Technical Overview of Thermal BOPP Film: Performance, Uses, and Industry Benefits

Thermal BOPP (Biaxially Oriented Polypropylene) Film is a popular laminating material widely used in printing, packaging, and finishing industries. It is coated with a heat-sensitive adhesive layer, allowing it to bond to paper or board using heat and pressure. Due to its versatility, durability, and cost-effectiveness, Thermal BOPP Film has become a preferred solution for enhancing the appearance, strength and longevity of printed products.

Product Functions and Uses

Key Functions

• Surface Protection: Shields printed materials from scratches, moisture, dirt, and fading.
• Aesthetic Enhancement: Adds gloss or matte finish for premium visual appeal.
• Structural Reinforcement: Improves stiffness, tear resistance, and durability.
• Improved Print Performance: Enhances color depth and clarity of printed graphics.
• Writable/Stampable Surface (matte variants): Allows post-printing processes such as writing, stamping, or spot UV.

Common Uses

• Book covers
• Brochures and catalogs
• Product packaging
• Shopping bags
• Posters and menus
• Labels and tags
• Greeting cards
• Food packaging sleeves
• Luxury product boxes

Product Features

Visual & Physical Characteristics

• Available in high-gloss, matte, soft-touch, anti-scratch, and metalized finishes.
• Smooth and uniform surface for consistent lamination results.
• Excellent clarity (gloss) or elegant low-glare appearance (matte).

Performance Advantages

• High bonding strength due to hot-melt adhesive layer.
• Chemical and moisture resistance, suitable for high-demand applications.
• Runs smoothly on automatic and manual laminators.
• Compatible with offset, digital, flexo, and screen printing.
• Eco-friendly option: BOPP is non-toxic, recyclable, and energy-efficient to manufacture.
• Offers fast curing with thermal lamination, increasing production efficiency.

Product Specifications

(Exact values vary by manufacturer, but typical specifications include:)

Thickness Options

• 15μm, 18μm, 20μm, 27μm, 30μm (commonly used)
• Special thicknesses on request

Width & Length

• Width: 300mm–1600mm (customizable)
• Length: 1000m–4000m per roll (standard industrial rolls)

Core Sizes

• 1 inch (25mm) for small machines
• 3 inch (76mm) for industrial laminators

Adhesive Type

• EVA or EVM hot-melt adhesive coating
• Coating grammage: 10–25 g/m² depending on adhesion requirement

Finish Options

• Gloss Thermal BOPP Film
• Matte Thermal BOPP Film
• Soft-touch Thermal Film
• Anti-scratch Matte Film
• Metalized/Gilding Film

User Manual (How to Use Thermal BOPP Film)

Equipment Required

• Thermal laminating machine (single-side or double-side)
• Proper temperature and tension control system

Operating Guidelines

• Loading: Mount the film roll onto the shaft and thread it through rollers following machine instructions.

Temperature Setting:

Gloss film: 85–105°C

Matte film: 90–110°C

Soft-touch/anti-scratch: 100–125°C

(Adjust according to speed and material thickness.)

• Pressure Setting: Apply uniform pressure across rollers for optimal bonding.
• Speed Control: Slower speeds may improve bonding on ink-heavy or thick substrates.
• Substrate Requirements: Works best with coated paper, art paper, cardboard, and digitally printed substrates.
• Output Inspection: Check for wrinkles, bubbles, silvering, or uneven adhesion.
• Cooling: Allow laminated sheets to cool on a flat surface to maintain shape.

Storage Instructions

• Store in a dry area at 15–30°C, away from direct sunlight.
• Keep rolls sealed until use to avoid dust contamination.
• Use within 12 months for optimal performance.

Applicable Industries

Thermal BOPP Film is widely used across numerous sectors:

Packaging Industry

• Food and beverage boxes
• Cosmetic packaging
• Pharmaceutical cartons
• Retail and promotional packaging

Printing & Publishing

• Books, magazines, catalogs
• Educational materials
• Art prints

Commercial Printing

• Marketing materials
• Business cards
• Restaurant menus
• Premium brochures

Consumer Goods

• Labels and tags
• Decorative laminates
• Stationery items

Luxury & Specialty Markets

• Premium product boxes
• Gift packaging
• High-end brand promotion

Target Customers

Thermal BOPP Film is designed for:

• Printing companies
• Packaging manufacturers
• Publishing houses
• Commercial laminating service providers
• Brand owners seeking premium packaging solutions
• Design studios developing custom print products
• Digital printing shops needing fast and economical lamination
• Food and cosmetic packaging factories

Thermal BOPP Film is an essential material for enhancing and protecting printed and packaged products. Its combination of durability, visual enhancement, and adaptability makes it suitable for a wide range of industries—from commercial printing to luxury packaging. With multiple finishes and strong performance characteristics, it remains a reliable choice for manufacturers and brand owners seeking high-quality lamination solutions.