PP Black PPEVOH Film: A Robust Solution for Food Thermoforming and High-Barrier Packaging

Introduction

In the ever-evolving landscape of food packaging, black PPEVOH film stands out as a formidable player, merging the resilience of polypropylene (PP) with the exceptional barrier properties of ethylene-vinyl alcohol (EVOH).

 This multilayered marvel is engineered to meet the stringent demands of modern food preservation, from the intricate contours of thermoformed trays to the robust protection of meat products and the delicate containment of polymer aromatic liquids. 

Its unique black pigmentation not only enhances its aesthetic appeal but also serves functional purposes, making it a preferred choice across diverse applications. What drives its success? How does it perform in the real world?

 This article delves into the defining characteristics of black PPEVOH film and explores its transformative role in food thermoforming, meat trays, and high-barrier packaging, offering a detailed, evidence-backed journey through its capabilities and impact. 

Characteristics of Black PPEVOH Film

1. Superior Durability and Structural Integrity

Black PPEVOH film is a testament to engineering precision, combining PP’s inherent toughness with EVOH’s reinforcing strength. Polypropylene provides a tensile strength of approximately 25-35 MPa, while the EVOH layer enhances overall rigidity, pushing the film’s durability beyond that of standalone PP films (typically 20-25 MPa). This synergy ensures the film withstands the mechanical stresses of thermoforming and the rigors of transportation without cracking or deforming. 

Imagine a meat tray enduring the jostle of a refrigerated truck: the black PPEVOH film holds firm, its multilayer structure resisting punctures from sharp edges or bones. Studies show that multilayer films with EVOH maintain over 85% of their initial strength after prolonged exposure to cold temperatures, a crucial trait for frozen food applications. The black pigment further bolsters UV resistance, preventing degradation during outdoor storage or display—a feature that sets it apart from transparent counterparts. 

2. Exceptional Barrier Properties

The heart of black PPEVOH film’s prowess lies in its EVOH core, renowned for its unparalleled resistance to gases like oxygen, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen. EVOH boasts an oxygen transmission rate (OTR) as low as 0.6 cc/m²/day at 23°C and 0% relative humidity, far surpassing PP alone (typically 2,000-3,000 cc/m²/day). This high-barrier capability is critical for preserving food freshness and extending shelf life. 

In practice, this means meat packaged in black PPEVOH film stays red and succulent weeks longer than in standard packaging, as oxygen—Meat’s nemesis—is kept at bay. The film’s barrier also retains volatile aromatic compounds, a boon for polymer aromatic liquids like sauces or flavored oils. The black coloration enhances light-blocking, reducing photo-oxidation and preserving delicate flavors, a trait validated by tests showing a 30% reduction in flavor loss compared to clear films under similar conditions.