Main Application Scenarios of BOPP/PET Thermal Lamination Film and Corresponding Thickness Selection Standards

1. Basic Knowledge of Thermal Lamination Film 

The commonly used pre-coated films in the printing and packaging industry are BOPP/PET, with thickness measured in micrometers (μm), often referred to orally as "sī" in the industry, where 1 sī equals 10 μm.  

Mainstream standard thicknesses include: 18 μm, 20 μm, 22 μm, 25 μm, 27 μm, and 30 μm. The thicker the film, the better the stiffness, wear resistance, scratch resistance, and support provided after lamination; however, flexibility decreases and cost increases accordingly.  

These films can also be categorized into two main types: glossy films (enhancing image color vibrancy) and matte films (offering a premium texture and anti-glare effect).

II. Thermal Lamination Film Thickness and Selection Guidelines for Various Products

1. Books and picture albums (hardcover albums, promotional brochures, book covers, photo albums)  

Inner page text lamination: uniformly use 18μm–20μm glossy thermal lamination film.  

The thin film offers excellent flexibility, making it ideal for folding and flipping pages without cracking or delaminating, while remaining cost-effective and meeting basic requirements for waterproofing, fingerprint resistance, and ink wear protection.  

Album covers and hardcover book jackets: standard 25μm glossy or matte film; premium art albums and high-end picture books use 27μm matte film.  

Thicker film enhances the rigidity of the cover, reducing scratches and abrasions during transportation and stacking. Matte film is commonly used in high-end albums for its sophisticated texture, while glossy film provides superior color saturation and image clarity.

2. Flyers, posters, brochures, DM leaflets, display stand graphics  

Standard single-use flyers and mall handouts: 18μm glossy thermal lamination film—highest cost-performance ratio, ideal for large-volume printing.  

Long-term wall posters, multi-fold brochures, indoor and outdoor exhibition boards: 22μm–25μm glossy or matte film. 

Thicker film offers excellent scratch resistance and is less prone to curling or warping; matte finish eliminates glare, making it perfect for long-term in-store wall displays.

3. Paper Shopping Bags (Clothing Bags, Gift Carriers, Shopping Paper Bags)  

Shopping bags require high resilience and abrasion resistance due to weight-bearing, frequent hand friction, and repeated folding at crease points.  

Standard promotional shopping bags: 25μm thermal lamination film (either glossy or matte)  

Thicker kraft paper shopping bags, premium brand packaging bags, and heavy-duty gift bags: 27μm matte film

4. Gift packaging boxes, color boxes, and gift boxes (cosmetic gift boxes, wine boxes, mooncake gift boxes, premium gift boxes)  

Gift boxes are rigid laminated packaging that emphasize surface hardness, scratch resistance, abrasion resistance, and a premium feel.  

Standard economy gift boxes: 25μm matte thermal lamination film

Mid-to-high-end gift boxes, luxury product packaging, and color boxes requiring high scratch and wear resistance: 27μm–30μm matte anti-scratch thermal lamination film

After lamination with thick film, the box surface remains smooth and firm, ensuring excellent performance during die-cutting and gluing processes without delamination or peeling. Long-term storage does not result in whitening, wear, or scratches on the lamination.

5. Restaurant Menus, Beverage Lists, and Food Cards  

Menus are frequently exposed to oil stains and water marks due to repeated wiping and handling, making them one of the paper products requiring the highest level of lamination protection.  

For regular fast food restaurants and disposable simple menus: 22μm gloss film  

For long-term use in restaurants, hotels, and milk tea shops with rigid menus: 25μm matte oil-resistant thermal lamination film  

For high-end restaurants using thick leather-bound menus: preferably 27μm matte film, which is waterproof and oil-resistant; allows multiple wipes with a cloth without smudging printed graphics or leaving fingerprint oil stains.

III. Additional Selection Tips  

For higher paper weights (over 300g thick cardstock), it is recommended to increase the lamination thickness by one grade to prevent curling caused by paper stress.  

For printed materials requiring subsequent foil stamping, UV coating, or embossing processes, prioritize using standard 25μm thermal lamination film for optimal compatibility.  

If only basic protection is required and large-volume production is involved, opt for thin film; however, for long-term display, premium packaging, or frequent friction use, always choose films with a thickness of 25μm or greater.