Innovia Films launches high-barrier BOPP film for recyclable packaging

EMEA – Innovia Films has introduced Propafilm CHBM, an ultra-high-barrier metallised biaxially oriented polypropylene film designed as an alternative to aluminium foil in flexible packaging structures.

The new film is engineered for polypropylene-based laminates, supporting development of recyclable mono-material packaging while providing protection against oxygen and moisture.

Target applications include food packaging, stand-up and flat pouches, and other formats requiring high barrier performance to preserve freshness, aroma and product quality.

Aluminium foil has traditionally delivered strong barrier properties in flexible laminates, but its presence alongside polymer layers complicates recycling because the materials cannot be separated economically.

Eighteen-Micron Gauge Combines Barrier and Optical Density

Available in an 18-micron gauge, Propafilm CHBM combines oxygen and water vapour barrier properties with high optical density, strong metal adhesion and thermal stability. 

The film also features reverse-side treatment suitable for lamination or surface printing, providing flexibility for converters incorporating the material into multilayer packaging structures. 

High optical density allows the metallised layer to deliver the opaque appearance associated with foil, an aesthetic requirement in many food and premium packaging applications.

Simplifying Structures Improves Recycling Compatibility

By replacing aluminium foil with a metallised polypropylene film, Innovia aims to help converters simplify laminate constructions and improve compatibility with polypropylene recycling streams. 

Multi-material laminates remain a persistent obstacle in flexible packaging recovery, since recyclers cannot easily separate bonded layers of different polymers and foil, consigning many structures to energy recovery instead of material recycling.

Leadership Cites Performance Without Compromise

Alasdair McEwen, business unit director for packaging in Europe, the Middle East and Africa at Innovia Films, said that as brands continued seeking packaging solutions combining high performance with improved recyclability, Propafilm CHBM represented another significant step forward. 

He added that by delivering barrier performance traditionally associated with aluminium foil in a polypropylene-based structure, the film enabled customers to simplify packaging designs without compromising product protection. 

The introduction expands Innovia Films’ portfolio of BOPP materials developed for flexible packaging, particularly as converters and brand owners evaluate alternatives to mixed-material structures that complicate recycling and attract higher extended producer responsibility fees under tightening European rules.

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