10 Questions You Should to Know about Bopp Tape Roll

In this comprehensive guide to all things adhesive tape, we’re sharing 45 years of experience with you.  Read on to find out why adhesive tape is quickly replacing glues and fasteners in manufacturing and construction, and how you can use it on your project today.

Dewangtai Product Page

What is Adhesive Tape?

Adhesive tape (a.k.a. pressure sensitive tape, PSA tape, self-stick tape, or sticky tape) consists of a pressure-sensitive adhesive coated onto a backing material such as paper, plastic film, cloth, or metal foil.

Some tapes have removable release liners that protect the adhesive until the liner is removed. Some have layers of adhesives, primers, easy release materials, filaments, printing, etc. made for specific functions.

Pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSAs) do not require water, solvent, or heat activation to bond to materials such as paper, plastic, glass, wood, cement, and metal.

PSA tapes are tacky at room temperature in dry form, and they adhere firmly to a variety of surfaces and require only the application of a finger or hand. Technically speaking, that’s a bonding pressure of 14.5 – 29 psi =^ 10 – 20 N/cm² or greater.

Single-sided tapes allow bonding to a surface or joining of two adjacent or overlapping materials. Double-sided tape (adhesive on both sides) allows the joining of two items back-to-back.

A Brief History of Tape

The history of stickiness didn’t start with tape. It’s credited to the bees. Or rather, woodworkers in ancient Egypt used glue made from natural, viscous substances like beeswax and resin to hold materials together.

In modern times before tape, glues and epoxies did most of the sticky work. But they had serious drawbacks, especially in household use. Messiness, permanence, and drying to a hard finish all made traditional glues less-than-ideal.

It wasn’t until that adhesive tape, as we know it today, was invented.

According to How Stuff Works:

“Masking tape, as it became known, was intended to solve a very specific problem: applying two-toned paint jobs to cars. Before masking tape, auto shops were “masking off” for each color application using glue and paper. Peeling off the paper ruined countless paint jobs. Richard Drew, a young research assistant, witnessed one such ruined job and the furious cursing that followed. Drew, who had absolutely zero experience in adhesives, decided, apparently on the spot, to create an adhesive that could be removed from dry paint without peeling it off. Two years later, masking tape was introduced.”

Today, adhesive tape comes in all shapes and sizes, with varying degrees of stickiness, and for close to 45 years, ECHOtape has helped our customers match their specific application needs with the right pressure-sensitive tape.

And in that time, we have found that the majority of people have the same complaints and questions about tape. Here’s almost everything you need to know about adhesive tape as an industry professional.

How is Adhesive Tape Made?

We could tell you how adhesive tape is made, but this video by The Science Channel is much more fun:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y3N-MfmSAPg

As an aside, this video is also a great example of how tape is used in splicing. But that’s another topic for another time.

What Makes Tape Stick?

While the adhesive used on pressure-sensitive tapes might seem alike – they are all tacky, adhere well, and resist stresses – they are actually quite different. There are pros and cons for each tape type, be it rubber/resin, synthetic rubber, acrylic, and silicone-based adhesives.

Rubber/Resin is the oldest type of adhesive based on natural rubber, but it needs a resin to make it into an adhesive.

For many jobs, rubber/resin adhesives offer many advantages:

• It is often a less expensive adhesive.
• Has an initial high tack, as opposed to acrylic which needs time to cure.
• Sticks well to many different surfaces, including some hard-to-stick-to materials.
• Rubber-based adhesives provide highly flexible bonds and are usually based on butadiene-styrene, butyl, polyisobutylene or nitrile compounds.
• It can be formulated to adhere at colder temperatures, but there is a limit, and rubber/resin adhesives have limitations at higher temperatures in its basic form.
• Epoxy resins exhibit high strength and low shrinkage during curing and are known for their toughness and resistance to chemical and environmental damages.

When it comes to disadvantages, rubber/resin’s main weakness is that both the rubber and the resin are prone to oxidation from the air. Therefore, exposure to ultraviolet light from the sun and other light sources can break down in heat.

Synthetic Rubber can be used in place of natural rubber. Offering much higher adhesion and shear resistance than natural rubber-based adhesives; as a result, it is very good for sealing packages and cartons.

Acrylic Adhesives Most of the weaknesses of rubber/resin adhesives are overcome by a single component of pressure-sensitive adhesive based on “acrylic” chemistry. Acrylic is colorless and is stable to oxidation and exposure to ultraviolet light. The stability to oxidation can give an acrylic adhesive tape many years of protection against ultraviolet light. However, it is more expensive – about twice as much as rubber/resins;  it’s not quite so good as natural rubber on harder-to-adhere surfaces, and it needs significant time to cure.

Silicone-based Adhesives give many years of service life. Like acrylics, silicone can be used against the skin, so it has many medical applications as well as uses in the electrical industry where temperature is a challenge (e.g., jet engines). Silicone adhesives and sealants have a high degree of flexibility and are resistant to very high temperatures. However, silicones are the most expensive adhesives of all, typically twice as much as acrylics.

