I often tell clients: “Cheap films can be very expensive.” Many only focus on unit price and overlook hidden operational costs—such as rework due to poor heat sealing, customer complaints from delamination, or missed deadlines that violate contracts.
I once worked on a project where the client insisted on using a BOPP film that was $0.15/kg cheaper. Problems surfaced quickly: ink came off, registration was unstable, and mass repairs were needed. After reviewing the situation, we found that rework and delays cost the company over $100,000 in just two months.
Before selecting any film, I always clarify the intended use and structure, as BOPP films vary greatly in performance and cost:
Transparent film: For display packaging
Pearlescent film: Offers opacity and premium visual texture
Heat-sealable film: Works with low-temp, high-speed packaging machines
Matte/aluminized film: Used for high-end cosmetics or gift packaging
Key technical specs to assess include:
Uniform thickness
Surface tension ≥ 38 dyne/cm
Suitable tensile strength and COF for automation
These parameters determine whether the film can be printed, sealed, die-cut, and labeled effectively.
I once saw a client use untreated BOPP film for 4-color UV printing—resulting in bubbling ink, color distortion, and 50,000 labels being scrapped. Print compatibility depends on surface energy, corona treatment, and coating structure.
It’s not just about the film—printing method, ink, and plates all matter. I always advise clients to test small samples across gravure, flexo, or UV processes before full production, to ensure results are replicable and reliable.
A South American client once faced returns due to warped seals and curled labels after using domestic film for fruit snacks stored in Amazon’s hot, humid warehouses. I recommended a heat-sealable BOPP film designed for humid environments, lowered sealing temperatures, and improved durability. Complaints dropped to nearly zero.
Variables like transportation routes, storage humidity, cold chain logistics, or hot-filling must all be factored into film selection.
Many think Technical Data Sheets are a formality—but to me, they’re the first step in evaluating a film’s reliability. Key indicators include:
Surface energy
Tensile strength
Shrinkage
Coefficient of friction
But data alone isn’t enough. I live by this rule: "No sample testing, no bulk orders." Sampling prevents 90% of selection errors.
One of my proudest cases: A label converter client suffered poor adhesion, color issues, and edge warping. After reviewing, I proposed:
Switching to high-rigidity single-layer film
Using a medium-temp sealing film to speed up production
Replacing general film with coated high-energy film for better UV ink adhesion
The result: 20% faster printing, 35% fewer defects, and a total cost saving of nearly 300,000 RMB in one year.
Client: Dried fruit exporter
Film: High-transparency heat-sealable BOPP (20μm + 25μm)
Problem: PE film required high sealing temps that deformed pouches and emitted odor.
Solution:
Switched to low-temp BOPP, reducing sealing temp by 30°C
Increased stiffness and improved shelf display
Low odor migration protected food flavor
15% faster production with fewer rejects
???? Key Benefits: Better branding, food safety, and efficiency
Client: Mid-size winery label printer
Film: 38μm high-rigidity BOPP with one-side corona
Problem: Previous film caused registration issues, curling, and jams
Solution:
Replaced with label-grade BOPP
40 dyne surface energy matched UV flexo inks
Clean die-cutting and smooth labeling improved post-print efficiency by 25%
???? Key Benefits: Quality boost, waste reduction, stable labeling
Client: Snack exporter to South America
Film: Pearlized BOPP + co-extruded heat-seal layer (45μm)
Problem: Softened film and seal failures in humid logistics environments
Solution:
Switched to moisture-resistant composite structure
Pearlized film offered opacity + barrier
Heat-seal layer improved durability
Product acceptance rose from 92% to 99.5%
???? Key Benefits: Consistent export quality, fewer returns, happier clients
Focusing only on price → leads to high rework costs
Ignoring print compatibility → corona issues cause ink failure
Using packaging film for labels → poor rigidity = bad die-cut
Wanting transparency but choosing pearlized film → poor visibility
GT New Material supply professional and honest service.
Thinking all BOPP films are the same → huge variance in coatings and processing
???? Tip: Create a table before choosing—list usage, parameters, and compatibility
Here’s the decision model I use for 90% of projects:
Confirm usage: Label? Food pack? Courier bag?
Identify printing/sealing: UV? Gravure? Low-temp?
Understand logistics/storage: Export? Cold chain? Humid?
Evaluate structure/thickness: Can it hold its shape?
Test samples + verify data: TDS + printing + factory trials
This helps me spot risks fast—and win client trust.
“What printing methods is this film compatible with?” → Understand corona/coating
“What is the sealing temperature range?” → Check machine compatibility
“Any similar clients using it? Can I get TDS + samples?” → Practical validation
Ask smart—not just ask more.
To me, a BOPP film isn’t “just plastic.” It’s the start of cost control, the first touchpoint of user experience, and the foundation of print quality.
I’d rather spend an extra hour choosing the right film than spend three months fixing problems.
If you’re choosing films right now, return to the basics:
How is the product used? Where is the customer? What’s the environment?
Then verify with data, samples, and real-world trials—not gut feeling.
1. What is BOPP film, and where is it used?
BOPP (Biaxially Oriented Polypropylene) is a lightweight, high-clarity plastic film ideal for food packaging, labels, sealable bags, and window pouches.
2. How do I know if BOPP film is printable?
Check for corona treatment with surface energy ≥38 dyne/cm. Confirm with TDS and sample testing.
3. What’s the difference between heat-sealable and regular BOPP?
Heat-sealable BOPP has sealing layers for low-temp sealing; regular BOPP lacks this, used more in laminates.
