Common Problems with OPP Bags and Plastic Packaging

The main difference between OPP bags and ordinary plastic bags lies in their materials and characteristics.

• OPP bag: mainly made of oriented polypropylene. After biaxial stretching treatment, the OPP film has high transparency, excellent gloss, good stiffness, and better moisture resistance and gas barrier properties. It is not easy to generate static electricity and has good printing effect. It is often used in packaging that needs to show the appearance of the product, such as clothing, stationery, bread, biscuits, etc.
• General plastic bags: usually refers to bags made of polyethylene (PE), such as HDPE (high-density polyethylene) or LDPE (low-density polyethylene). The characteristics of PE bags are softness, good toughness and tear resistance, but their transparency, gloss and stiffness are usually not as good as OPP bags. They are more commonly used as shopping bags, garbage bags or simple packaging for general items.

The environmental friendliness of plastic products is a complex issue. OPP bags and most plastic packaging can be recycled if properly sorted, but recycling rates and actual recycling processing remain challenges.

• Recyclability: OPP belongs to **"PP (polypropylene)"** in the plastic classification, usually marked with "No. 5" in the recycling symbol. Theoretically, it can be recycled and reused. However, due to factors such as composite materials and ink printing, the actual recycling process is more complicated.
• Environmental considerations: The production and disposal of plastic products will have an impact on the environment. The production process consumes energy, and if it is not properly disposed of after being discarded, it may cause plastic pollution. Therefore, reducing, reusing and recycling properly are more critical environmental strategies.

Yes, many OPP bags are suitable for food packaging after special treatment and meet relevant food safety standards.

• Food grade OPP: OPP bags used for food packaging will comply with the food contact material regulations of various countries and are usually marked as "food grade". This OPP material is highly stable at normal operating temperatures and does not release harmful substances.
• Note: Despite this, it is still recommended to choose OPP bags produced by reputable manufacturers and marked as food grade to package food that comes into direct contact. At the same time, avoid using it under extreme high temperatures for a long time to ensure food safety.

There are many types of plastic packaging. In addition to OPP and PE, the most common ones include:

• PET (polyethylene terephthalate): commonly found in beverage bottles, cooking oil bottles, etc., with high transparency and good barrier properties.
• PVC (polyvinyl chloride): In the past, it was commonly used in plastic wrap and toy packaging, but due to environmental and health concerns, some countries have restricted its use.
• PS (polystyrene): divided into foamed (styrofoam) and non-foamed (plastic tableware, disposable cups), light weight and good heat preservation.
• PP (polypropylene): In addition to OPP bags, it is also widely used in microwave lunch boxes, ziplock bags, plastic containers, etc., and has better heat resistance.

These plastic materials are used to protect, display and transport various products due to their unique physical and chemical properties.

Choosing the right plastic packaging requires considering many factors:

• Characteristics of the packaged items: Is the item solid, liquid, or powder? Does it need to be moisture-proof, anti-oxidation, and UV-proof?
• Protection requirements: Does it need to be shock-resistant, anti-collision, and sealed?
• Aesthetics and display: Is high transparency required to showcase the product? What are the printing effect requirements?
• Cost budget: The costs of different materials and processes vary greatly.
• Environmental considerations: Are recyclable and biodegradable materials given priority?
• Regulatory requirements: Especially in the fields of food, medical treatment, etc., relevant health and safety standards must be met.