What Is BOPP Film And Why It’s Used in Packaging?

Ever wondered why so many products are wrapped in glossy, clear film? That’s likely BOPP film—a packaging superstar. BOPP stands for Biaxially Oriented Polypropylene, a tough, lightweight plastic film.

It's used around the world for food, cosmetics, labels, and more.

In this post, you'll learn what BOPP film is, why it's so popular, and how it compares to other packaging films like PET.

What is BOPP Film?

Understanding BOPP: The Basics

BOPP stands for biaxially oriented polypropylene. That means the film is stretched in two directions—first along the machine direction, then across it. This cross-stretching gives it strength, flexibility, and a smoother finish. The base material is polypropylene, or PP. It’s a thermoplastic polymer known for being light, durable, and clear.

During production, melted PP is cooled into a sheet, then stretched lengthwise and widthwise. This process improves how the film performs in packaging. Most BOPP films have three layers: a thick core layer in the center, and two thinner outer layers. These outer layers usually improve sealing, printing, or barrier properties.

Because of how it's made, BOPP film resists tearing, looks glossy, and works well in fast production lines. It’s also recyclable, which makes it a strong option among flexible packaging films.

BOPP vs Other Packaging Films: A Quick Comparison

BOPP is often compared to PET film, since both are clear, strong, and widely used. But there are key differences. BOPP is lighter in density, around 0.91 g/cm³, while PET is about 1.39 g/cm³. That means BOPP gives more material per kilogram, helping reduce costs. PET has a stronger oxygen barrier, but BOPP does better with moisture.

When it comes to flexibility, BOPP wins. It handles folding and bending better than PET, and it also seals more easily. That’s why BOPP is popular in snack wrappers and overwraps, while PET might be used for items needing longer shelf life.

Compared to PVC and PE films, BOPP offers better clarity and environmental friendliness. PVC can release harmful substances, and PE may lack the shine and print quality that BOPP delivers. For packaging that needs great looks, strength, and high-speed performance, BOPP is usually the better pick.

Key Properties of BOPP Film That Make It Ideal for Packaging

Strength and Durability

One reason BOPP film works so well in packaging is its toughness. It doesn’t tear easily, even under stress. It resists punctures and holds up during transport or storage. That makes it perfect for wrapping items like snacks or cosmetics. It also stands up to flexing, which helps keep packages looking neat even after handling.

Clarity and Gloss

People notice packaging before they see the product inside. BOPP film has a glossy surface and great transparency, which gives products a clean and premium appearance. It lets colors and images pop, helping brands stand out on shelves. Whether used in labels or wraps, it makes packaging look bright and appealing.

Moisture, Gas, and Oil Barrier

If you're packing food, keeping moisture out matters. BOPP film does a good job blocking water vapor, helping food stay crisp and fresh. It also resists oil, grease, and many gases. Compared to PE, BOPP gives better moisture protection. While PET might block oxygen better, BOPP performs strongly when humidity is the main concern.

Printability and Graphics

The film’s surface is smooth and consistent, which helps ink stick well. You can print detailed designs using methods like UV, gravure, offset, or screen printing. That flexibility is a big plus for brands needing high-quality visuals. Logos stay sharp, colors stay vibrant, and labels don’t smudge or fade easily.

Heat Sealability and Hot Tack

When you seal a package, you want it to close fast and stay closed. BOPP film seals well at lower temperatures, and the hot tack—the ability to stick instantly while hot—is strong. That makes it a great fit for fast machines that form, fill, and seal in seconds. A wide sealing window means fewer issues during production.

Recyclability and Sustainability

BOPP has a low density, so you get more film per kilogram of material. That means less plastic used overall, which helps reduce packaging waste. It can be recycled in many PP recycling streams. Compared to PET, it often uses less energy during production, which gives it a smaller carbon footprint.

How BOPP Film is Manufactured: From Resin to Reel

Step-by-Step Breakdown of the Production Process

The journey of BOPP film starts with polypropylene resin. Most often, it's isotactic polypropylene, sometimes blended with special copolymers to boost sealability or flexibility. These raw pellets get loaded into a hopper system before moving into high-temperature extruders.

Inside the extruders, the plastic melts at around 200 to 230 degrees Celsius. It flows out in the form of a flat, molten sheet called a foil. That foil hits a chill roll and then drops into a water bath. This rapid cooling locks in the film’s early shape and smooth texture.

Once cooled, the film enters the MDO zone. This is where it’s stretched along the machine’s length. Several rollers spin at increasing speeds, pulling the film forward and making it longer and thinner. This first stretch lines up the polymer chains and improves strength.