What are the Advantages of Pressure Sensitive Tape?

Traditional adhesives essentially transform from a liquid form into a solid one to adhere. Those processes are a function of the type of adhesive and how it is engineered to work and for what purpose. The interesting aspect of pressure-sensitive tapes is that they are “just liquid enough” to sufficiently wet the surface the tape contacts.

Conversely, these pressure-sensitive adhesives have enough of a solid-state character to resist any forces trying to remove it. As a result, pressure-sensitive adhesive tapes deliver the ideal means of fastening and offer the following significant advantages:

• • Other than ensuring that the surface is clean and dry, there is no preparation necessary.
  • Compared with trying to secure something with fasteners such as screws (which can cause various issues depending on the surface to which you need to attach) adhering something with tape can take seconds.
  • No special tools are needed, other than something to cut the tape (scissors or a tape dispenser). Many tapes can even be torn by hand.  Compared with fasteners such as screws, this is a much easier installation option.
  • It isn’t messy to use – there are no brushes or application tools and there is no surplus of adhesive or waste of materials.
  • Tape is extremely inexpensive compared to sealants, and provides an incredible number of uses per roll.
  • Tape can be applied as a die-cut to the exact area needed, further minimizing waste.
  • It is uniform in thickness, giving a precise bond.
  • It is instantaneous, which means no waiting for drying or chemical reaction.
  • The finished bond is stress-free. All other adhesives create stress in the joint when changing state, which can potentially weaken the bond.
  • It comes in many different varieties, some of which are tailor-made to very specific applications.

How To Choose the Right Tape  

We get this question a lot:  How do we actually know that it’s the right tape for the application and that it’s going to last? And that’s totally fair.

Almost everyone we know has a tape failure story, but tape isn’t the same as what you grew up with, or even what you used five years ago. Just as the cell in your pocket has gotten smaller, faster and smarter,  adhesive technology has gotten stronger and more versatile.

On a job site full of tools and specialty equipment, tape may seem as ubiquitous as a hammer and nails. However, nothing beats tape for versatility, portability, and ease of use… that is IF you have the right tape for the job at hand. And that’s the conundrum, isn’t it?  The sheer volume of pressure-sensitive adhesives is so overwhelming that it’s hard to know where to begin.

To help, we’ve created an infographic as a portable field guide for builders and contractors.  You can find it here:

What Conditions Make Tape Fail? 

When it comes to tape, you may think you can’t believe everything you read. Upon review, a tape’s specification sheet can indicate that its adhesive properties are good, but when you use it, the resulting adhesion is poor.

Of course, when this happens, the tape tends to get the blame. But it isn’t always your tape for example that is at fault. In fact, it may be the surrounding conditions or even the surface that you are trying to stick the tape to.

If you’re facing this challenge, carefully consider every condition that could affect your tape. These can include several variables:

Temperature

Carefully factor in the temperature. Are both the tape and the surface at least 18ºC/65ºF? The tackiness of the adhesive tape is very temperature-dependent, and the colder the conditions, the poorer the bond will be. If you must work at lower temperatures, then use an adhesive tape specifically designed for colder climates.

Related: Why Tape Doesn’t Stick in the Cold

Surface: Is the surface clean? Traces of dust, dirt, grease, and even the slightest trace of moisture will contaminate the adhesive surface and act as a barrier between the two. To best prepare, the surface, give it a quick wash with rubbing alcohol and dry it with a clean cloth.

Uniformity

The typical adhesive tape has a very thin, flat smooth layer of adhesive. Is your surface also flat and smooth, so that the two can uniformly contact one another? If your surface is rough and full of micro “hills and valleys,” the tape can only make contact at the high points – which will result in a weak bond. With a moderately rough surface, you will need a tape with a much thicker adhesive that can fill these valleys, thus providing a major improvement in contact. If it is too rough, then you may need a foam tape with enough deformation to make a good bond.

Chemistry

Is the surface you are working with a plastic or other material? Is it covered with paint or another coating that has a naturally low adhesion or even release quality? Regular adhesive tape won’t stick to waxed surfaces, Teflon®, or silicone, and will even have difficulty sticking to polyethylene. A very tacky tape will help, as well as tapes with an adhesive that is based on natural rubber, but you may need to turn to an adhesive tape specifically designed for your specific surface.

As a very last resort, you may need to change the character of your surface to get an adhesive tape to stick to it. This could mean roughening it with an abrasive or even treating it with a prime coat that is compatible with both the surface and the adhesive.

How To Test Tape

When a customer comes to us with a challenge, we actually test the tape for them and with them.

There are two ways to do this:  Real-world field testing and lab testing. Ideally, we get to do both, like at The Durability Lab, but the bottom line is that the real world test matters most.

