#bopet

Ketika membolak-balikkan botol, mungkin Anda melihat sebuah simbol berbentuk segitiga yang terletak pada bagian bawah botol. Jika Anda melihat huruf P, E, dan T bersamaan dengan sebuah angka pada bagian tengah segitiga maka besar kemungkinan bahwa botol tersebut terbuat dari polietilena tereftalat atau PET.

Bagaimana caranya material transparan ini berubah dari pelet-pelet kecil menjadi kemasan transparan yang ringan namun kokoh ini? Artikel ini akan memberikan penjabaran singkat mengenai proses pembuatan film PET hingga menjadi botol kemasan yang sering kita jumpai.

Baca juga Film BOPP: Daya Tahan Tinggi untuk Ketahanan Pangan

Transformasi Chip Menjadi Film

Film PET diperoleh dengan menggabungkan monomer asam tereftalat (PTA) yang dimurnikan dan etilena glikol (EG) melalui proses perengkahan minyak mentah. Dalam proses pencampurannya, PTA dan EG saling bertautan untuk membentuk rantai panjang yang kemudian dikenal sebagai proses polimerisasi.

‘Chip’ yang berhasil terbentuk akan dimasukkan ke dalam mesin ekstruder yang akan memanaskan dan melelehkan PET. Hasil lelehan ini kemudian disalurkan ke dalam gulungan dingin yang akan memadamkannya hingga masuk ke dalam keadaan amorf, yakni kondisi di mana atom dan molekul PET tidak tersusun dalam pola kisi yang pasti.

Selanjutnya Jenis-Jenis Flexible Packaging yang Cocok untuk Produk Anda

Orientasi Biaksial: Memperkokoh Lapisan Film PET

Setelah berhasil didinginkan, karakter fisik dari film PET kemudian diperkuat dengan meregangkannya menggunakan teknik orientasi biaksial. Proses ini dapat dilakukan dengan dua cara, yakni secara serentak atau secara berurutan.

Umumnya, proses orientasi biaksial dilakukan secara berurutan di mana film PET pertama kali diregangkan ke arah laju mesin menggunakan rol yang dipanaskan. Kemudian, film akan ditarik ke arah melintang, misalnya 90° melintang dari arah mesin, di dalam sebuah oven panas. Rasio peregangan biasanya dilakukan sekitar 3 hingga 4 pada arah mesin dan arah melintang.

Seusai proses peregangan, film dipanaskan menggunakan tekanan tinggi dalam oven bersuhu 200°C. Orientasi biaksial akan memperkuat komposisi fisik dari film tanpa mengurangi fleksibilitasnya. Berkat proses ini pula maka kristalit yang terbentuk dalam film PET memiliki ukuran yang lebih kecil dari panjang gelombang cahaya dan tumbuh berdekatan dengan satu sama lain. Inilah yang membuat film PET begitu jernih dan transparan.

Baca lagi Cara-cara Kemasan Fleksibel Dapat Mengurangi Pemborosan Pangan

The circular economy concept has been widely discussed for the past few years as industries seek sustainable solutions to reduce waste and environmental impact. The concept of “giving back” to what’s been “taken” from nature to rejuvenate them has transformed how we manage resources, produce and use products, and what is done afterward. That way, we can still turn the wheels of the economy without causing lasting harm to our environment.

Biaxially Oriented Polypropylene (BOPP) and Biaxially Oriented Polyethylene Terephthalate (BOPET) films have emerged as significant contributors to the flexible packaging industry. They are known for their excellent mechanical properties, clarity, and barrier capabilities, making them ideal for food packaging, labels, and industrial applications.

Though more commonly known as plastic film, flexible packaging has contributed greatly to the circular economy system. This article explores how BOPP and BOPET films can support the principles of a circular economy in many ways.

Check out 5 Ways Flexible Packaging Has Made Sustainable Living Easier

The BOPP and BOPET Convenience

Compared to traditional packaging, flexible packaging requires less fossil fuel usage, water use, and greenhouse gas emissions than conventional packaging. Its lightweight and compact design allows you to maximize transport capacity, meaning fewer trips for more film. The BOPP and BOPET film’s durability protects the product from potential spoilage and destruction, thus reducing damage and food waste in the long run.

Flexible packaging made from BOPP and BOPET films has a high product-to-package ratio. Research done by the Flexible Packaging Association shows that compared to other packaging formats, flexible packaging allows for more than 75 percent of products to be packaged with its films. After going through the printing process, flexible packaging remains thin and lightweight, producing the least amount of waste sent to landfills everywhere.