Next is the TDO stage. Here, the film is clipped at both edges and moved sideways through a hot oven. It’s pulled wide across its width, often stretched up to nine times its size. This transverse stretch gives the film its signature balance and toughness.

Before it’s ready to use, the surface needs treatment. One side usually goes through corona or flame treatment. That boosts the surface energy, which helps inks, adhesives, or coatings stick better later on.

Then comes reel winding. The stretched and treated film is collected onto a large roll. These rolls are later slit to custom widths depending on customer needs. The slitting process also helps remove any edge defects.

At each stage, several quality checks happen. Film thickness must stay consistent across the roll. Gloss, haze, and sealing strength are tested, along with properties like heat shrinkage and friction. These numbers help decide whether the film is ready for printing, laminating, or sealing applications.

Common Applications of BOPP Film in Packaging

Food & Beverage Industry

BOPP film plays a huge role in food packaging. You’ll see it used in snack bags, candy wraps, and fresh produce pouches. Its moisture barrier keeps chips crunchy and fruits fresh. The glossy surface gives brands a clean, professional look on store shelves. Since it runs well on high-speed machines, food companies like using it to speed up production and reduce waste.

Personal Care and Cosmetics

In personal care, packaging isn’t just about protection. It also needs to look good. BOPP film helps brands create eye-catching sachets and wraps for face masks, lotions, or hair care samples. It prints clearly, handles well, and adds shine. That makes it ideal for skincare labels where appearance matters as much as durability.

Pharmaceutical and Medical Packaging

Pharmaceutical products need clean, sealed packaging that resists damage. BOPP film works great for overwraps, blister pack backing, and outer packaging for devices. Its ability to block moisture and dust helps protect medicine and sterile tools. Because it’s clear, users can easily check the contents without opening the pack.

Household and Industrial Goods

From kitchen wipes to small electronics, BOPP film helps protect everyday items. It’s used for packaging appliances, cleaning products, and even automotive parts. It offers just the right mix of strength and flexibility. It keeps the product safe without making the packaging too stiff or bulky.

Labels, Gift Wraps & Promotional Materials

BOPP film is a go-to material for pressure-sensitive labels and gift wraps. It prints beautifully, resists smudges, and gives a glossy finish that makes colors stand out. Many companies also use it to laminate brochures, flyers, and marketing materials. It’s a top pick when the goal is to combine sharp visuals with durability.

Why Choose BOPP Film Over PET for Packaging?

BOPP vs PET Film: Detailed Feature Breakdown

When we compare BOPP and PET, the first thing to notice is density. BOPP weighs less, around 0.91 grams per cubic centimeter. PET comes in heavier at about 1.39. That means you get more packaging area from the same amount of BOPP resin, which improves yield and lowers costs.

BOPP also has a strong edge in sealing and machinability. It seals at lower temperatures, and its hot tack is more responsive during high-speed operations. PET, while strong, needs higher heat to seal, which may slow down production or use more energy.

In terms of printability, both perform well. But BOPP’s smoother surface often gives better ink coverage. It supports a wide range of printing methods and holds color sharpness over time. That’s why brands like using it for graphics and clear windows in product wraps.

Flexibility is another area where BOPP shines. It bends and folds more easily than PET, which makes it better for flexible pouches or packs that need to move during shipping. PET is stiffer, so it's more suitable for rigid or flat-panel packages.

Still, PET has a strong advantage when oxygen resistance is key. If you’re packaging something highly sensitive to air, PET offers better protection. It works well for long-term storage, vacuum-sealed foods, or layered barrier pouches.

Property	BOPP Film	PET Film
Density (g/cm³)	0.91	1.39
Seal Temperature	Lower	Higher
Flexibility	High	Medium
Moisture Barrier	Good	Moderate
Oxygen Barrier	Moderate	Excellent
Printing Surface	Very Smooth	Smooth
Cost per Area	Lower	Higher
Recyclability	Yes (PP stream)	Yes (PET stream)

So while PET has its place, especially for barrier-heavy packaging, BOPP is often the more efficient and flexible choice for everyday needs.

HSQY PLASTIC GROUP’s BOPP Film Solutions

Our Brand Commitment to Quality Packaging Film BOPP

At HSQY PLASTIC GROUP, we focus on creating packaging films that meet global standards. Every product we offer is designed to help customers balance quality, efficiency, and sustainability. Whether you're packaging food, cosmetics, or industrial goods, we provide flexible solutions to fit your needs. Our team also supports clients with expert advice across industries, helping them choose the right film for every application.