What good is a lab report when your building envelope leaks like a sieve, or your flying splice failed because the adhesive didn’t stick fast enough? Not good at all.

So here we’re going to walk you through the most common tape testing variables we use at ECHOtape.

Know Your Substrate

One of the most critical aspects of our application trials is to test the tape on the actual substrate which is where real-world applications come into play.

For years, lab tape testing was performed on standardized substrates, like steel, and it did not differentiate performance based on a specific material. Over the last five decades, we have learned how critical a factor this is. The tape may work on one specific substrate and fail on others. Sometimes the tape works on a substrate, but when any changes to the chemistry or condition of the substrate change, the tape could end up failing. Even a small change can have a major effect.

Take, for example, splicing tapes. In many situations, customers need a quick stick while materials are still moving (called a flying splice), but then the tape needs to permanently adhere for long-term performance.  We first test splicing tape by hand on the substrate — paper, cardboard, flexographic materials — and then see if it pulls fibers. This is good because this shows that the tape has a quick stick.  Then, we move it to the actual machine for real-world testing. A splice can take a blink of an eye and so you need to test the tape in the manufacturing process

Permanent or Temporary Bonding?

Which one you want makes a difference in how you test tape. Here are some more behind-the-scenes insights to our application testing process.

For temporary bonding, we are trying to discover whether tape adheres quickly and comes off cleanly..an important field test when considering protective film or stucco tape.  In this scenario, we will apply the same environmental conditions to the adhesives, and see how it performs. Does it apply quickly and evenly? Does it remove easily and without residue?  We can certainly duplicate this in the lab, but there’s no replacement for real world testing. Which is why it’s important that our clients understand that field tape testing takes time. If your issue is stucco tape isn’t sticking in 90°F and 100% humidity, it doesn’t do us any good to test it in the fall when it’s 60°F and 20% humidity.

Permanent bonding is a different animal.  Oftentimes, the tape needs to cure to assess performance, like acrylic adhesives that need 72 hours to set.  There are two common real-world tests we use here:

• Shear strength. This is the force pulling down on the tape. To assess shear strength, we can hang a weight and see what happens. Does the tape slide? Where is the force trying to pull it apart? That is what you need to know when you test bonding.
• Peel Strength.  Here we measure the degree of adhesion by lifting at 180-degrees, then lifting it the opposite direction. How well does it stick?  Does it delaminate, or rip off the substrate? If it delaminates, it means the tape is stronger than the substrate, something you look for when you need extreme bonding power.

Ultraviolet (UV) Exposure and Aging

UV light is a type of electromagnetic radiation, as are radio waves, infrared radiation, X-rays and gamma rays. It’s invisible to the human eye, but it makes a profound effect on adhesives. With prolonged exposure to ultraviolet light, certain chemical materials, such as natural and some synthetic rubbers as well as polyethylene, can experience negative changes to their properties; resulting in them becoming hard and brittle. Absolutely not the qualities you want in a tape that needs to hold for any duration in a particular application.  (Read our behind the scenes report on The Durability Lab here.)

The good news is that you can minimize the effects of UV light by choosing the right tape. For outdoor use, it is best to stay away from adhesive tapes with a natural or synthetic rubber adhesive. Unless the adhesive has been specially treated with ultraviolet stabilizers or the backing has an ultraviolet light barrier, like a premium outdoor stucco duct tape. There are also adhesive tapes that have been specially designed for prolonged outdoor exposure typically using an acrylic adhesive.

Extreme Temperatures

We are the leaders in cold weather tape for good reason: our home offices in Canada are ground zero for sub-freezing environmental conditions.

It doesn’t get any more real than that.

Still, we do also conduct lab testing. Using a temperature-controlled, environmental chamber, we bring temperatures down below -30°F and assess the outcome. Does it stick, and does it stay secure?  The same is true for heat, although real-world tape testing is done in Arizona, Florida, and Texas.

How To Understand An Adhesive Tape Spec Sheet

For engineers and general contractors, both the tape sample and the specification sheet should be closely reviewed when considering their uses. But what detail does the specification sheet provide and how can the maximum benefit be derived? Here’s what you need to look for, whether it’s high-bond foam tape, stucco tape or industrial-strength construction-grade duct tape:

