Buyer tool
Packaging Spec Decoder
Translate common packaging abbreviations and connect each term to the specification fields a buyer is likely to see.
BOPP
Biaxially oriented polypropylene. A polypropylene film stretched in machine and transverse directions. Orientation changes stiffness and other behavior.
PET / BOPET
Polyester film; BOPET identifies biaxially oriented PET. Often used as a print or outer web, but the abbreviation does not define the full structure.
PE / LDPE / LLDPE / HDPE
Polyethylene family abbreviations. Density, blend, additives, treatment, and processing affect seal and mechanical behavior.
CPP
Cast polypropylene. Different from BOPP and often discussed for sealant or temperature-related roles in a structure.
EVOH
Ethylene vinyl alcohol, an oxygen-barrier polymer often protected inside a multilayer structure because humidity affects barrier.
PVDC
Polyvinylidene chloride, a barrier polymer used in some films and coatings.
MET / METPET / METBOPP
Metallized film designation. The exact base web and full construction must be confirmed from the specification.
Adh
Adhesive layer used to combine webs. The abbreviation does not identify chemistry, coat weight, cure, or suitability.
Web width
Film width from edge to edge across a roll.
Repeat / cutoff
Distance along the machine direction allocated to one printed package repeat.
Unwind
The orientation in which printed film comes off the roll and enters the packaging machine.
Gauge
A film thickness expression. In common U.S. film usage, 100 gauge equals 1 mil, but confirm the convention.
COF
Coefficient of friction. It describes sliding behavior under defined test conditions and can affect machine handling.
OTR
Oxygen transmission rate. A number is incomplete without units, temperature, humidity, method, and sample construction.
MVTR / WVTR
Moisture or water-vapor transmission rate. Test conditions and units are required for comparison.