Polypropylene packaging: key properties and benefits

Polypropylene packaging extends the shelf life of products, which is why it is so highly valued by manufacturers. When packaged in film, bread is protected from mould, going stale, moisture and odours. The products retain their natural aroma.

Polypropylene is transparent, making it easy to identify packaged goods, which in turn makes unloading and sorting such goods simpler. It is no surprise that the material is gaining popularity in Ukraine.

Polypropylene packaging is used in many areas of life. The success of this material is easy to explain:

• it is durable;
• it has a low production cost;
• it is wear-resistant;
• it is safe.

A particular advantage of polypropylene is that it can be used practically anywhere: for packaging food products, convenient transport of goods, and in the construction industry. The packaging will not only protect the products from external influences but will also simplify unloading, loading and transport.

By wrapping loads with polypropylene tape, you can secure them reliably in either automated or manual mode. The tape stretches excellently, so it holds goods securely and firmly. Even despite its thinness, the film withstands heavy loads without tearing or puncturing.

Features of polypropylene

As the material is environmentally friendly, polypropylene is ideal for packaging food products:

bread and other baked goods;

• flour;
• cereals;
• snacks;
• ready-made products.

The packaging can be manufactured in various ways:

• injection moulding into special moulds;
• blow moulding;
• foam moulding;
• using the large-scale welding or rotomoulding method;

BOPP

BOPP film (biaxially oriented polypropylene film) is one of the most popular materials used for high-quality flexible packaging. Furthermore, the film can be printed on, which enhances its functionality. Thanks to its advantages, the film is widely used for packaging perfumes, cosmetics and tobacco products, as well as in the paper, light and food industries.

In addition, BOPP film is used for packaging bouquets, clothing, souvenirs, medical goods, certain stationery items and for lamination.

Thanks to the film’s unique properties, demand for it is only growing, and it is attracting customers away from manufacturers of cellophane, paper packaging and foil.

What are the advantages of BOPP that account for this?

1. Visual appeal. An aesthetically pleasing appearance is crucial for packaging films used with certain products. For example, in the perfume, cosmetics and food sectors, consumers want not just a good product, but one that is a pleasure to pick up from the supermarket shelf and unwrap.
2. Heat resistance. The Ukrainian climate is characterised by temperature fluctuations, but this should not affect product quality. BOPP retains its properties in all weather conditions: from scorching summers to freezing winters.
3. Inertness. Oxygen, light, moisture and carbon dioxide do not affect the properties of BOPP film, making it ideal for food packaging.
4. Resistance to physical impact. BOPP film is strong, elastic and rigid, so you can be confident that your goods will remain intact during storage and transport.
5. Hygienic. The material is resistant to microbes and mould.
6. Ease of processing. The material is easy to seal, cut, laminate and print on.
7. Varying degrees of transparency. This is convenient as it expands the range of products for which BOPP packaging can be used.

BOPP films are classified by type:

• pearlescent. Special additives are used for this, which enhance the material’s appeal and make it light-reflective. Pearlescent film has a low specific weight, making it very economical. It withstands low temperatures and is suitable for packaging products stored in refrigeration equipment: dumplings, vareniki, curd cheese, ice cream and others;
• transparent. Thanks to its high transparency, consumers can immediately assess the product, which boosts sales. Transparent BOPP film is used for packaging baked goods and bread, groceries, bulk goods, many other food industry products, as well as stationery;
• white. This is an aesthetically pleasing material suitable for baked goods, groceries, confectionery and more;
• metallised. It increases the products’ resistance to sunlight, oxygen and condensation, which is why it is used to package a variety of confectionery products: chocolate bars, large sweets, waffles, cupcakes, croissants and snacks (crisps, crackers, nuts). The packaging prevents the growth of pathogenic microorganisms and extends the shelf life of the products.

SPP

SPP film is a non-oriented polypropylene film produced by blow moulding or extrusion. Compared to BOPP films, they offer superior strength, particularly in terms of puncture resistance. This makes them suitable for perforation, enabling the production of breathable packaging.

What are the main differences from other similar materials? SPP films do indeed boast significant advantages:

• maximum transparency;
• an attractive glossy surface;
• the ability to use colour printing to produce high-quality images;
• the ability to seal the film at low temperatures;
• after processing (printing and sealing), the packaging remains soft, elastic yet strong;
• thanks to its increased ductility, the film is resistant to stretching and high mechanical stress.

Given the advantages of SPP film, it is widely used in the packaging industry and is applied for:

• groceries;
• bakery products;
• textiles;
• perfumes;
• hygiene products;
• household chemicals;
• machines that produce bags.

Polypropylene packaging: key benefits

To summarise the above, we can highlight the key benefits of polypropylene packaging.

• Reliability. Bags made from multilayer films will not split at the seams even during transport, so you can be confident that your goods will remain intact.
• Compactness. Polypropylene packaging bags are a simple and convenient solution, ideal for wholesale manufacturers. There is nothing superfluous; the polypropylene fits snugly around the product, making the load more compact.
• Waterproof. The products will be reliably protected from moisture, so packaged goods can be transported in the rain or stored in a warehouse with high humidity.
• Freshness. Goods in polypropylene stay fresh for longer, and the material itself is completely safe for contact with food. It is also worth noting that it is waste-free.

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