• • Construction properties: The specification sheet will initially provide an accurate verbal description of the tape’s construction as well as a summary of its properties. By this information alone, you will know whether or not this is the kind of tape needed.
  • Versatility: Adhesive tape is highly versatile, and any individual tape can prove to have many other uses than were intended when it was first designed.  A pressure-sensitive tape consists of one or more soft amorphous broad molecular weight polymers and often contains several other chemicals. Because of this, even though it is manufactured to tight quality-control specifications, it can’t be manufactured to the precision expected of an accurately machined metal part.
  • Adhesive type: A natural rubber-based system is the general-purpose workhorse type of tape, but if you have special needs from your tape – such as long-term aging, resistance to ultraviolet light, or non-corrosive properties – you will need to look for the higher performance acrylic.  The adhesion level quoted is determined in a test environment (on a steel surface) in a very specific way, so your own end-use probably won’t duplicate this. But the specifications should serve as a helpful guide to what level of adhesion you can expect when compared to the adhesion quotes of other tapes.
  • Tensile strength and elongation information: The relationship between the tensile strength quoted and its elongation is far from linear, but you can get a rough estimate of the elongation expected when the typical slight application tensile force of less than a pound or two is applied to the tape.  With plastic films, this stretch will be elastic and the tape will want to recover, but with paper, it will be “dead stretch” with no recovery.
  • Temperature limits: Where the tape is intended for a higher temperature operation, the upper temperature limit will be quoted. Note however there is no tolerance with the upper working temperature, so the tape should not be used above this quote.

• Resistance to shear: The resistance to shear (minimized effect of adhesive bleed or the “oozing” of adhesive beyond the tape) will also be given when it is key to good performance.

What is Adhesion Value, Exactly?

Tapes are often rated by adhesion value, which can be helpful if you know what it means.  Here are a few examples:

• • Looking for a removable tape? You definitely need low adhesion. A protective tape offers the lowest adhesion – at around 10 ounces per inch – while a masking tape would be around 25-35 ounces per inch.
  • A more difficult surface? You will need a higher adhesion level, perhaps even up to 45-60 ounces per inch. Additionally, if the tape is for a permanent application, it will usually call for a high adhesion value.
  • If the use is both permanent and on a porous surface, such as corrugated cardboard, then as long as the adhesive strength of the tape to the cardboard is higher than the internal strength of the cardboard (as evidenced by the tape tearing the surface of the cardboard), there is ample adhesion for the job – making adhesions of 60-100 ounces per inch totally unnecessary.

• If the tape is for a rough surface, it means that the adhesive contact could be poor. So it may not be a high adhesion tape that is needed, but one with a thicker adhesive to better contact the surface. Similarly, a tackier tape might work better on a hard-to-adhere surface than one with a higher adhesion.

Tensile Force vs. Shear Force

When it comes to determining if a particular tape is right for your construction project, there are two forces to consider: tensile force and shear force.

Tensile force influences the elastic property of the adhesive. Specifically, it will first stretch the adhesive before finally pulling it away from the surface. If a tensile force causes a failure, it will most likely be in the adhesive at the surface. Therefore, adhesion testing that measures the elastic character of the adhesive, and how much force it can take, will help you select the right tape.

A shear force works parallel to the surface – it is the major force at work in double-sided tapes. Shear force resistance testing – often called “Holding Power” – is an effective way to measure the internal strength of the adhesive (known as “cohesion”).

Most adhesive failures or separation occur as a combination of both tensile and shear forces, it is extremely helpful to know what forces could potentially affect your tape.

Keep in mind that if the outside force is large enough, and is continuously applied, all tapes will eventually fail. It’s not a matter of “if,” but “when” – it may take an hour, a week, a year, or more, but if a tape isn’t designed to withstand the outside forces, it will eventually fail.

Release Liners: What Are They and Why Do You Need Them? 

For tape, because of how it is dispensed, the adhesive part must contact its own backing yet still be able to unwind easily. To achieve this, the backing must provide a low-adhesion release surface. In other words…not stick to itself!

• Paper tapes need a coating known as backsize, as well as a low-surface energy coating known as a release coat. Plastic films only require a release coat.
• The backing on foam tape won’t allow the adhesive to come in contact with it
• For aluminum foil tapes, the act of unwinding it from its own backing will cause it to ripple and distort the foil, which will adversely affect the contact area as well as the appearance.

For all of the above, the best solution is to use a facing material with a low surface energy, usually a paper or a plastic film that has been treated with a silicone release coat. They could also be a polyethylene film that already has a low enough surface energy to work as release facing, or even a silicone-coated polyester film.

Adhesive Tape is a Universal Tool

In short, pressure-sensitive adhesive tape is the industrialist’s dream come true. It is the universal tool that simply and conveniently solves many different fastening challenges. These tapes come in a wide variety of backings, each suitable for specific end-uses. This is exactly why adhesive tape use is on the rise in high-performance building and construction.  If you’re still using glues, sealants or even nails, consider pressure-sensitive tape.

Contact the ECHOtape team today to find the right tape for your application.

Click here for our complete selection of insulation tapes.

Also, check out some of our most popular tapes:
Outdoor double sided tape
Thermal tape
FSK tape

Related:

What is BOPP plastic film? BOPP film manufacturing process

BOPP plastic film, or Biaxially Oriented Polypropylene film, is a versatile and widely used material in a variety of industries. From food packaging to product labeling, BOPP film is known for its strength, transparency, and durability. In this article, we will examine the concept of BOPP film, its characteristics, and the process of manufacturing.

Related:

- Understanding EVOH plastic food packaging

- 3 layer blown film extrusion process

- What was bubble wrap invented for?

- What are Laminating Pouches Made of?

- BIO filler masterbatch – effective solution for mulching film production

1. What is BOPP film?

1.1. Definition

BOPP (Biaxially-Oriented Polypropylene) film is a type of plastic film that has a wide range of applications in the packaging, labeling, and laminating industries. It is produced by extruding polypropylene resin into a thin film and then stretching the film in two perpendicular directions, known as biaxial orientation. This process enhances the strength and durability of the film, making it resistant to tearing, puncturing, and other forms of damage.

BOPP Films are the substrate of choice for food packaging all over the world due to the inherent moisture barrier properties, seal ability, high clarity and graphic reproduction, and shelf appeal that they provide, as well as the best possibility of the pack having a monolayer or homogeneous structure.

It is most often used as a co-extruded heat-sealable reverse-printed film for the purpose of food packaging. In the field of labeling, it is favored because of the benefits it offers in terms of yield (the lowest density of 0.55 for the IML orange peel effect), as well as its recyclability with PP containers and other materials. BOPP Films are in high demand all over the world, which is mostly due to the growth of the flexible packaging sector.

1.2. Benefits of using BOPP film

BOPP film become a common type of plastic film used in a wide range of packaging, labeling, and laminating applications due to its numerous benefits. The following are some of the key advantages of using BOPP matt film:

Shelf life extension

The BOPP film offers the best moisture barrier of all the regularly used plastic films, and its metalized version offers the best oxygen barrier to the goods. These two characteristics of BOPP films are crucial for food packaging because they increase product shelf life and decrease food waste.

High clarity

BOPP film has excellent transparency, which makes it an ideal material for packaging applications where the visibility of the product is important. This clarity allows customers to see the product clearly, helping to increase sales and improve the overall aesthetic appeal of the packaging.

Product quality

Due to its limited gauge spread, BOPP film offers constant and exceptional seal integrity in addition to its barrier capabilities. The food packaging business also benefits from strong heat seal strength, reduced seal initiation temperature, a wide sealing window, and superior machinability.

Aesthetic/Graphics

Clear BOPP films' excellent transparency makes it possible to provide product packaging with a high degree of visual appeal. In this film, half-tone printing tasks with multicolor printing may be easily completed for high-quality graphics. Excellent gloss, great opacity, and exceptional whiteness in the white opaque film type provide product packaging with an appealing appearance.

The superb metallic look of the metalized film variant makes your goods stand out on the shelf. The ability to do post-lamination procedures like foil stamping, UV spot coating, and embossing to improve the visual appeal of product packaging is made possible by the material's high surface tension.

Versatility

BOPP film can be easily converted into bags, pouches, laminates, and other forms of packaging, which makes it a cost-effective and efficient solution for many packaging needs. Its versatility allows manufacturers to tailor the packaging to the specific needs of their product, whether it be for presentation, protection, or both.

The company is the world’s best Bopp Tape Roll supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.

Density

In comparison to all other regularly used flexible packaging films, BOPP films have a special quality. Low density promotes the idea of using less plastic per product by increasing yield during conversion. Low density leads to lighter rolls that are easier to handle since they weigh less per roll than other plastic films of the same length.

Sustainability

Is BOPP film recyclable? In comparison to other plastic film substrates like polyester, BOPP film has a comparatively low carbon footprint. Due to its eco-friendliness in flexible food packaging, BOPP Film is the second most favored substrate after cellulose film. Low melting point materials need less energy to change from one form to another. Reprocessed BOPP resin granules are often used to create injection molded components, furniture such as chairs and tables, and other home products like seat mats.

Cost-effectiveness

BOPP film is an economical choice for packaging and labeling, as it is readily available, easy to convert, and has a low cost per square foot compared to other materials. This cost-effectiveness makes it an attractive option for companies that are looking to reduce costs while still providing quality packaging for their products.

2. What is BOPP film used for?

BOPP film is a highly versatile material that has a wide range of applications across many different industries. Some of the key applications of BOPP film include:

Food & Beverage Packaging

BOPP film is widely used in the packaging of food and beverage products due to its high strength and durability, as well as its moisture resistance. BOPP film can be used to create a variety of different types of packaging, including stand-up pouches, vacuum pouches, and side gusseted bags. These types of packaging help to protect food and beverage products from damage during transportation and storage.

Labeling and Branding

BOPP film's high transparency and clarity help this kind of film effective for labeling. Its smooth surface also makes it easy to print on, which allows for the creation of eye-catching and informative labels that can help to build brand recognition and customer loyalty.

Laminating

BOPP film can be used to laminate a variety of different materials, including paper, cardboard, aluminum foil, and print materials. BOPP film helps enhance the strength and durability of the materials it is laminated to, hence, becoming one of the most suitable choices for applications such as brochures, posters, and other print materials.

