Indian flexible films manufacturer Uflex (Noida / Uttar Pradesh; www.uflexltd.com) has developed a speciality polymeric film to act as a replacement for biaxially oriented polyamide (BOPA) film used in flexible packaging materials. The company, one of the leading BOPP and BOPET films producers, says that the material has properties similar to BOPA in terms of tear and tensile strength as well as resistance to fats, oils and basic/acidic liquids.

Unlike BOPA, which is hygroscopic (moisture-absorbing) and shows deteriorating gas barrier properties in humid conditions, the new film is not moisture-sensitive. The speciality film, of unspecified material, is not as susceptible to moisture and offers, among other things, reliable protection in moist and warm climates.

Instead of using BOPA for oil packaging, as is common in India, Uflex has produced a PE laminate on the matrix of the film to "ensure superior and enhanced functionality." The company said that the film can be further processed and refined with conventional methods and used for various pharmaceutical, distilled goods, fatty and oily food and agricultural products.