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Agnes Gianni

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

In today’s world, food safety and security are paramount concerns. Consumers expect their food to arrive fresh, free from contamination, and remain that way throughout its shelf life. Packaging plays a critical role in achieving these goals and the Biaxially Oriented Polypropylene (BOPP) film is a leading material for ensuring food safety, particularly when it comes to high-temperature applications.


PT Argha Prima Karya Industry’s Arlene is a BOPP film designed for the flexible packaging of various items, including the FMCG industry. Arlene’s ability to produce clear prints makes it the perfect choice for digital printing, laminating, and food packaging. Some of the more common uses of Arlene are in heat-sealable film, white cavitated film, metalized film, and coated film for products that need transparent packaging.


However, in recent years many consumers have expressed dissatisfaction with the film’s heat-sealing strength. As products continue to diversify following consumer needs, modern packaging requires better performance and scalability to protect products inside. The BOPP film’s waterproof material and non-toxic properties are no longer enough to satisfy the needs of producers and consumers alike.


Samples of resealable pouches that are transparent (left), dark-colored (middle), and white (right)
Mockup (c) freepik

The Importance of High-Temperature Resistance

Certain food products require high-temperature processing, such as sterilization or pasteurization. In these scenarios, the packaging material needs to withstand elevated temperatures without compromising its integrity or impacting food safety.


Research conducted by Du et al. (2015) has found that the BOPP film’s sealability will be able to increase when coated with the same or different materials, such as polyvinyl alcohol and acrylic. The results show that increasing coating thickness can increase heat-sealing strength in BOPP films.


Argha’s Arlene is specifically designed to withstand high temperatures, ensuring it maintains its structure and protective properties during processing. At high temperatures, some packaging materials can warp or melt, potentially leading to leaks and contamination. Arlene retains its shape and prevents leaks, safeguarding food safety. By withstanding high temperatures, Arlene protects food from spoilage throughout its shelf life, even after undergoing heat treatment.


A pack of sausages sealed with transparent film
Mockup (c) freepik

Applying Heat Resistance BOPP Films for Food Safety

By increasing heat resistance and strength, BOPP films can be used for a wider variety of food packaging needs other than protection, such as:


  • Retort pouch: These pouches are often seen as tall triangular-shaped packages. They are used for pre-cooked meals, soups, and other products that require sterilization at high temperatures. By using BOPP films, these pouches can maintain their integrity and protect foods during the sterilization and cooking process.


  • Boilable bags: Certain food items, like vegetables or rice, are boiled for preparation. Arlene films can be used to create boilable bags that withstand the boiling temperature while keeping food contained and safe.


As research and development in BOPP film technology continues, we can expect further advancements in its high-temperature performance. By combining exceptional durability with a commitment to food safety, BOPP film offers a valuable solution for the food packaging industry, ensuring consumers can enjoy fresh, high-quality food with confidence.


To find out more about Arlene and other packaging film products, visit PT Argha Karya Prima Industry (https://arghakarya.com) at their website now.

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