Faith Group

Polypropylene (PP) packaging films are versatile, cost-effective thermoplastic films produced by extruding polypropylene resin into thin, flexible sheets. They are manufactured through two primary processes: cast film extrusion, where molten PP is extruded through a flat die onto a chilled roll, producing films with excellent clarity and dimensional stability; and biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP), where the cast film is subsequently stretched in both the machine and transverse directions. This orientation aligns the polymer chains, dramatically increasing the film's tensile strength, clarity, gloss, and barrier properties while reducing its thickness. PP films are inherently moisture-resistant, chemically inert, and have a high melting point, making them suitable for a wide range of packaging applications. They can be easily co-extruded with other polymers (like polyethylene or ethylene vinyl alcohol) or coated to create multi-layer structures with enhanced barriers to oxygen and aromas.

The applications of PP films are ubiquitous in flexible packaging. BOPP films dominate as the material of choice for snack food packaging (chips, cookies), confectionery wrappers, and label facestocks due to their high gloss, excellent printability, and dead-fold properties. Cast PP (CPP) films are widely used as the sealant layer in laminated structures for stand-up pouches and flow wraps, and as clear overwrap. Another significant use is in textile and garment packaging (polybags). The industry continuously innovates to meet demands for sustainability, developing thinner gauges (downgauging) to reduce plastic use, metallized versions for enhanced barrier and aesthetics, and exploring the use of bio-based polypropylene and mono-material PP structures designed to be more easily recyclable, aiming to balance performance with environmental responsibility.