Life Cycle Assessment of Biaxially Oriented Polypropylene

(BOPP) Film
Executive Summary
• Brief overview of the key findings and conclusions of the LCA.
• The primary objective of the study, such as determining the environmental impact of
BOPP films across their lifecycle.
• Recommendations for stakeholders (e.g., manufacturers, consumers, policymakers).

1. Introduction
1.1 Background

Biaxially Oriented Polypropylene (BOPP) film is a type of plastic film produced through the
biaxial orientation of polypropylene (PP). Known for its high clarity, chemical resistance, and
durability, BOPP film is widely used in:

• Food Packaging: Offers a barrier against moisture and gases, extending shelf life and
preserving freshness.
• Labeling: Utilized for its printability and durability.
• Wrapping: Commonly used for wrapping products due to its strength and flexibility.

1.2 Purpose of the Study

The purpose of this study is to assess the environmental concerns associated with BOPP films,
particularly focusing on their biodegradability and decomposition time. The report aims to
quantify how these factors influence the overall lifecycle and environmental impact of BOPP
film, highlighting potential areas for improvement in environmental management.

1.3 Scope

The analysis covers the entire lifecycle of BOPP film, from raw material extraction through
manufacturing and end-of-life scenarios. The system boundaries include:

• Cradle-to-Gate: Raw material extraction and manufacturing processes.

• Cradle-to-Grave: Includes end-of-life disposal options such as landfilling, incineration,
and recycling.

The functional unit used for this assessment is 1 kilogram of BOPP film.
2. Objective
This report evaluates the environmental impacts of BOPP film with an emphasis on its
biodegradability and decomposition time. The goal is to quantify how these factors impact the
lifecycle and environmental footprint of BOPP film, providing a basis for understanding its long-
term environmental effects.

2.1 Functional Unit

The functional unit for this LCA is defined as 1 kilogram of BOPP film. This unit allows for
consistent evaluation of environmental impacts across various lifecycle stages and disposal
scenarios.

2.2 System Boundaries

The system boundaries for this assessment are defined as follows:

• Raw Material Extraction: Includes the extraction and processing of raw materials
required for polypropylene production.
• Manufacturing: Encompasses the processes involved in converting polypropylene into
BOPP film.
• End-of-Life Scenarios: Covers landfilling, incineration, and recycling of BOPP film.

3. Methodology and Standards

3.1 LCA Framework

The Life Cycle Assessment follows the guidelines set forth by ISO 14040:2006 and ISO
14044:2006 standards. These standards provide a structured approach to evaluating the
environmental impacts of products throughout their lifecycle.

3.2 Data Sources

Data for this assessment were obtained from:

• Primary Sources: Industry reports and direct data from manufacturers.

• Secondary Sources: Environmental databases (e.g., GaBi, SimaPro) and scientific
literature on plastic degradation.

3.3 Impact Categories

The following impact categories were considered:

• Cumulative Energy Demand (CED): Assesses the total energy required throughout the
product's lifecycle.
 • Eutrophication Potential (EP): Measures the potential for nutrient enrichment in
aquatic systems leading to excessive algae growth.
• Resource Depletion: Assesses the consumption of natural resources, including fossil
fuels and minerals, throughout the product’s lifecycle.
• Ecotoxicity Potential (ETP): Measures the potential impact of pollutants on ecosystems
and wildlife throughout the product's lifecycle

4. Biodegradability Analysis
4.1 Biodegradability of BOPP Film

BOPP film, which is derived from polypropylene (PP), exhibits extremely low biodegradability.

Qualitative Insights:

• Chemical Resistance: BOPP film is made from polypropylene, which is resistant to

microbial and chemical degradation. This resistance means that BOPP film does not
readily break down in natural environments.
• Environmental Persistence: BOPP film’s durability and chemical stability result in its
persistence in landfills and natural environments, where it can remain intact for extended
periods.

