What is Biaxially Oriented Film? A Guide for Flexible Packaging

Posted on September 25, 2025

Biaxially film orientation is a process where manufacturers heat and stretch a plastic film in two different directions, both lengthwise and widthwise. Think of it like taking a piece of soft dough and stretching it out evenly in all directions. This reorganizes the polymer molecules inside, creating a very thin, strong, and clear film.

How biaxial orientation is performed

Manufacturers use two main methods to stretch and orient the film:

  • The Tenter Frame Process: First, they extrude a thick sheet of melted plastic onto a cooled roll. Then, they heat the sheet and pull it lengthwise over a series of rollers moving at increasing speeds. After that, the sheet enters a special oven called a tenter frame, where chains with clips grab the film edges and pull it outward, stretching it widthwise. The film is then cooled to lock in its new, durable structure.
  • The Double-Bubble Process: In this method, manufacturers first extrude a thick, plastic tube. Next, they reheat the tube and inflate it with high-pressure air while pulling it, stretching it in both directions at the same time.

Performance benefits for flexible packaging

Biaxially oriented films offer several performance advantages that make them ideal for flexible packaging: 

  • High Strength: The orientation process aligns the polymer molecules, giving the film high tensile strength and making it more resistant to punctures and tears.
  • Excellent Clarity and Aesthetics. The stretching process creates a highly transparent and glossy film that makes graphics pop and allows consumers to see the product inside.
  • Enhanced Barrier Properties: These films create a strong barrier more resistant to moisture, water vapor, and oxygen, which protects and helps extend the shelf life of the products inside.
  • Dimensional Stability: The film maintains its shape and doesn’t wrinkle or shrink with environmental changes, providing a consistent, high-quality look.
  • High-Speed Printing: The smooth surface and uniform properties allow for high-speed printing of sharp, vibrant graphics and brand logos.
  • Consistent seal integrity. Biaxially oriented film offers a wider and more consistent heat-sealing window, leading to fewer package failures.
  • Cost-Effective and Lightweight: Biaxially oriented films are lightweight, which reduces transportation costs, and are generally more affordable than many alternative packaging materials. 

Applications in flexible packaging markets

Biaxially oriented films are critical in many flexible packaging markets: 

Food & Beverage

  • Snacks and confectionery: High moisture and oxygen barriers keep items like chips, cookies, and candy fresh and crunchy longer.
  • Bakery: Its durability and barrier properties prevent baked goods from drying out.
  • Overwrapping: The film creates a clear, durable, and cost-effective overwrap for boxes of crackers or other goods. 

Dairy

  • Pouches: Used for stand-up pouches for yogurts, cheese shreds, and drinkable yogurts.
  • Labels: Provides moisture-resistant, high-gloss labels for dairy products. 

Medical

  • Sterilization pouches: The film’s durability and chemical resistance protect medical instruments and supplies.
  • Pharmaceutical packaging: Used for blister packs and other packaging that requires a strong barrier to protect medications. 

Industrial

  • Insulation: The film is used as a protective and insulating layer for electrical components and cables.
  • Surface protection: Applied to industrial products to protect them from damage during storage and transport.
  • Adhesive tapes: The durability of the film makes it ideal for producing high-quality adhesive tapes. 

Organic and sustainable

  • Monolayer and recyclable solutions: Its all-polypropylene construction (monolayer) makes it easily recyclable in PP recycling streams, which is a key selling point for sustainability.
  • Reduced material usage: The film’s strength allows for thinner gauges, reducing overall plastic consumption.
  • Bio-based and biodegradable films: Advancements in this area are leading to new, more sustainable biaxially oriented film options. 

To learn more about biaxially oriented films or to upgrade your packaging performance.
Contact Cadillac Products Packaging Company today:
🌐 www.cadprod.com | ✉️ contactus@cadprod.com | ☎️ 800-837-0055