Next BOPP Films and Printing: Enhancing Packaging Aesthetics and Functionality

Thanks to recent innovations, flexible packaging from BOPP and BOPET can now be efficiently recycled. Both materials can be recycled through mechanical recycling, which is a process where they are collected, sorted, shredded, cleaned, and melted to form new plastic products.

Research has shown that this process gives new life to plastics without changing the materials' chemical structure, prolonging their lifespans and optimizing each film’s full potential. This process will allow BOPP and BOPET-based packaging to be converted into homogenous pellets that are ready to use for new products everywhere. Additionally, mechanical recycling is the most cost-effective way to recycle flexible materials. The process is known to not produce other, more harmful virgin materials.

Read more about Food Packaging: Enhancing Freshness and Safety with Technology

Kemasan makanan dan minuman kini memainkan peran yang penting dalam proses pemenuhan kebutuhan pangan manusia. Kita bisa menemukannya di warung, pasar, bahkan gerai swalayan favorit kita. Dengan warna-warninya yang memikat hati dan bentuk kemasan yang unik, siapapun jadi terdorong untuk membeli produk-produk ini dan mengonsumsinya.

Kemasan yang baik mampu menjaga kesegaran produk agar tidak berubah bentuk, warna, maupun rasa ketika kita mengonsumsinya. Namun, tahukah Anda bahwa sebagian besar kemasan tersebut terbuat dari bahan yang bernama BOPET?

Apakah BOPET itu dan apa saja keunggulannya? Simak selengkapnya melalui artikel ini.

Baca juga Fleksibel dan Tahan Lama: Keserbagunaan Film BOPP di Berbagai Industri

Serba-Serbi BOPET

Mungkin Anda sudah tidak asing lagi dengan kata-kata “botol PET.” Ya, botol kemasan dengan berbagai bentuk dan warna yang sering Anda jumpai di toko-toko terbuat dari bahan polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Umumnya, termoplastik ini merupakan hasil polimerisasi antara ethylene glycol (EG) dan terephtalic acid (TPA) yang dicampur menggunakan sebuah katalis. Proses polimerisasi juga dikenal sebagai reaksi kondensasi, di mana beberapa molekul bereaksi dengan satu sama lain dan menciptakan suatu produk yang sederhana.

Untuk memperkuat sifat dasar PET, beberapa perusahaan mulai mengadopsi teknik orientasi biaxial (biaxial orientation) dalam memproduksi bahan ini. Proses ini meregangkan film ke dua arah dalam waktu bersamaan, yakni searah dengan mesin (machine direction) dan secara melintang (transverse direction). Peregangan dilakukan dengan meningkatkan kecepatan roller sebelum film memasuki tenter, yakni suatu alat berbentuk oven yang mencengkeram dan merentangkan film menggunakan rantai.

Itulah sebabnya BOPET menjadi salah satu termoplastik yang paling umum dijumpai di berbagai industri. Peregangan yang dilakukan membantu film agar tahan terhadap sobekan, goresan, dan menjadi lebih fleksibel. BOPET tidak mudah mengkerut atau meleleh bahkan ketika dihadapkan dengan bahan panas sekalipun. Hal-hal inilah yang mendorong semakin tingginya permintaan akan BOPET. Maka tak heran, jika pasar BOPET diproyeksikan akan mencapai US$26.4 milyar pada tahun 2030.

Selanjutnya Inilah 5 Kemasan yang Ternyata Terbuat dari Film PET

Mengapa BOPET Digunakan untuk Makanan dan Minuman Kita?

Jika dibandingkan dengan jenis termoplastik lainnya, BOPET terbukti memiliki ketahanan terhadap sebagian besar cairan serta senyawa asam dan basa yang ringan. Film BOPET juga diketahui memiliki permeabilitas gas dan cairan yang lebih rendah dibandingkan kebanyakan plastik lainnya. BOPET juga dapat digabungkan dengan bahan kemasan lain seperti kertas, aluminium, maupun termoplastik lainnya untuk melengkapi komposisi kemasan yang kokoh. Film ini menciptakan lapisan pelindung terhadap kelembapan, oksigen, sinar UV, dan kontaminasi yang mengancam kesegaran dan kualitas produk.

Selain karena sifat penghalangnya, BOPET juga digemari karena dapat digunakan untuk keperluan digital printing. Sebagai laminasi tambahan, BOPET tidak mengganggu ketajaman dan keseluruhan tampilan cetakan kemasan. Anda dapat menciptakan kemasan dengan warna cerah dan lipatan yang sesuai dengan prototipe tanpa perlu khawatir akan perubahan bentuk.