Tamper Evident Films

BOPP film is used in the production of tamper-evident films, which are used to secure products and prevent unauthorized access. These films are often used in the packaging of products that need to be protected from tampering, such as pharmaceuticals, electronic components, and other similar items. This helps to ensure that the products remain secure and protected, while also providing a measure of consumer protection and confidence.

Personal Care Product Packaging

BOPP film is also used in the packaging of personal care products, such as cosmetics, shampoos, and other similar items. Its high strength, durability, and moisture resistance make it an ideal choice for packaging products that need to be protected from damage and maintain their quality. BOPP film can also be used to create attractive and eye-catching packaging that helps to build brand recognition and customer loyalty.

Medical Packaging

BOPP film is also used in the packaging of medical products and devices due to its strength, durability, and transparency. BOPP film can be used to create a variety of different types of medical packaging, including bags, pouches, and blister packs. These types of packaging help to protect medical products and devices from damage, while also allowing for easy identification of the contents.

Adhesive Tape

BOPP film is often used to make various types of adhesive tape, including packaging tape and Scotch tape. Its strength and resistance to tearing make it an ideal choice for applications where a strong and reliable tape is required.

Agricultural Films

BOPP film is used in the production of agricultural films, such as greenhouse covers and mulch films. Its high transparency allows light to penetrate, while its resistance to weathering helps to protect crops from the elements.

3. How is BOPP film made?

In the flexible packaging sector, BOPP (Biaxially-Oriented Polypropylene) film has been utilized for many years. It is well regarded for its affordable price, superior optical and mechanical features, and exceptional gas barrier qualities (particularly water vapor).
Below is a detailed demonstration of the BOPP film manufacturing process:

Step 1. Raw material feeding system

Isotactic Polypropylene, a semi-crystalline, thermoplastic polymer, serves as the primary raw material in the center layer. While ethylene-propylene copolymers and/or ethylene-butane-propylene copolymers are used for the outer layers. A hopper system is used to introduce these ingredients into the extruders.

Step 2. Extrusion

The materials are melted and heated to 200–230°C within the extruders before being fed into the extrusion head, where they emerge as a foil.

Step 3. The foil cooling

The foil is then brought into direct contact with a cylinder that has been chilled before being submerged in a water bath to cool the melt.

Step 4. Machine direction orientation (MDO)

The film is subsequently passed over many rollers, which raise the temperature and prepare the film for longitudinal stretching (machine direction). By moving the foil between the rollers that spin at increasing rates, stretching is accomplished. The polymer chains are aligned at this point after the foil has typically been stretched up to five times its original length. The mechanical qualities of the film may be improved at this step, and the thickness can be cut by up to five times.

The film is heated again after stretching to remove the tension created during stretching (annealing phase).

Step 5. Transverse direction orientation (TDO)

A quick-moving chain of metal jaws grabs the film on both edges once it exits the longitudinal stretching zone (tenter clips). The film is stretched transversely by the diverging rails after being heated up in an oven in the middle (i.e. stretching in the transverse direction up to 9 times its original width).

The macromolecules align at this point, but this time in a transverse orientation, improving the mechanical characteristics of the film and reducing its thickness by up to 9 times. After stretching, the chain and the film converge, allowing the film to balance off the tension that built up during stretching (annealing phase).

Step 6. Thickness measurement and flame treatment

The film enters a new processing step at which point the thickness is automatically measured (along the entire width). After that, one of the faces is given a flame or corona treatment to prepare the film for the subsequent conversion processes, specifically to change the surface that will serve as an anchor for materials like ink (for printing), glue (for laminating), or metal (metallization process).

Step 7. Reel winding

After being wound around a reel, the film is then sliced to the specific measurements.

Step 8. Film measurements

The following are the primary metrics that the final product is subject to:

• Density, grammage, and thickness
• Elastic modulus, elongation at break, and tensile strength
• Haze (opacity) and Gloss (sparkling appearance)
• The friction coefficient between films and between films and metals
• Sealing strength and threshold °C
• Temperature stability (heat shrinkage)
  
  

The film has at least three layers and a thickness between 15 and 60 microns; the center layer is the thickest and primarily responsible for the mechanical qualities, while the two outer layers provide the film with different characteristics (i.e. heat-sealing properties).

In order to completely fulfill the application criteria, additives may be added, depending on the ultimate application the film is intended for.

4. BOPP film raw material

BOPP (Biaxially-Oriented Polypropylene) film is produced from PP (Polypropylene) plastic resins. This type of plastic is harder than PE and is considered to have the general characteristics of good tensile strength, and higher transparency than other kinds of plastic. Besides, BOPP film is also known as a thin film, with a thickness of 10 ~ 40 microns. It is due to the low density of PP particles, only 0.90 g/m3.