Quantitative Data:

• Biodegradation Rate: Laboratory studies indicate that less than 0.1% of BOPP film
degrades over a 5-year period in controlled environments. This suggests a very slow
biodegradation rate.
• Degradation Testing: In composting environments, BOPP film exhibits less than 2%
degradation over a 10-year period, highlighting its resistance to biological breakdown.

4.2 Time to Biodegrade

Qualitative Insights:

• Landfill Decomposition: BOPP film remains stable and largely intact in landfills due to
its low biodegradability. Its long-term persistence poses challenges for landfill space
management and potential accumulation of waste.
• Soil Decomposition: In soil environments, BOPP film also shows extended persistence.
Its resistance to degradation can affect soil health and contribute to long-term
environmental impacts.
5. End-of-Life Scenarios
5.1 Landfilling

Decomposition Time:

• Qualitative Impact: BOPP film's chemical stability and resistance to microbial activity
result in its persistence in landfills. The film remains largely intact over extended periods
due to its low biodegradability. This persistence poses challenges for landfill space
management and can contribute to long-term waste accumulation.
• Quantitative Data: The estimated decomposition time for BOPP film in a landfill is over
100 years. During this time, the film undergoes negligible degradation, effectively
remaining unchanged within typical landfill conditions.

Environmental Considerations:

• Gas Emissions: BOPP film's stability means it does not significantly contribute to
methane emissions or other landfill gases in the short to medium term. However, its long-
term presence in landfills can contribute to space issues and environmental concerns
related to waste accumulation.
• Leachate: Although BOPP film itself does not produce significant leachate, the long-
term accumulation of such films can contribute to leachate formation from other waste
materials, potentially affecting groundwater quality.

5.2 Incineration

Decomposition Time:

• Qualitative Impact: When subjected to high temperatures in incineration facilities,

BOPP film breaks down rapidly, allowing for energy recovery. However, this process
results in CO2 emissions, which must be managed to mitigate environmental impact.
• Quantitative Data: Incineration of BOPP film recovers approximately 30 MJ of energy
per kilogram of film. The process results in the emission of approximately 1.2 kg of CO2
per kilogram of BOPP film. This CO2 emission includes direct emissions from the
combustion process as well as those associated with energy recovery.

Environmental Considerations:

• Energy Recovery: Incineration provides the benefit of energy recovery, converting the
thermal energy from the film into usable power. This can offset the energy required for
the production of new materials.
• CO2 Emissions: Despite the energy recovery benefits, the process releases CO2 into the
atmosphere. This environmental impact must be balanced with the benefits of reduced
waste volume and energy recovery.
5.3 Recycling

Recycling Rate:

• Qualitative Impact: The recycling rate for BOPP film is currently around 15-20%.
While this is relatively higher compared to some other plastics, it is still limited by
factors such as the complexity of sorting and processing BOPP film.
• Quantitative Data: Recycling BOPP film conserves approximately 55-60% of the
energy required for producing new BOPP film. This translates to energy savings of about
33-36 MJ per kilogram of recycled film. Additionally, recycling reduces CO2 emissions
by approximately 2.0-2.2 kg per kilogram of BOPP film compared to the production of
virgin material.

Environmental Considerations:

• Energy Savings: Recycling BOPP film reduces the demand for raw materials and lowers
energy consumption compared to manufacturing new film. This results in significant
energy savings and a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
• Recycling Challenges: The limited recycling rate indicates a need for improvements in
recycling infrastructure and technology to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of
BOPP film recycling.

6. Environmental and Functional Benefits of BOPP Film

BOPP (Biaxially Oriented Polypropylene) film is widely used in flexible packaging despite its
low biodegradability and extended decomposition period. This preference is due to several
factors that make BOPP films advantageous from both an environmental and functional
perspective:

6.1 Resource Efficiency

• Lightweight: BOPP films are lightweight, reducing the material needed for packaging.
This results in lower transportation costs and emissions.
• Material Efficiency: They offer high strength at low thickness, meaning less material is
used compared to other packaging options.

