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BOPP preferred for food pkg globally due to moisture barrier properties
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Monday, 24 April, 2017, 08 : 00 AM [IST]
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Nandita Vijay, Bengaluru
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Biaxially-oriented polypropylene (BOPP) is a preferred substrate for food packaging globally because of its inherent moisture barrier properties, sealability, high-clarity and graphic reproduction and shelf appeal. The best possibilities of the pack are a mono-layer or homogeneous structure. This was stated by Pankaj Poddar, chief executive officer, Cosmo Films Limited.
For food packaging, it is prominently used as co-extruded heat sealable reverse printable film. In labelling, it is preferred because of its yield benefit, providing the lowest density and recyclability with PP containers.
“However, in India, food packaging is more skewed towards PET, which approximately accounts for 56 per cent, because of the lack of education and the comfort for consumersof using PET for a while now.But we see BOPP catching up fast,”Poddar said.
“A key challenge in retail outlets and households is the shelf life. This is because a lot of the barrier properties that a food pack needs to have to retain its freshness for prolonged periods. This includes barriers such as light, aroma, moisture, oxygen, etc. Now we can offera range of transparent and metalised barrier films,” he added.
Cosmo, one among the largest manufacturers of BOPP films globally, is now gearing up to get to the numero uno position with regards tovolumes. Currently, the company is ranked 14th globally and second in India.
“In India, we have no competition as far as specialty films or films for special applications are concerned. On the volumes side, Jindal Films has a slightly higher market share than us,” Poddar stated.
“We are working in direction to become the preferred supplier to our customers globally, as well as provide custom solutions and increase our specialty sales portfolio,” he added.
Most of the company’s products cater to the food and beverage industry only.This includes packaging films for packed food and labelling products for beverages largely.
Itsrecent product developmentshave all been results of finding solutions to problems witnessed by the food and beverage industry.
For instance, lidding film was a solution to the peelability issues with disposable drinking glasses in specific.
Ultra-high barrier films came about replacing aluminium foil with a less expensive packaging substrate.
Barrier films with high hot tack helpaddress packing on fast form-fill-seal (FFS) machines. Barrier films with high seal strength help to withstand bulky packs.Lamination films for PP woven bags preventmoisture seepage invalue packs of grains or staples.
Delving on the challenges to trade in the international market, Poddar pointed out that one of them was providing last-mile connectivitythrough warehouses and local distributors.
Another is the overcapacity impacting price premium.This can be tackled by diversifying intoniche segments. The third is the higher custom duties for Indian goods in certain countries vis-a-vis the Middle East and China.
From an Indian standpoint,Poddar stated that goods and services tax (GST)would have a favourable impact, as it would simplify the taxation structure and manufacturers would be in a better position to sell their goods to end customers.
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