Global outlook for BOPP film is bright

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Biaxially Oriented Polypropylene (BOPP) film has grown faster compared to the growth of PP. BOPP therefore has increased its share of the PP market from 10% in 1990 to 12% by the end of the last century. BOPP market has reached a level of three million tonnes out of almost 27-28 million tonnes of consumption of PP in 2000. The higher growth despite 20% downgauging (thinning) during the decade reflects the inherent strength and versatility of BOPP. The major drivers for growth in the next 10 years are food packaging demanding higher level of BOPP film in barrier films either as a component of multi-layer films or metallized films. Environmentally friendly BOPP shrink films for packaging as an replacement for PVC will also boost growth. Similarly label films will increase to replace PVC films. Synthetic paper from BOPP possibly would enhance the growth. During the nineties, the Asia Pacific region had increased its share from 20% to almost 33% of the total BOPP film market. It is expected that Asia-Pacific region will enhance the share to almost 40% by 2010.
There are about 155 producers with a total capacity of 3.2 million tonnes. New capacities would have to be developed soon since the capacity utilization is very high. India is expected to add almost 20 kt capacity during 2001-2002.