High Barrier BOPP Metallized Film VMBOPP-GZ: The Recyclable Alternative to VMPET & Aluminum Foil
Jun 29,2026 | FOSHAN CAILONG METALLIC PACKAGING MATERIAL CO.,LTD
What Is VMBOPP-GZ?
High Barrier BOPP Metallized Film VMBOPP-GZ is a vacuum-metallized biaxially oriented polypropylene film engineered for ultra-low oxygen and moisture transmission. Built on an 18 μm BOPP substrate with a dense aluminum layer (OD ≥ 2.3, aluminum layer thickness ~1.2 Ω/□), it delivers barrier performance close to VMPET while keeping the PP-homogenous advantage—meaning it can serve as the middle layer in a three-layer PP/PP/PP structure for easier mono-material recycling.
Typical structure (inside → out):
BOPP base / surface treatment (seed or coating) / vacuum Al layer
Why "High Barrier" Matters — Key Performance Highlights
|
Parameter |
VMBOPP-GZ Typical |
Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
|
Oxygen Transmission Rate (OTR) |
0.12 cc/(m²·24h) |
Slows oxidation of snacks, coffee, spices |
|
Water Vapor Transmission Rate (WVTR) |
0.28 g/(m²·24h) |
Prevents caking / moisture loss |
|
Optical Density (OD) |
2.3 |
Near-total light & UV blocking |
|
Aluminum adhesion (EAA test) |
3.5 N/15mm |
Fewer delam issues in lamination |
|
Wet tension (metallized side) |
42 mN/m |
Stable printing & coating |
Data source: Cailong VMBOPP-GZ product sheet.
The differentiator: Most standard metallized BOPP sits at OTR ~1–3 range. VMBOPP-GZ pushes into the sub-0.5 zone, making it viable as a VMPET / thin aluminum foil replacement without switching substrate family.
4 Reasons Buyers Switch to VMBOPP-GZ
1. Replaces VMPET or Aluminum Foil — With Better Processability
VMPET is PET-based (non-PP), which breaks mono-material recycling. Aluminum foil is stiff, pinhole-prone, and expensive. VMBOPP-GZ sits in the middle: BOPP stiffness + metallized barrier + PP-homogenous laminate.
2. Strong Aluminum Layer Adhesion = Higher Composite Strength
EAA-side aluminum adhesion reaches 3.5 N/15mm, well above the ≥2.0–3.0 N/15mm typical range of general-grade VMOPP. This matters when the film is laminated to PET or PE in high-speed lines.
3. Light-Blocking for Shelf-Life Extension
The metallized layer blocks 100% visible light + UV, critical for:
-
Roasted coffee / ground spices (volatile loss)
-
Chocolate (fat bloom under light)
-
Pharmaceuticals (photo-sensitive actives)
4. Regulatory & Sustainability Compliance
Material conforms to FDA, EU, REACH, RoHS, GB 4806.7 food-contact requirements, and keeps BOPP's recyclability path open.

VMBOPP-GZ vs VMPET vs Aluminum Foil (Quick Compare)
|
Property |
VMBOPP-GZ |
VMPET |
Aluminum Foil |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Substrate |
BOPP (PP) |
PET |
Al |
|
Mono-PP recyclable? |
Yes |
No |
No |
|
OTR (typical) |
0.12 |
0.5–1.0 |
~0 |
|
WVTR (typical) |
0.28 |
0.8–1.5 |
~0 |
|
Stiffness / printability |
High |
Very high |
Low (soft, pinholes) |
|
Cost position |
Mid |
Mid-low |
High |
Reference: Cailong VMBOPP-GZ data+ general VMCPP/VMPET/AL comparison.
Typical Applications
VMBOPP-GZ is positioned as the middle barrier layer in 3-ply flexible packs:
-
Dry foods — nuts, dried fruit, instant oats
-
Aroma-sensitive — tea, ground coffee, cocoa powder
-
Chocolate & confectionery (UV protection)
-
Dehydrated ingredients & spice blends
-
Pharma / nutraceutical sachets (moisture + light barrier)
It is not heat-sealable on its own—same as VMPET—so it's normally laminated to CPP or PE for the seal layer.
Full Technical Data Sheet (18 μm VMBOPP-GZ)
|
Test Item |
Typical Value |
|---|---|
|
Thickness |
18 μm |
|
Optical density (OD) |
2.3 |
|
Aluminum layer (Ω/□) |
1.2 |
|
Aluminum adhesion, EAA (N/15mm) |
3.5 |
|
OTR |
0.12 cc/(m²·24h) |
|
WVTR |
0.28 g/(m²·24h) |
|
Wet tension – metallized side |
42 mN/m |
|
Wet tension – non-metallized |
36 mN/m |
|
Tensile MD / TD |
97 / 250 MPa |
|
Elongation MD / TD |
165% / 33% |
|
Heat shrinkage 120°C/2min MD / TD |
1.83% / 0.87% |
Data from internal testing; final performance depends on lamination/adhesive process. Store below 30°C, ~50% RH.
FAQ
Q: Can VMBOPP-GZ replace VMPET directly in an existing structure?
A: In many dry / medium-barrier applications, yes—especially where brand owners want a PP-monomaterial story. For very high-moisture items, verify WVTR against your shelf-life target.
Q: Does it seal by itself?
A: No. Like VMPET, it needs a sealant layer (CPP / PE) in the laminate.
Q: What widths / lengths are available?
A: Base gauge 18 μm standard; 12–50 μm and slit widths customizable per order.
Q: Any compliance docs available?
A: Yes—FDA, EU, REACH, RoHS, GB 4806.7 declarations are standard from the supplier.
Conclusion & CTA
If your current laminate uses VMPET or thin aluminum foil and you're exploring a recyclable PP-homogenous route without giving up barrier, VMBOPP-GZ is the spec to request. OTR 0.12 / WVTR 0.28 / EAA adhesion 3.5 N/15mm puts it in a small group of metallized BOPPs that can actually step up.
