What is the difference between PP, OPP and BOPP bags?

"When it comes to plastic packaging, the food industry mainly uses BOPP bags or films. BOPP bags are easy to coat, print and laminate, making them best suited for packaging products such as snacks, fresh produce and confectionery. In parallel to BOPP, PP and OPP bags for packaging are also available on the market. In all three, Polypropylene, the basic polymer for the production of these bags, is common. PP stands for Polypropylene, OPP stands for Oriented Polypropylene and BOPP stands for Biaxially Oriented Polypropylene. They differ in their production style.

Polypropylene, also called polypropylene, is a semi-crystalline thermoplastic polymer. It has high impact resistance and is strong and robust. Popular packaging packages such as ziplock bags, stand-up pouches and spouted pouches are made from Polypropylene. At first glance, it is difficult to distinguish between PP, OPP and BOPP plastics. However, you can feel the difference by touch as OPP is brittle and PP is softer.

The best way to distinguish between PP, OPP and BOPP bags is to understand their use in real-world objects. Polypropylene bags or PP bags are used as non-woven bags. These are processed to make them water or moisture absorbent. Sanitary pads, diapers, air filters, etc. are some of the common PP products. The same material is also used in the manufacture of thermal clothing as they provide a temperature barrier.

OPP bags have high tensile strength and are transparent in color. They can withstand high temperatures but may wrinkle if handled roughly. Transparent adhesive tapes are also made using the same formulation. These are difficult to tear and OPP pouches are used for packaging leather goods, garments, etc.

BOPP bags are crystal clear polyethylene bags. The art of manufacturing, biaxial orientation, gives them a transparent appearance, which makes them suitable for branding by printing on their surface. BOPP bags are largely used for retail packaging. The biaxial orientation increases their strength and therefore they are preferred for carrying larger loads. BOPP bags are waterproof. The products inside them can be protected against moisture for much longer. This is why they are the most desirable choice in the fabric packaging industry.

Polypropylene derivatives, namely PP, OPP and BOPP, are resistant to organic solvents, acids and alkalis. They are therefore widely used in the packaging industry where transportation and storage in changing atmospheric conditions are inevitable. Like stretch films, they protect the product from moisture and dust. They are recyclable and their production involves a smaller carbon footprint. So from an environmental point of view, PP, OPP and BOPP bags are a sustainable choice."

 

What is the difference between PP, OPP and BOPP bags?

The best way to distinguish between PP, OPP and BOPP bags is to understand their use in real-world objects.

Polypropylene bags or PP bags are used as non-woven bags. These are processed to make them water or moisture absorbent. Sanitary pads, diapers, air filters, etc. are some of the common PP products. The same material is also used in the manufacture of thermal clothing as they provide a temperature barrier.

OPP bags have high tensile strength and are transparent in color. They can withstand high temperatures but may wrinkle if handled roughly. Transparent adhesive tapes are also made using the same formulation. These are difficult to tear and OPP pouches are used for packaging leather goods, garments, etc.

BOPP bags are crystal clear polyethylene bags. The art of manufacturing, biaxial orientation, gives them a transparent appearance, which makes them suitable for branding by printing on their surface. BOPP bags are largely used for retail packaging. The biaxial orientation increases their strength and therefore they are preferred for carrying larger loads. BOPP bags are waterproof. The products inside them can be protected against moisture for much longer. This is why they are the most desirable choice in the fabric packaging industry.