BOPP: biaxial oriented polypropylene
BOPP Packing
Tape
BOPP
packing tapes are some of the most commonly used tapes in shipping and
inventory management today, and with good reason. The special molecular
structure and the resin stabilization of polypropylene offer excellent
mechanical and optical properties, which are especially useful in a variety of
applications, one of which is packaging.
The Material
BOPP
packing tape is made from biaxial oriented polypropylene (BOPP) film.
Polypropylene is a thermoplastic polymer (which means it is pliable above a
certain temperature, and returns to the solid state after cooling). Now,
biaxial oriented polypropylene is a PP film stretched according to the machine
direction and across the machine direction. This increases the strength as well
as the clarity of the film. The structure also makes the automated and manual
application of the packaging tape easier.
Features and
Performance
Its
rugged structure and high tensile strength make it the ideal material for
packaging and labeling. It is also resistant to abrasion, moisture and various
chemical solvents. It is easy to coat, print and even to laminate, which make
it ideal for the manufacture of custom packaging tape. The material also offers
minimal elongation (only around 150%, on average), and is burst-resistant. It
is also easy to slit.
The
material is a thermoplastic polymer so it could work in higher and lower
temperatures. Not all manufacturers provide tensile strength statistics but
industrial grade packing tape should be able to bear longitudinal pressure of
around 27 pounds per inch and 44 lbs. per inch, transverse.
The
average application temperature range for 30-micron, standard thickness (1.9 to
2.2 MIL) BOPP packaging tapes is between 35 and 110 degrees F while the
operating temperature range is at 20 to 150 degrees F.
Most
BOPP films are also non-toxic and therefore safe to use. Some comply with
environmental protection standards, and some are even made of recycled
material.
Adhesives
BOPP
packing tapes are coated with different types of adhesive. The most commonly
used are hot melt synthetic rubber and acrylic. Hot melt adhesives are one of
the most widely used because of the consistent, reliable and quick seals. This
kind of adhesive quickly bonds to the surface and offers high tensile strength,
which make it one of the best choices for securing shipment. It could adhere
well to various surfaces including film and fiberboard.
Acrylic
adhesives are another good option. They do not bond as quickly as hot melt
adhesives (it has decent initial adhesion but it features gradual adhesion
buildup that require around 24 hours to achieve maximum bond strength), but
they have better heat, UV and shear resistance. This type of adhesive is
recommended for heady-duty and long-term packaging.
Other
adhesives include natural rubber, which has the same properties as hot melt
synthetic rubber, except that it has better hold and could stick to dust, and
heavy loads with various temperatures. Silicone adhesives are used too; it can
be removed without leaving residue and is often used for applications that
require exposure to extreme temperature.
Specifications
Most
carrier or backing films have specs of 30 to 65 microns. The standard-duty
tapes typically have thickness of around 2.0 MILs. Note that this already
includes the carrier or backing film and the adhesive. Medium-duty packing
tapes typically are around 2.6 MILs thick. Heavy duty adhesives have around 3.0
MILs (1 mil is 1/1000 of an inch).
These
packing tapes come in various widths too, with the 2-inch variety being the
standard. Packing tapes with widths of 3/8 to 4 inches could be purchased in
bulk. Standard length is 110 yards but 55-yard rolls are available as well.
BOPP
tapes typically come in the standard colors – clear and brown, although
manufacturers now offer them in various colors such as red, pink, orange,
yellow, green, black, white, purple and blue.
Types of BOPP
Packing Tape
There
are three major types of BOPP packing tape – transparent, colored and
printed/customized. Transparent BOPP adhesive tapes are ideal for shipment with
special care instructions or products with packaging that must remain visible.
Colored BOPP packing tapes are handy for inventory management as they can be utilized
as a product identification and organization tool. Custom packing tape
contribute to a more efficient inventory management, but the printed message
can also be handy in communicating special care instructions, and the custom
design and message could help in advertising and building brand awareness.
