The food industry majorly uses BOPP plastic packaging. BOPP bags are easy to print, coat and laminate which makes them suitable for packing products like fresh produces, confectionaries and snacks. Alongwith BOPP, OPP, and PP bags are also used for packaging. Polypropylene is a common polymer among the three used for manufacturing the bags.

OPP stands for Oriented Polypropylene, BOPP stands for Biaxially Oriented Polypropylene and PP stands for Polypropylene. All three differ in their style of fabrication.  Polypropylene also known as polypropene is a thermoplastic semi-crystalline polymer. It is tough, strong and has high impact resistance. Standup pouches, spout pouches and ziplock pouches are made from polypropylene.

It is very difficult to differentiate between OPP, BOPP and PP plastics at first. The difference can be felt by touching as PP is soft whereas OPP is brittle. It is important to understand the use of OPP, PP and BOPP bags in real-world objects for distinguishing them. The PP or polypropene bags are used as non-woven bags. They are treated in order to make them moisture or water absorbent.

Diapers, sanitary napkins and air filters among others are common PP products. Similar material is also used for the making of thermal clothing as they provide temperature barrier. OPP bags are transparent in color and have high tensile strength. They are resistant to high temperatures but wrinkle if brought into rough use. Transparent adhesive tapes are made using the same formula.

They are hard to tear and OPP bags are used in packing of leather and clothes among others. BOPP bags are crystal clear polyethylene bags. The biaxial orientation gives them transparent look and makes them suitable for branding by printing on the surface. BOPP bags are used for retail packaging. The biaxial orientation increases strength and they can carry heavy loads.

These bags are waterproof.

The products inside them are protected from moisture for a long period of time. They are the first choice in the cloth packaging industry. PP, OPP and BOPP bags are resistant to acid, alkalies and organic solvents. This is the reason why they are used in packaging industry where storage and transportation under changing atmosphere cannot be avoided. They project the product from moisture and dust like cling films.

They can be recycled and their manufacturing involves less carbon output. PP, BOPP and OPP bags are also good from an environmental point of view. Rishi FIBC is a BOPP bag manufacturer and provides it at affordable market prices.