HSQY BOPP Film

HSQY BOPP film is made from polypropylene. It’s clear, light, and strong. Customers use it in snack bags, bakery wraps, flower sleeves, and pressure-sensitive labels. It prints well and seals fast, which makes it ideal for high-speed packaging lines. This film combines visual appeal and barrier protection without adding extra weight or cost.

Specification	HSQY BOPP Film
Material	Polypropylene (PP)
Color	Clear
Width	Custom
Thickness	Custom
Applications	Snacks, bakery, labels, tapes, flower sleeves
Key Features	High clarity, excellent moisture and oil barrier, recyclable, strong print surface

HSQY BOPP/CPP Lamination Film

For clients needing added seal strength or better product protection, our BOPP/CPP lamination film offers a multi-layer solution. The BOPP layer provides clarity and printability. The CPP layer improves heat sealing and adds flexibility. Together, they work well in food packaging, pharma items, and fast-moving consumer goods. This structure supports shelf-life extension without sacrificing aesthetics.

Specification	HSQY BOPP/CPP Lamination Film
Structure	BOPP + CPP
Width Range	160 mm – 2600 mm
Thickness Range	0.045 mm – 0.35 mm
Applications	Snacks, baked goods, pharma, FMCG
Key Features	Strong seal strength, glossy finish, oxygen and moisture barrier, food-safe

Why do so many brands choose HSQY? It’s simple. We deliver consistent performance, custom sizes, and trusted technical support. From lightweight flexible rolls to high-performance laminates, we help you pack better and work smarter.

Choosing the Right BOPP Packaging Film for Your Needs

Factors to Consider

Picking the right BOPP packaging film depends on more than just size and price. Start by thinking about what you’re packaging. Dry foods like chips or crackers may only need basic moisture resistance. But moist or oily items might require extra layers to block leaks or odors. Fragile products may call for thicker films, while durable goods can use thinner ones without losing protection.

Shelf life matters too. If your product needs to stay fresh for weeks or months, a stronger barrier layer helps. You’ll also want to look at your branding needs. Does the design need high-gloss shine, or is a matte finish better? Some brands print bright colors and fine graphics, which means the film must hold ink well and resist smudging.

Another thing to check is how the film works with your machines. Not every film runs smoothly on every line. You want something that seals quickly and doesn’t wrinkle or jam. That’s where machinability becomes important. For companies running high-speed packaging systems, a smooth-running BOPP film reduces downtime and waste.

Cost also plays a role. BOPP has a good price-to-performance ratio, especially compared to other flexible packaging films. If you’re trying to balance budget and quality, it offers strong value. And since it's recyclable under many systems, it helps brands meet sustainability goals without changing equipment or redesigning packaging.

When to Choose Lamination Films

Sometimes a single-layer BOPP film isn’t enough. That’s when laminated films step in. When you need stronger protection from moisture, oxygen, or smells, a laminated film adds extra defense. It’s also the right choice for products like coffee, spices, or baked goods that need extended shelf life.

Multi-layer packaging is helpful for products that need both strength and flexibility. A BOPP/CPP combo adds seal strength and clarity. You’ll often find it in pharma, frozen food, or personal care pouches. If your brand wants a sleek, premium finish, lamination gives you that shiny look with added durability.

You can also use lamination for tamper-evident wraps. When you need that clean, tight seal that shows if a product’s been opened, a laminated structure makes it possible. It helps create secure, high-impact packaging that protects your product and boosts shelf appeal.

Conclusion

BOPP film offers strength, clarity, sealability, and moisture protection in one lightweight material.
It prints well and performs on fast machines.

HSQY provides high-quality BOPP and BOPP/CPP lamination film for modern packaging needs.
We support food, pharma, cosmetics, and more with custom sizes and expert guidance.

Looking for tailored packaging that works and looks great?
Contact HSQY PLASTIC GROUP to find your best-fit solution.

FAQs

Q1: What is BOPP film made of?
BOPP film is made from polypropylene, a clear, lightweight, and flexible plastic.

Q2: Is BOPP film safe for food packaging?
Yes, BOPP film is food-safe and widely used for snacks, produce, and baked goods.

Q3: Can BOPP film be recycled?
Yes, BOPP film is recyclable in most PP (polypropylene) recycling streams.

Q4: What’s the difference between BOPP and PET film?
BOPP is lighter and seals better. PET has stronger oxygen barrier and stiffness.

Q5: When should I use laminated BOPP film?
Use lamination for better barrier, shelf-life, and tamper-evident packaging applications.