Polypropylene films (also known as PP, OPP and BOPP) are commonly used for labeling tickets or labels in the health & beauty market, such as cosmetics, oils and lotions due to their durability, flexibility and resistance properties. They also can be used for clear (“No label” look) labels, commercial and retail labels.
Polypropylene is derived from petroleum and consists only of carbon and hydrogen atoms. The production of polypropylene is safe and energy efficient, and the product is easily and cleanly handled. Polypropylene film has similar properties to polyethylene but is stronger, more rigid, and offers more temperature resistance. PP is extremely chemically resistant and almost completely impervious to water. PP films are particularly suited for applications where resistance to water, oil, and most household detergents is important.
Polypropylene films are oriented, or stretched in one direction called a mono-axial film (OPP), or in both directions called a biaxially-oriented film (BOPP). This orientation brings about several changes in the film, such as lower elongation (harder to stretch), higher tensile strength, greater stiffness, improved optical properties, and improved barrier to water/gases. Biaxially-oriented Polypropylene is for a use in a variety of printing and converting applications where durability, strength and superior printability are key. It will not tear unless an edge is nicked.
Benefits of Polypropylene include:
Polypropylene films are great for these applications:
