Difference between BOPP, OPP and PP bags

Key Differences Between BOPP, OPP, and PP Bags

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The food industry predominantly utilizes BOPP plastic packaging. BOPP bags are highly printable, coatable, and laminate-friendly, making them ideal for packaging items such as fresh produce, confectioneries, and snacks. In addition to BOPP, OPP, and PP bags are also employed for various packaging needs. The common polymer used for manufacturing these bags is Polypropylene.

OPP stands for Oriented Polypropylene, BOPP stands for Biaxially Oriented Polypropylene, and PP stands for Polypropylene. Although they originate from the same base polymer, their production methods differ. Polypropylene, also known as polypropene, is a thermoplastic semi-crystalline polymer known for its toughness, strength, and high impact resistance. It is often used in making stand-up pouches, spout pouches, and ziplock pouches.

At first glance, it may be challenging to distinguish OPP, BOPP, and PP plastics. Differences can be felt by touch—PP is softer, whereas OPP is more brittle. To properly differentiate, one must understand the real-world applications of OPP, PP, and BOPP bags. PP or polypropene bags are commonly used as non-woven bags and are treated to be moisture or water-absorbent.

Common PP products include diapers, sanitary napkins, and air filters. This material is also used in thermal clothing for its temperature barrier properties. OPP bags are clear and have high tensile strength, making them resistant to high temperatures but prone to wrinkling under rough use. Transparent adhesive tapes are made using a similar formula.

OPP bags are used in packaging leather and clothing, among other products. BOPP bags are crystal-clear polyethylene bags, and their biaxial orientation ensures transparency and robustness. This makes them suitable for branding through surface printing. BOPP bags are often employed in retail packaging due to their increased strength and ability to carry heavy loads.

These bags are waterproof.

The products stored inside are well-protected from moisture for extended periods. These qualities make them a preferred choice in the clothing packaging industry. PP, OPP, and BOPP bags are resistant to acids, alkalis, and organic solvents, which is why they're widely used in the packaging industry for storage and transportation in variable conditions. They protect products from moisture and dust, similar to cling films.

Moreover, all three types of bags are recyclable and their production results in low carbon emissions, making them environmentally friendly. Rishi FIBC manufactures BOPP bags and offers them at competitive market prices.

The choice of packaging material directly affects its cost, durability, effectiveness, and lead times. This principle holds true across various industries, including bulk bags. Modern bulk bags have been meticulously engineered and rigorously tested, proving effective for storing and transporting large quantities of material.

However, there are three distinct types of bulk bags, differing in their fabric properties. All these bulk bags are made from polypropylene (PP), known for its strength and durability. Selecting the appropriate PP fabric can significantly optimize the value derived from your packaging products.

Custom Bulk Bags is a prominent manufacturer and supplier of high-quality bulk bags in South Africa. We produce up to 3.5 million bulk bags annually for a range of customers. Every bulk bag we manufacture has a minimum safety factor rating of 5:1 and complies with international standards and regulations.

Understanding PP, OPP and BOPP

PP stands for polypropylene, a versatile plastic with numerous advantageous properties suitable for packaging and protective coatings. It is often extruded into tapes and woven into fabric for manufacturing bulk bags. Yet, PP can undergo further modifications.

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Oriented polypropylene (OPP) is a plastic film stretched in one direction, aligning its microscopic fibers, which enhances strength and clarity. OPP is commonly used for small plastic bags, clear labels, and flip files.

Biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP) is a plastic stretched in two perpendicular directions, further enhancing its strength and suitability for printing. This property makes BOPP ideal for clear coating or laminating woven PP tapes used in bulk bags, particularly beneficial for brands requiring detailed printing, such as barcodes and small labels.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Each Polymer

PP:

• Recyclable, moisture-resistant, chemical-resistant, durable, and versatile.
• Limited heat resistance and printability.

OPP:

• Durable, transparent, glossy, dust-resistant, and moisture-resistant.
• Difficult to stretch and limited in weight capacity.

BOPP:

• High tensile strength, recyclable, high dimensional stability, transparency, low electrostatic charge, high printability, and resistant to oils and water.
• Low sealability.

Selecting the Right Material for Your Industry

PP, OPP, and BOPP are tailored for specific applications. Your packaging provider can guide you toward the most suitable option, but let's outline some basics. PP bulk bags are standard packaging products, versatile enough for applications like sandbags and geotextiles due to their durability and cost-effectiveness.

OPP is better suited for smaller packaging materials in the medical, pharmaceutical, and food sectors, where less weight but high protection is required. Examples include sealable sandwich bags and pill packets.

BOPP is best suited for heavier materials such as dog food, charcoal, or wood. In bulk bags, BOPP can serve as a laminate over PP fabric to enhance packaging durability and print precision.

Custom Bulk Bags manufactures various bulk bags to meet diverse needs, based on in-house extruded and woven PP fabric. We offer several optional enhancements, including custom printing and customization.

Custom Bulk Bags is a leading South African manufacturer of woven polypropylene bags for industries such as mining, chemicals, and food. We produce over 3.5 million bulk bags annually, ensuring continuous stock availability for our customers. Our stringent in-house testing and quality control programs ensure top-quality bags.

Custom Bulk Bags is ISO certified and has several UN-certified designs. We are a Level 2 B-BBEE manufacturer and a subsidiary of Deneb Investments Limited. For more information on our products, contact us. Follow us on Facebook for updates and industry insights.

If you want to learn more, please visit our website opp bag manufacturer.