Baca lagi Kenalan dengan Arlene dan Areta: Film Unggulan Argha Karya Prima Industry

Packaging plays a crucial role in our everyday modern lives. You see them in stores, advertisements, online shops, and even in the kitchen of your own house. Good packaging safeguards products, keeping them fresh and secure from outside influences until the day you open them with your own hands.

As a flexible packaging material, BOPET (Biaxially Oriented Polyethylene Terephthalate) film excels in various applications. Its exceptional barrier properties shield food and beverages from moisture, oxygen, and contamination — extending shelf life and minimizing spoilage. But how did it go from raw materials to the thin, transparent sheets we know today?

Read more about Food Safety and Security: Durability of BOPP Film Towards High Temperatures

The BOPET Film’s Starting Point

The BOPET film begins with purified terephthalic acid (PTA) and ethylene glycol (MEG) combined using a method known as polymerization. Polymerization is a process that chemically combines small molecules into a large chain-like structure to make a product with certain unique physical properties. The molten materials are then extruded into a wide sheet, rapidly cooled, and stretched in both directions. This process will directly spin the molten mass into fibers or solidify later as plastic.

The biaxial orientation process allows the polymer chains to align lengthwise and widthwise in an orderly manner. This will reinforce its properties and achieve its signature strength, clarity, and barrier properties.

Next The Future of Film Production: How Technology is Shaping BOPET and BOPP Manufacturing

Responsible Consumption: How to Dispose BOPET Films

Consumers and the government play a vital role in disposing of PET materials. After serving its purpose, proper disposal of the PET film is at bay. Depending on the country, some PET films can be recycled in designated drop-off locations and are later reprocessed into new products using specialized machinery. Recycling facilities separate BOPET film from other materials and will then process them into new products. The process of recycling will also reduce reliance on virgin resources and minimize landfill waste.

If such methods do not exist in your country, there are also ways to reuse BOPET packaging. Some countries have found ways to empower societies by creating functional items using packaging made of PET, such as reusable shopping bags, unique decor, or functional flower pots. A recent low-tech solution is to make ecobricks using large PET bottles and cut-up PET packaging that are tightly packed into those bottles. Ecobricks can be made into functional furniture, as the basic foundation of large plant pots, and even sturdy structures for partitions and fences.

Check out Revolutionizing FMCG: How BOPET and BOPP Films are Shaping the Industry

By understanding the lifecycle of BOPET film and making informed choices, we can contribute to a more sustainable future. Responsible production, responsible disposal, and informed consumption and all vital steps in ensuring BOPET film remains a valuable and environmentally conscious packaging solution.

BOPP and BOPET have been two of the most popular packaging materials for decades. Thanks to their clarity, strength, and printing capabilities, manufacturers everywhere have sought out these versatile materials to protect the freshness of their products. Both films can also be mixed with other materials to create novel packaging forms, like mixing aluminum to make a metalized film for dry snacks or adding white pigments and high cavitation for frozen products.

Innovations in BOPP and BOPET films have been made to increase film durability and flexibility. These advancements have changed the packaging world, making materials more affordable, lighter, and flexible for multiple uses. As we look to the future, several emerging technologies promise to enhance the efficiency, sustainability, and functionality of BOPP and BOPET films.

Check out Revolutionizing FMCG: How BOPET and BOPP Films are Shaping the Industry

The Film Orientation Process

Film properties are significantly altered using solid-phase orientation processes. Modifying manufacturing techniques allows films to be thinner and lighter than typical blown or cast films — making them tougher, high in tensile strength, heat resistant, tear resistant, and act as ample barriers for the products they protect. Some of these processes have quickly become the standard for film production including:

Monoaxial orientation: This is a process of stretching plastic films in one direction, machine or transverse direction only. In machine direction (MD) processes, a group of rollers is accelerated to stretch the film whereas transverse orientation (TD) uses a chain track system. Films made using this process are generally considered stiffer and stronger. However, they have poor tear resistance in the direction of the orientation. Monoaxial-oriented films are mainly used for shrink labels and sleeves on plastic bottles, containers, glasses, cans, and cups.

Biaxial orientation: Just like its name suggests, the biaxial orientation process stretches films in both MD and TD orientations. Stretching is done by increasing the speeds between a group of rollers before entering the tenter, a device that resembles an oven that grips and stretches the web transversely on diverting rails using a chain. Biaxially-oriented films generally have stronger tear resistance and cost less than monoaxial-oriented films, making them perfect for food packaging and tobacco packaging.