Currently, EuroPlas is proud to be the world's No. 1 filler masterbatch manufacturer, proudly bringing customers unique plastic raw material solutions to help their factories optimize production costs and improve the competitiveness on the market. PP filler masterbatch brand EuroPlas is a combination of CaCO3 stone powder, PP base resin, and appropriate additives.

EuroPlas's PP filler masterbatch for BOPP plastic film manufacturing is committed to helping customers:

• Optimize production costs
• Improve some surface features of finished products: increasing hardness, reducing shrinkage,...
• Save fuel thanks to the good thermal conductivity of CaCO3
• Reduce mold cooling time, shorten the production cycle

If you are looking for a high-quality PP filler masterbatch for BOPP plastic film manufacturing, do not hesitate to contact us for the earliest advice and support.

BOPP Film Overview

BOPP Film Overview

What is BOPP?
BOPP (Biaxially Oriented Polypropylene) is a polypropylene film that is “Biaxially Oriented.” This means the film is stretched in both the machine direction (MD) and across machine direction (AMD). The result is a material with superior strength at low gauges, flatness, clarity, and excellent printability. BOPP is used in an almost limitless array of flexible packaging applications, pressure sensitive tapes, labels, stationery, metallizing, consumer products as well as a wide variety of non-packaging uses.

Availability
Granwell offers an extensive BOPP product line ranging in thicknesses from 18 to 60 microns and incorporates a broad range of physical properties.

The Granwell Products Advantage
Granwell’s BOPP films are manufactured by proprietary coextrusion and biaxial orientation processes of the Formosa Plastics Group of Taiwan, which produces films with excellent gauge control, consistency and roll profile. Granwell’s strategic partnership with the Formosa Plastics Group provides our customers with access to world-class technology and manufacturing capabilities, a complete range of BOPP grades, and the most competitive market pricing available.

What is BOPP? And why we use it for labels & stickers?

We use BOPP for all of our custom labels. But what is BOPP exactly?

Packaging industry experts would answer the question with a technical term: biaxially oriented polypropylene. That's a fancy name for a type of plastic. "Biaxially oriented BOPP" means manufacturers stretch the plastic film in two directions during its production. They do this to improve its strength, flexibility and clarity.

Basically, BOPP is the kick-ass material we use to make the best labels and stickers. Here’s why we and other online printing services love it.

Talk to me like an engineer, what exactly is BOPP?

BOPP (Biaxially Oriented Polypropylene) is a thermoplastic polymer that has many similar properties to PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate). It is commonly used in sticker and label printing, food packaging, bottle caps, and other applications.

BOPP is produced by cross-linking two propylene molecules with a chemical compound called di-(2-propen-1-ol) adipate (DA). The resulting thermoplastic polymer chain is biaxially oriented. This orientation creates a film that is stronger along two axes than it is along just one axis.

/end nerdTalk

When was it invented?

BOPP is a type of plastic that was first commercially manufactured in the early s by companies like Brückner-Maschinenbau. It became popular for its low cost, opacity, and ability to withstand harsh outdoor conditions. Today, BOPP is one of the most commonly used plastics in the world; by some accounts, it’s the 2nd most popular plastic in the world!

Why is BOPP a great material for stickers & labels?

Stickers and labels should be easy to print on, resistant to water and chemicals, and either clear or opaque, depending on your needs. BOPP label material ticks all of these boxes and more.

BOPP is perfect for printing

Printing with both water- and solvent-based inks is possible on BOPP labels. Manufacturers of BOPP film treat its surface using various methods—like corona treatment—to improve its adhesiveness and printability.

The corona treatment is a process of applying a thin layer of metal oxide to the surface of the BOPP label. The metal oxide layer is added by applying a liquid or gas on the surface of the label. The liquid or gas is then evaporated to form an oxide film on the surface of the label.

The corona treatment is not only applied on the surface of BOPP labels, but also to other labels as well, such as those used in food packaging and automotive parts packaging, due to the ease of printing and durability it provides.

Water, chemical, and UV resistance

The tough BOPP is "the Hulk" of plastic films. Almost indestructible, it resists oil and water, making it perfect for labeling products used in the kitchen or in the bathroom.

Thanks to its resistance to most chemicals—solvents, bleaches, and disinfectants—BOPP is also suitable for drug and cosmetic labels.

BOPP film is an excellent choice for any indoor or outdoor use. While it's waterproof, it doesn't have to be sealed against moisture, which means it can be used in kitchens, bathrooms, and classrooms. It can also withstand harsh UV light exposure, meaning it can be used for printing signs, graphics, and more.

BOPP can be crystal clear or opaque

BOPP has excellent clarity, so it's ideal for see-through labels. But this material is also available in its opaque variety. So, whether you want a totally transparent or brightly colored label, we have a type of BOPP label to meet your needs.

Why BOPP is the only material you need for labels

Versatile and durable, BOPP is an excellent material for labels in the food and non-food packaging sectors. It has many advantages over other label materials, like paper and vinyl. BOPP has a long shelf life, which means it will last longer than other labels. This makes it ideal for use in the food and non-food packaging sectors where shelf life is important.

