At RSI Mexico, we understand the importance of using the right materials for your labeling needs. Today, we’re focusing on OPP, a popular and versatile plastic film used in a wide range of applications. In the following page we’ll explain what OPP is, what it is made of, all the advantages of using it and where it’s being used.
What is OPP and what is it made of?
OPP stands for Oriented Polypropylene. It’s a type of plastic film specifically created from polypropylene (PP), a thermoplastic polymer known for its strength and durability. Polypropylene itself is derived from propane, a hydrocarbon gas commonly obtained from petroleum refining.
What are the advantages of using OPP?
OPP offers several advantages that make it a popular choice for a wide range of labeling applications. Here, we’ll explore some of its key benefits:
Chemical Resistance
One of the most significant advantages of OPP is its exceptional chemical resistance. OPP film exhibits strong resistance to a variety of chemicals, including:
- Oils and greases
- Acids and alkalis (to a certain extent)
- Alcohols and solvents
This resistance makes OPP ideal for labeling products that come into contact with these substances, such as food, beverages, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals. Since OPP is resistant to moisture as well, it protects the integrity of your labels in humid environments.
Friction resistance
OPP excels in its ability to resist friction. This translates to several benefits for your labels:
- Durability: OPP’s high friction resistance makes it resistant to scuffing, scratching, and abrasions during handling and transportation. This ensures your labels maintain their clear and professional appearance throughout their lifespan.
- Tamper Evident Properties: The high friction coefficient of OPP makes it difficult to remove and reapply the label without leaving visible signs of tampering. This is crucial for applications where product security is a concern.
- Machinability: OPP’s smooth surface and resistance to friction allow for smooth and efficient running on labeling machines, reducing jams and downtime during production.
Moisture and condensation resistance
While not completely impermeable, OPP offers good resistance to moisture and condensation. This characteristic makes it suitable for several applications:
- Product Protection: OPP film acts as a barrier against moisture vapor, helping to protect your product from degradation caused by humidity. This is especially important for products sensitive to moisture, such as hygroscopic food items or electronics.
- Label Integrity: OPP’s resistance to moisture prevents the label material from warping or curling due to humidity fluctuations. This ensures your labels remain legible and maintain a professional appearance.
- Condensation Resistance: In environments prone to condensation, OPP film helps minimize water droplets forming on the label surface. This keeps your labels clear and allows for barcode readability.
It’s important to note that for applications requiring a very high moisture barrier, additional coatings or laminations might be necessary. However, for many everyday labeling needs, OPP’s inherent moisture resistance provides sufficient protection.
Finish and Shine
While OPP is known for its classic glossy finish, it also offers versatility in terms of surface texture:
- Glossy Finish: As mentioned above, the natural shine of OPP creates a premium and visually appealing look for your labels. This finish is ideal when you want your product to stand out and create a strong brand image.
- Matte Finish: For a more subdued or sophisticated look, a matte finish OPP film is available. This option can help reduce glare and create a more professional or understated aesthetic.
- Additional Finishes: Some manufacturers, including RSI Mexico, may offer OPP films with specialized finishes such as metallic or pearlescent effects. These options can add a unique touch to your labels and enhance your brand presentation.
This range of finishing options allows you to customize your labels to perfectly match your brand identity and desired aesthetic.
Design and image
OPP’s smooth, transparent nature offers significant advantages for label design and image clarity:
- High Transparency: OPP film boasts exceptional clarity, allowing the product underneath to be clearly visible. This is ideal for showcasing your product and enhancing its visual appeal.
- Versatility for Printing: The smooth surface of OPP provides an excellent canvas for various printing techniques, including flexographic, offset, and digital printing. This allows for high-quality reproduction of graphics, text, and barcodes, ensuring your labels deliver clear and crisp information.
- Glossy Finish: OPP film naturally has a glossy finish that creates a premium and visually appealing aesthetic for your labels. This enhances the overall presentation of your product and can contribute to a strong brand image.
In essence, OPP’s properties contribute to creating visually striking and informative labels that effectively showcase your product and brand.
Finish and Gloss
While OPP is known for its classic glossy finish, it also offers versatility in terms of surface texture:
- Glossy Finish: As discussed earlier, the natural gloss of OPP creates a visually appealing and premium look for your labels. This finish is ideal when you want your product to stand out and create a strong brand image.
- Matte Finish: For a more subdued or sophisticated look, a matte finish OPP film is available. This option can help reduce glare and create a more professional or understated aesthetic.
- Additional Finishes: Some manufacturers, including RSI Mexico, may offer OPP films with specialized finishes like metallized or pearlescent effects. These options can add a unique touch to your labels and elevate your brand presentation.
This range of finish options allows you to tailor your labels to perfectly match your brand identity and desired aesthetic.
Where is OPP being used?
OPP’s unique combination of properties makes it a highly versatile material used in a wide range of applications. Here, we’ll explore some of the most common uses of OPP film:
Food and Beverage Labeling
- Use Case: OPP film is extensively used for labeling food and beverage products. You’ll find it on everything from bottled water and juices to packaged snacks and frozen food.
- Why OPP is Ideal: OPP’s exceptional clarity allows consumers to see the product within. Its resistance to moisture, oils, and greases protects the label from degradation and ensures product information remains legible. Additionally, OPP’s machinability ensures smooth operation on high-speed labeling lines in food production facilities.
Retail and Consumer Goods Labeling
- Use Case: OPP film is widely used for labeling a vast array of retail and consumer goods. From household products and cosmetics to electronics and toys, OPP keeps labels looking sharp and protects product information. Click here to see our solutions for the electronics industry.
- Why OPP is Ideal: OPP’s durability and resistance to scratching and scuffing make it ideal for products handled by consumers. Its high-quality printability allows for vibrant graphics and clear communication of branding and product information. Additionally, OPP’s glossy finish contributes to a premium look for retail products.
Industrial and Logistics Labeling
- Use Case: OPP film plays a crucial role in industrial and logistics applications. It’s used for labeling parts, containers, and pallets for warehousing and shipping purposes.
Why OPP is Ideal: OPP’s durability and resistance to chemicals, moisture, and abrasion make it suitable for harsh industrial environments. Its clarity allows for easy identification of information on labels, even in demanding conditions. Additionally, OPP’s ability to resist tampering attempts ensures the integrity of labels throughout the supply chain.
Lior Rubin
Strategic Partner RSI Mexico