Next How It’s Made: PET Packaging Films

The Road Ahead: A Smart Future

While film production technology has advanced to increase overall product quality, research has continued to create multiple smart solutions to further include technology in packaging. As technology continues to fuse with our daily lives, customer engagement has become a priority for many companies. Anti-counterfeiting measures and QR code integration may start to become prevalent to increase customer satisfaction. Smart sensors may also be embedded to provide further information about product temperature, and authentication, and even suggest similar brands.

Smart packaging will also enable real-time data collection during production, ensuring consistent quality and minimizing defects in the film. Furthermore, advanced computer simulations will allow manufacturers to tailor film properties to specific applications before production begins — optimizing performance and reducing waste.

Read again Innovative Design: How BOPP Films are Driving Eco-Friendly Packaging Solutions

By embracing technological advancements, BOPP and BOPET film production is poised for a future that is both efficient and sustainable. These innovative films will continue to shape the landscape of FMCG packaging — offering superior functionality, improved sustainability, and a platform for future innovations that cater to the ever-evolving needs of consumers and the environment.

The Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) industry is one of the fastest-growing industries in the world. You can easily find FMCG products on the shelves of your favorite store — each with its unique food and beverages that cater to one’s tastes. There’s always a new form of innovation in FMCG products, whether new flavors, distinctive packaging, or a new type of snack advertised with eye-catching visuals.

For many FMCG companies, packaging is crucial in protecting their products from possible damage and prolonging their shelf life. Thus, choosing good quality but affordable materials is essential to creating the perfect packaging. Two of the most common materials for F&B product packaging are BOPP (biaxially oriented polypropylene) and BOPET (biaxially oriented polyethylene terephthalate) films.

Check out Here are 5 Common Packaging You Didn't Know Was Made of PET Film

Why BOPP and BOPET Films?

The invention of plastic marked a monumental shift in the packaging industry. We no longer had to rely on natural resources such as glass, pottery, and paper to protect products during transportation. Plastic is a material that could be synthetically produced, meaning there was no need to rely on natural resources that could be depleted anytime soon. Using plastic as packaging material also allowed prolonged storage life of goods and even allowed infinite packaging possibilities.

‘Biaxially oriented’ refers to how the film is stretched in machine and transverse directions. This process allows the production of molecular chain orientation in two directions to increase the film’s tensile strength. BOPP and BOPET films are made by inflating a tubular bubble, which extrudes sheets heated up to its softening point before it is stretched. By stretching it by 300-400 percent, the film comes out transparent, with increased barrier properties, and high tensile strength.

It is thanks to this process that BOPP and BOPET films excel in extending shelf life and safeguarding product integrity. These films create a shield against moisture, oxygen, and contamination which are crucial for preserving the freshness and quality of perishable goods like food and beverages. Additionally, their excellent puncture resistance protects products from physical damage during transportation and storage.

Next How It’s Made: PET Packaging Films

Looking Forward: Future Packaging Trends

For now, both BOPP and BOPET remain the top materials for food and beverage packaging. Its affordable price paired with multiple advantages makes it a no-brainer for companies everywhere to base their packaging off of these films. Some studies even projected that the BOPP films market will reach 38.9 billion USD by 2029, while the BOPET films market will reach 26.4 billion USD by 2030.

With the increasing adoption of technology to our lives, businesses everywhere should start considering the inclusion of QR codes and RFID tags into their products. From online instruction manuals to referral links to purchase related products, this technology allows limitless possibilities for companies to promote all their products in one compact system. Using QR codes and RFID tags will push to create a unique customer experience and help reduce the need for excessive product information on the packaging.

While sustainability continues to be a growing concern, many innovations have been made to make BOPP and BOPET films more environmentally friendly. Film manufacturers such as PT Argha Karya Prima Industry Tbk have developed what they call the mono-material concept. This technology allows all their BOPP and BOPET film to be made from a single material, making it easier and faster to decompose after use. Used BOPP and BOPET materials are usually recycled by turning them into pellets, eco-bricks, or creative household products such as grocery bags.

Also, read Innovative Design: How BOPP Films Are Driving Eco-Friendly Packaging Solutions

If you’ve ever purchased bottled water, you might notice the tiny recycle sign embossed to the bottom of the bottle. If you saw the number one in the middle of the triangle alongside the letters P, E, and T, chances are the plastic bottle you’re holding is made from PET (polyethylene terephthalate).