BOPP can be used in any type of container, whether plastic or metal.

BOPP vs. paper labels

Unlike paper labels, BOPP stands up to water, oil, and chemicals. Plastic is also more durable and stronger than paper. So, a BOPP label resists tears and scratches better than paper does.

However, since it's a plastic material, BOPP will usually have a shiny look that some people and designers may not like. If you want a more "matte" finish, paper labels and stickers might be more for you. Just remember these stickers and labels will be way less durable, and are not great for many practical uses.

BOPP labels vs. vinyl stickers

BOPP is thinner (3.4 mil) than the vinyl material (7 mil) we use for custom stickers. And because labels are printed on a roll, this makes them ideal for fast peeling and application. Check out stickers vs. labels for a more detailed comparison.

BOPP labels are food-safe and biodegradable

Being food-safe, BOPP is a superstar in the food packaging industry. Almost any kind of food product can use a BOPP label. Coffee and tea packaging, honey jars, wine bottles, and all sorts of food containers are just a few examples.

As an open-cell construction material, BOPP has many advantages: lightweight, easy to handle, inexpensive to produce, and doesn't need any special packaging. What's more, it's recyclable and biodegradable. So not only does it keep food safe while protecting it from contamination, but it can also be easily recycled when no longer needed.

Thin and flexible for any container

Flexible and very thin, BOPP labels stick well to any container. That can be a mason jar or a jelly jar, a container for spices, or a scented candle. Add the scratch resistance of BOPP, and the label may last longer than what's inside the container.

BOPP labels are water and oil resistant

Any label that may encounter oil or water needs to come out undamaged. The water and oil resistance of BOPP label material make it useful for applications in the cosmetic industry and many others - Sticker Mule labels are perfect for moisturizer jars, shampoo bottles, and lip balm tubes, among others.

Why aren't you using BOPP?

BOPP is a material that needs specialized equipment to print on. But the good news is that Sticker Mule is the easiest way to print stickers, labels and other promotional materials for your homemade products or promotional business needs with BOPP.

Whether you need a few custom stickers for your Etsy shop or a large quantity of custom stickers for your retail store, Sticker Mule can help you get the job done quickly and easily. We use the best materials and equipment so we can turn your design into a high-quality printed product.

BOPP Printed Films – Shree Nilkanth Print Pack

Description

BOPP PRINTED FILMS (Biaxially Oriented PolyPropylene Films) are produced by stretching polypropylene film in both machine direction and transverse direction. BOPP film is used in vast range of applications comprising packaging, labelling and lamination. BOPP Films are preferred substrate for food packaging globally because of its inherent moisture barrier properties, seal ability, high clarity and graphic reproduction and shelf appeal, best possibilities of the pack being a mono layer/homogeneous structure. For food packaging, it is prominently used as co-extruded heat sealable reverse printable film. In labelling, it is preferred because of its yield benefit (Lowest density of 0.55 for IML orange peel effect), recyclability with PP containers et al. BOPP Films has a strong demand globally which is driven by expanding flexible packaging industry.

The advantages of BOPP Printed Films offers are numerous.

Shelf life extension: Among all other commonly used plastic films, BOPP films provides excellent moisture barrier & its metallised variant provides better oxygen barrier to product. Both these properties of BOPP films play a key role in food packaging to extend the shelf life of products & thus reduce food waste.

Product quality: Apart from barrier properties, BOPP film provides consistent and excellent seal integrity because of narrow gauge spread. Good heat seal strength, lower seal initiation temperature, broad sealing window and good machinability further benefits into food packaging industry for protecting food quality.

Sustainability: BOPP film has a relatively low carbon footprint as compared to other plastic films substrate such as polyester. After cellulose film, BOPP Film is the second most preferred substrate for its ecofriendly nature in flexible food packaging. Because of its low melting point, it requires lower energy to convert from one form to other. Reprocessed granules of BOPP resin are widely used to manufacture injection molded parts, household items like sitting mats, chair, table, automobile spares etc.

Aesthetic / Graphics: Excellent transparency in clear BOPP films allows providing high level of aesthetic appeal to product packaging. Half tone printing jobs with multi colour printing are also carried out with ease on this film for high quality graphics. In white opaque film variant, excellent gloss, high opacity and superb whiteness provides an attractive look to product packaging. Metalized film variety gives superior metallic appearance to stand out your product on the shelf. Because of good surface tension, post lamination operations like foil stamping, UV spot coating and embossing could be carried out to enhance aesthetic look of product packaging.

Density: It is a unique property that BOPP films has among all other commonly used flexible packaging films. Low density results into more yield during conversion and thus supports less plastic consumption concept per product. Low density results into less weight per roll for the same length of other plastic film which provides ease of material handling.

For more information, please visit Wetting Agent OT-75.