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.
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.
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 in 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.
There are multiple ways in which BOPP and BOPET films revolutionize the FMCG industry. From changing market behavior to diversifying types of products, the creation of these films has accelerated market innovation like no other. To get the best food and beverage packaging materials, visit PT Argha Karya Prima Industry Tbk (www.arghakarya.com).
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