This durable and lightweight material can be found on store shelves, kitchen cabinets, freezers, and even in pharmacies. PET film is transparent, strong, and non-toxic — making it the perfect material to protect your favorite snacks from getting crushed mid-transport or from going bad before their expiration date.

How does the versatile material go from raw materials to the clear, protective film we see on store shelves? Let’s delve into the fascinating world of PET film production.

Check out Innovative Design: How BOPP Films are Driving Eco-Friendly Packaging Solutions

Transforming Raw Materials into Liquid

While raw material mix may differ from each manufacturer, the journey starts with mixing terephthalic acid (PTA) and ethylene glycol (MEG). These two substances are the building blocks of PET and can also be found in the naphtha cracking chain. PTA and MEG are then brought together in a reactor under controlled conditions. Then, a chemical reaction called polymerization occurs, where individual molecules of PTA and MEG link together to form long chains known as the PET polymer.

Polymerization is where lower molecular weight materials are combined using high temperatures and/or other catalysts to form polymers. Then, solid PET polymers are melted into a more manageable form by feeding them into an extruder.

Next Here Are 5 Common Packaging You Didn’t Know was Made of PET Film

Achieving Strength: Biaxial Orientation

The amorphous polymer is then biaxially oriented by a process called drawing. The film is stretched in two directions, lengthwise and widthwise, simultaneously. This will align the PET polymer chains which help strengthen the polymer, increase clarity, and reinforce its barrier properties.

Depending on the intended application, the film might undergo further processing. This could involve adding coatings for extra protection against moisture or oxygen, printing for branding purposes, or even metallization for specific barrier properties.

Finally, the finished product will undergo rigorous quality checks to ensure it meets strict specifications. The film is then wound onto large spools, ready for conversion into the various packaging formats we encounter in our daily lives.

Also read Understanding the Versatility of BOPP Films: Applications Across Industries

From the water bottles you grab on the go to the blister packs holding your favorite medicine, chances are you have seen packaging made from PET in your day-to-day lives. Research focused on improving PET sustainability through increased recycling rates, incorporating recycled content into the film itself, and developing biodegradable alternatives will contribute to the ever-evolving industry.

We all know polyethylene terephthalate or PET is the main material for plastic water bottles, but did you know that PET is also used for a wide array of other products? This thin sheet of film offers several advantages for the packaging industry, such as clarity, strength, and recyclability.  PET film also has easily printable materials, allowing designers to create eye-catching designs for their packaging needs.

PET films were first developed in the 1950s in America. It is made by drying, melting, extrusion, casting, and stretching polyethylene terephthalate chips. The term “biaxially oriented” in BoPET films refers to the way it is stretched in two different directions. It is this part of the process that allows PET films to be highly tensile in strength and secure products during transport.

Read Understanding the Versatility of BOPP Films: Applications Across Industries

The film’s versatility allows it to be used in many different ways, even in items that you might not realize were made from PET films. Here are 5 everyday items you might not realize are made with PET film:

Book Covers and Packaging: When you open a new book, there’s a layer of plastic film either wrapped around the book or in a resealable package. That packaging is often made from PET film, allowing for prolonged shelf life and storage. This also helps protect the book from moisture and bugs, preventing any form of fungi or advanced yellowing from happening. Additionally, the thin matte or glossy layer on book covers are also made of PET films.

Blister Packs: Some tools, toys, or hardware often come with hard plastic packages that envelop the product and thin board with all the product’s information. That clear plastic is likely PET film. It provides protection, excellent clarity, and durability, which allows companies to showcase their products while keeping it secure. Blister packs can also be found in pill or tablet packaging for vitamins and medication.

Windowed Boxes: Bakery treats, cereals, and even some frozen foods come in cardboard boxes with clear plastic windows. That window is usually PET film! It offers a glimpse of the product without compromising the box’s sturdiness and damages the freshness of the products.

Next Exploring the Properties and Advantages of PET Films in Packaging

Resealable Pouches: Do you know those resealable snacks and coffee pouches? The outer layer is often made of PET film which helps strengthen the structure of the packaging. Some products even have a clear window that allows you to see the products inside. Using PET films will keep the products fresh without sacrificing the design.

Metallized Films: When you open a bag of chips, you might see a shiny metallic look on the inside. These metallized layers are made of PET film combined with a thin layer of aluminum. This creates a barrier against light and moisture, keeping your favorite snacks fresh and crispy.

Also read Get to Know Arlene and Areta: Argha Karya Prima Industry’s Leading Films