Metallic packaging jumps off the shelf

While metallized OPA has both oxygen and moisture barrier properties, and it is used in products like balloons, the substrate is often overlooked because it is expensive.

"Metallized films enable the packaging of products that are susceptible to degradation from water, sunlight, oxygen, oils … Barrier protection in packaging can help expand the market in a variety of ways," Funicelli said, adding that barriers allow for the addition of flavor-enhancing ingredients, give a product longer shelf life, and enable products to be stored under stressful conditions.