners, low-cost pouches | Specialty wraps, some labels |
How to Choose the Right BOPP Film for Your Product
- Barrier needs – If Oxygen ingress is a major consideration for your product (example: Roasted Coffee with a long shelf life), using just BOPP may not be adequate; therefore, look at metallised BOPP or laminated BOPP.
- Appearance – Use clear BOPP to enhance the visibility of the product. If you desire a more premium appearance, select a matte or metallised BOPP.
- Machine compatibility – Check film thickness and sealing characteristics of the BOPP with the machines used for converting and filling.
- Sustainability – If recycling is important to you, look into mono-PP structures or BOPP made with post-consumer recycled (PCR) content, and know your local recycling options.
- Print and Coatings – Work closely with suppliers on corona treatment and printing tests to ensure proper colour matching and resistance to rubbing.
Conclusion
BOPP film dominates cost-effective packaging/labeling with balanced printability, strength, and moisture resistance, suiting diverse uses. Not universal—high-oxygen-barrier needs may need alternatives. It offers a flexible, economical base for snacks, labels, tapes, and retail wraps. Choose BOPP by aligning its strengths with product goals (barrier, aesthetics, processing, sustainability) for optimal commercial results.
About DQ PACK
DQ PACK is a leading custom flexible packaging manufacturer founded in 1991, operating a 30,000+ m² dust-controlled facility with automated printing lines, high-speed solvent-free lamination, slitting, and pouch-making units that enable scalable, eco-minded production. Holding ISO, BRC, and BSCI recognitions and with branches in Malaysia and Hong Kong, we export globally and develop recyclable, biodegradable, and solvent-free options. We provide OEM/ODM customization—material, structure, and printing—so brands receive market-ready spout pouches, stand-up pouches, or bulk roll stock matched to their specifications.
