How to Choose the Right Flexible Packaging Film Based on Material Properties? — A Comprehensive Guide to Mainstream Packaging Materials

In the flexible packaging industry, selecting the right film material impacts not only product protection and shelf appeal but also production efficiency and cost control. This article provides a complete overview of common packaging films—such as BOPP, CPP, PET, LDPE—and offers guidance to help you make informed decisions in a dynamic market.

Flexible packaging film in high-speed production

Key Material Properties & Recommendations

Material	Advantages	Disadvantages	Applications
BOPP (Biaxially Oriented Polypropylene)	Low density Excellent tensile strength Good heat sealing High gloss Transparency ✔	Moderate oil resistance ✗	Snack bags, Transparent outer packaging, Label films
CPP/TQPP (Cast Polypropylene/ Modified Polypropylene)	Excellent heat sealing and processability High gloss Good chemical resistance ✔	Poor oxygen barrier properties ✗	Inner layer of composite packaging, Boilable bags, High-temperature Heat-sealing films
PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate)	High tensile strength Excellent printability Good oil resistance ✔	Non-heat-sealable Poor alkali resistance ✗	Beverage bottles Electronic product packaging High-strength shrink films
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)	Good transparency Strong il resistance Low cost ✔	Poor organic solvent resistance Average processability ✗	Medical packaging Shrink films Short-term food packaging
LDPE/LLDPE （Low-Density/ Linear Low-Density Polyethylene)	High ductility Excellent heat sealing Good flexibility ✔	Low tensile strength Poor oil resistance ✗	Plastic bags Cling film Agricultural films
HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene )	Good vapor barrier properties Strong chemical resistance ✔	Poor transparency and gloss ✗	Heavy-duty packaging bags Bottle caps Moisture-proof packaging
Cellophane	Biodegradable High transparency ✔	Poor chemical resistance Low vapor barrier properties ✗	Candy packaging Eco-friendly short-term packaging (usually needs composite materials for enhanced barrier properties)

Packaging Selection Trends & Market Insights

Stricter Sustainability Regulations

The EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) is driving a shift toward recyclable and mono-material structures. Films like BOPE, MDO-PE, and PP-based materials are replacing complex multi-layer films (e.g., PET/AL/PE) to support circular economy goals. Mandatory minimum recycled content is also being introduced (e.g., 40% for food-contact PET packaging by 2030).

Growing Demand for Green Packaging

Eco-friendly materials such as PLA, PBS, and compostable films are gaining popularity—especially in single-use packaging for food delivery and personal care sectors.

Cost-Effective Structures Gaining Ground

Structures like BOPP+CPP are replacing traditional PET+PE in light-duty packaging (e.g., biscuits, snacks, bread) due to their transparency, sealability, and recyclability—offering both performance and cost efficiency.

Rise of Functional Films

Cold chain foods demand anti-fog films, ready-to-eat products require easy-tear films, and powder packaging increasingly relies on high-barrier films (e.g., EVOH, AlOx, SiOx) for extended shelf life and product integrity.

What Can Amax Offer?

Sample rolls of BOPP, CPP, PET, and LDPE packaging films

Amax supplies a range of high-quality raw materials for flexible packaging film structures, including:

 • EVA, POE, PP, LDPE

 • Partnered with top global brands: Mitsui Chemicals, LyondellBasell, INEOS, and more

 • Serving packaging, piping, adhesives, and other industries across Asia and worldwide

We understand the rigorous performance demands of diverse packaging applications—and we’re happy to share our material expertise and technical insights.

Looking for Material Support?

For technical datasheets, product brochures, or sample support, feel free to contact the Amax team: contact@amaxchemical.com

Let us help you enhance your packaging performance—and simplify material selection.