There are several kinds of PP films suitable for paper cup packaging machines, whose characteristics are highly compatible with the packaging requirements of paper cups:
1.Biaxially oriented polypropylene film
Features
High transparency and glossiness: After biaxial stretching, the molecular strands of BOPP film are arranged in orientation and the surface is smooth and even. The printing effect is vivid, can clearly display the brand logo or pattern on the paper cup.
Excellent barrier properties: the blocking performance of water vapor, oxygen and other gases is better than ordinary polypropylene film, can extend the shelf life of paper paper cups (such as milk tea, fruit juice, etc.).
Heat resistance: 164-170°C melting point, can withstand high temperature filling or short term microwave heating, suitable for hot drink packaging.
High mechanical strength: The tensile strength and impact resistance significantly improved, reducing the risk of deformation or damage of paper cups during transport.
Application scenarios
High-end beverage paper cups,such as coffee and tea, require scenes that highlight the brand's visuals and require a certain shelf life.
Wrap in Paper cup that require to be filled hot or microwave heating (such as ready-to-eat soup and porridge).
2.Unstretched polypropylene film (CPP)
Features
Excellent thermal sealing performance: CPP film is prepared by casting method with smooth surface and wide thermal sealing temperature range (usually 120-140°C). Tight to the edge of paper cups, strong sealing performance.
Good elasticity: Compared to BOPP, CPP film is softer, suitable for sealing irregular shaped paper cups (such as conical and arc-shaped cup mouths) and not easy to wrinkle or missed sealing.
4. Low cost: simple production process, high utilization of raw materials, lower price than BOPP, suitable for large-scale production.
Application scenarios
Low-cost sealing is required for common cold drinks drink paper cups (such as carbonated beverages and iced coffee), but barrier property are not required.
Disposable paper cups, emphasizing high rapid sealing efficiency and economy.
3. Co-extruded polypropylene film
Features
Multi-layer structure: using co-extrusion technology, the PP layer (such as barrier layers, heat seal layer) with different functions can be combined to meet the requirements of high barrier, high strength and easy heat-sealing.
Customized performance: For example, the outer layer uses BOPP to provide printability and barrier properties, the inner layer employs CPP or special PP materials to improve heat sealability, and the middle layer adds barrier agent (such as EVOH) to improve oxygen and fragrance resistance.
Application scenarios
Long-sheld-life beverage paper cups (such as milk, fruit juice drinks, etc.) need to meet the requirements of moisture, antioxidant and easy to seal.
High-end gift paper cups are ideal for situations where packaging is demanding both in appearance and function.
4. Aluminum or metallized PP films
Features
High barrier property: through vacuum aluminum plating process on the surface of polypropylene film deposited a layer of aluminum film, can improve the resistance to oxygen and water vapor several times, to reach the level of aluminum foil.
Metallic luster: similar in appearance to but softer than foil, suitable for paper cup packaging that requires high-end visuals.
Heat resistance: Heat sealing can be done in paper cups by applying a heat resistant sealsuch as PE or special PP.
Application scenarios
High-end beverages or food paper cups (such as imported fruit juice and health products) where long-term preservation and emphasis on packaging grade are required.
Paper cup packaging needs to be stored away from light (such as some energy beverages).
5.Selection recommendations
For regular cold drinks drink paper cups: CPP film are preferred due to both cost and heat sealing efficiency.
For hot beverages or paper cups that require microwave heating: Choose BOPP film to ensure heat resistance and mechanical strength.
Long frame or high grade paper cups: made of co-extruded PP film or aluminum coated polypropylene film, balancing barrier properties, appearance and cost.
Special requirements: surface modified polypropylene films (such as halo-treated BOPP) may be used if antistatic or UV protection is required.
Preventive measures
Thermal sealing parameter adjustment: The heat sealing temperature and pressure of different polypropylene films need to be optimized according to equipment type (such as automatic cup sealing machine, semi-automatic cup sealing machine) to avoid loose sealing or film deformation.
Printing compatibility: BOPP films films print best if you need to print patterns on them, while CPP films require pretreatment (such as corona treatment) to improve ink adhesion.
