What is BOPP Tape? Uses in Packaging, Construction & Industry
· Product Knowledge
If you've ever sealed a shipping carton, you've almost certainly used BOPP tape — but most people who buy it every week couldn't tell you what the letters stand for. BOPP stands for Biaxially Oriented Polypropylene, a plastic film that's stretched in two directions during manufacturing to make it strong, clear, and tear-resistant. Coated with an adhesive layer, it becomes the packaging tape used on cartons, cases, and pallets across nearly every industry.
How BOPP tape is made
Manufacturing starts with a polypropylene film that's stretched both lengthwise and widthwise (hence "biaxially oriented") to increase its tensile strength and clarity. An adhesive — typically water-based acrylic or hot-melt — is then applied to one side. Acrylic adhesive, which we use at Skyline Industries, offers better UV resistance and long-term holding power, so tape doesn't yellow or lose grip in storage.
Where BOPP tape is used
- Carton and box sealing for e-commerce, FMCG, and warehousing
- Bundling and palletising goods for transport
- General industrial packaging where a strong, reliable seal is required
- Custom printed tape for brand identity on outgoing shipments
BOPP tape vs. other tapes
Unlike cloth (cotton) tape or masking tape, BOPP tape is thinner, glossier, and built specifically for sealing rather than surface protection or temporary bonding. It's also more cost-effective for high-volume packaging use, which is why it's the default choice for most packaging operations in Kolkata and across India.
Choosing the right BOPP tape
Look for net length certification (a 100-metre roll should actually contain 100 metres, not less), the right thickness for your load weight — typically 40-55 micron for general use — and, if brand visibility matters, custom printing options.
Skyline Industries manufactures BOPP tape in-house in Kolkata, with net length certified rolls and custom printing available. See our packaging tape range or send us an enquiry for bulk pricing.