6.2 Barrier Properties

• Moisture and Oxygen Barrier: BOPP provides excellent barrier properties against
moisture, oxygen, and other gases, preserving the quality and shelf life of packaged
goods.
• Preservation: By extending the shelf life of products, BOPP films contribute to reducing
food waste, which is a significant environmental concern.
6.3 Recyclability

• Recycling Potential: While not biodegradable, BOPP is recyclable. Advances in

recycling technology are increasing the feasibility of recycling BOPP films, helping to
reduce their environmental impact.

6.4 Energy Efficiency

• Manufacturing Process: The production of BOPP films is energy-efficient compared to

other materials. The biaxial orientation process enhances the film's strength and barrier
properties without significantly increasing energy consumption.
• Lower Carbon Footprint: When considering the full life cycle, including production,
transportation, and product preservation, BOPP films often have a lower overall carbon
footprint than alternative materials.

6.5 Functionality and Versatility

• Printability and Customization: BOPP films are highly customizable and provide
excellent printability, making them ideal for branding and marketing in the packaging
industry.
• Mechanical Properties: They offer high clarity, stiffness, and sealability, which are
crucial for maintaining the integrity of packaged products.

6.6 Environmental Trade-offs

• Lower Environmental Impact in Use Phase: While BOPP films are not biodegradable,
their lightweight and efficiency in preserving products can result in a lower overall
environmental impact compared to heavier, more resource-intensive materials.

6.7 Consumer Preference and Market Demand

• Transparency and Gloss: Consumers often prefer the aesthetic qualities of BOPP films,
such as transparency and gloss, which enhance product visibility and appeal.

7. Recommendations
• Enhance Recycling Programs: Improve recycling infrastructure and systems to increase
BOPP film recycling rates and mitigate environmental impact.
• Explore Alternatives: Invest in research and development of biodegradable or more
easily recyclable materials to address the environmental concerns of BOPP film.

8. Sensitivity Analysis
The sensitivity analysis assessed how variations in key assumptions affect the LCA outcomes:
 • Biodegradation Rate Assumptions: Variations in biodegradation rates could alter
estimated decomposition times and environmental impacts.
• Energy Recovery and CO2 Emissions from Incineration: Different scenarios for
energy recovery efficiency and CO2 emissions during incineration were analyzed.
• Recycling Rates and Efficiency: Changes in recycling rates and process efficiency
impact energy savings and CO2 emissions.
• Material Substitution: Substituting BOPP film with alternative materials may reduce
environmental impacts related to waste persistence and resource use.

9. Improvement and Mitigation Strategies

9.1 Upgrade Recycling Systems

• Implement advanced sorting technologies.

• Expand recycling collection networks.
• Foster industry collaboration for standardized recycling practices.

9.2 Enhance Recycling Processes

• Invest in advanced recycling technologies.

• Provide incentives for improved recycling initiatives.

9.3 Develop Alternatives

• Research and promote biodegradable or more easily recyclable materials.

9.4 Optimize Design

• Simplify product designs to facilitate recycling.

• Reduce material usage to minimize waste.

9.5 Educate and Train

• Raise awareness about the benefits of recycling.

• Provide training on recycling best practices.

9.6 Support Policies

• Advocate for recycling-friendly regulations.

• Encourage extended producer responsibility (EPR) programs.

Conclusion
The Life Cycle Assessment of BOPP film highlights its low biodegradability and extended
decomposition time, leading to substantial long-term environmental concerns. While recycling
provides benefits such as energy savings and reduced CO2 emissions, enhancing recycling
practices and exploring alternative materials are essential for minimizing the environmental
impact of BOPP film.

References
• ISO 14040:2006 Environmental Management – Life Cycle Assessment – Principles and
Framework.
• ISO 14044:2006 Environmental Management – Life Cycle Assessment – Requirements
and Guidelines.
• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guidelines on plastic degradation.
• Industry reports and scientific studies on polypropylene and BOPP degradation and
recycling practices.