4. How to choose the right film thickness?
15–30μm is standard. Labels use 20–30μm, pouches over 25μm for rigidity.
5. If ink peels off after printing, is it the film’s fault?
Could be the film or ink system. Check if the corona is fresh and matched to ink chemistry.
6. Can general BOPP be used for labels?
Not recommended. Label-grade BOPP has higher rigidity, better die-cutting and adhesion properties.
7. Can BOPP be used for freezing or hot-filling?
No. Choose specialty BOPP or switch to PET/CPP for extreme temperature needs.
8. How to prevent moisture-related film deformation?
Use barrier films like pearlized or laminated structures. Add desiccants and seal rolls during shipping.
9. What’s the difference between BOPP and PET film?
BOPP is lighter, cheaper, more flexible. PET is stronger, heat-resistant, ideal for hot-fill.
10. Why do same-thickness BOPP films differ in price?
Factors include resin blend, processing, corona treatment, coating uniformity, and certifications (e.g., FDA, RoHS).
There are many uses of laminating film in the paper and packaging industries. We use laminating film to provide food and non-food packaging. It has specific properties to improve the appearance and feel of a surface.
There are many types of laminating films, each of which has its own properties and purposes. There are a variety of matte and glossy thermal laminating films available. Some are for wet bonding, whereas others are for dry bonding.
There are many types of lamination films available. The most common of them are BOPP, PET, and nylon.
1. BOPP laminating films: BOPP stands for biaxially oriented polypropylene. It is available in many shades and finishes, such as high gloss, silky satin, and matte. The film creates moisture barriers. This barrier is resistant to pollution and chemicals, acting as a barrier to elements like grease and oils. Glossy BOPP films have excellent gloss. These are highly transparent and have good flatness and stability. BOPP sheets are good for the environment since they are recyclable.
2. PET laminating film: PET stands for biaxially oriented polyethylene terephthalate. These are commonly known as polyester films. Used for two-sided printing, these are more expensive. We use PET films in menu cards, identification cards, printed labels, engineering drawings, face shields, and masking applications. Available in either a glossy or matte finish, these are gaining popularity these days.
3. Nylon laminating film: Nylon films are more expensive than other alternatives. On the other hand, these are abrasion resistant. We use these laminating films for book covers and jackets. These thermal laminates are applied using a dry bonding process.
The process of joining two or more flexible webs using an adhesive is called adhesive lamination. There are mainly two types of methods, i.e., wet and thermal lamination.
1. Dry bonding: We use the dry bonding technique in thermal lamination. It implies that the adhesive is activated before combining the substrates. The film is applied using heat and pressure. We coat the substrate with resin or adhesive.
2. Wet bonding: When we must laminate two substrates, we use the technique of wet bonding. One substrate must be porous. We place the substrates together and let the adhesive between them cure. This technique is suitable for high-speed lamination. You'll find wet bonding for paperboard box lamination, documents, unprinted paper, and packaging.
Commonly, BOPP and PET films have this type of bonding. To do lamination, we use the standard method for wet adhesives, such as dispersion, solvent-based, hot melt, or UV adhesives.
3. Wax lamination: As the name suggests, a wax or hot melt adhesive is used as the bonding agent in the wax lamination process. This molten wax or hot melt adhesive is applied to a single substrate. The wax laminating process is greener and healthier for the environment. It is recyclable.
There are numerous biodegradable hot melt adhesives on the market these days. Because wax lamination works well with paper-paper and paper-aluminum foil laminates, this packaging is often used for cookies and other baked goods.
4. Solventless lamination: There has been a lot of demand for environmentally friendly packaging. And due to this demand, solventless lamination is gaining popularity these days. In solventless lamination, we don't use solvents during the entire process.
The adhesives are multi-component systems. The adhesives do not need to dry, making them suitable for fast-paced production. The curing process begins when the components react with each other. It is an easy and fast lamination technique.
Choosing the best laminating film is difficult since so many types of films are available. Each of these has its properties and benefits. When selecting a laminating film, the following aspects are considered:
1. Environment: Since we use these to pack the products, they will be in direct contact with the environment. By "environment," we imply the surroundings. They will be exposed to heat, chemicals, and the sun. Consider all the factors before you choose a laminating film. For example, if you need a laminating film for perfume boxes, select the one that can survive in harsh environments. It should retain its appearance and strength.
2. Easy to use: The thickness of the laminating material dramatically affects how easy it is to use. If the lamination film is thick, it is suitable for flat surfaces. Thick films are challenging to bend. Similarly, using a thin film for curved and uneven surfaces is better. Thin films are versatile and can be used easily on curvy, round, or rough surfaces.
3. Quality: The quality of the film is of utmost importance. Good-quality films are a bit more expensive than average-quality films. However, the investment in superior quality will be worth it. A good-quality film will not provide strength and durability. The laminating film needs to be protective and durable. Investing in a good quality film that might cost more than the average film is justified.
4. Adhesive: It is essential to choose an adhesive based on its properties. It will be directly in touch with the substrate. Hence, pick a bond based on how you want it to look and the requirements of the substrate.
Now that you know everything about lamination, its types, and its process, buy the lamination sheets you require from JPFL Films. There are many types of lamination films available. So, study them based on their properties and applications. Explore all the options available, and then buy the one you need.
If you have any questions or confusion, it is better to speak to an expert. They will help you determine what you need and find the best lamination film based on that. Always keep an eye on the cost and properties of the lamination film you are considering buying. The price should be equivalent to the quality of the films. It should serve your purpose well. You can always experiment with a few products before sticking to one!
Want more information on BOPP Thermal Lamination Film? Feel free to contact us.