Understanding the Relationship Between Generic Biaxially Oriented PET and Branded Polyester Films
Product Overview
If you work in manufacturing, packaging, or electronics, you have likely heard both terms. Buyers often ask us to explain the Difference Between BOPET and Mylar. The short answer is that there is no chemical difference. Mylar is simply a specific brand name, while BOPET is the generic name for the material itself. Understanding this distinction is crucial for procurement managers, as it opens up a wider range of high-quality, cost-effective sourcing options without compromising on performance.
What is Mylar?
Mylar is a registered trademark originally developed and owned by DuPont. It refers to a specific brand of biaxially oriented polyethylene terephthalate (BOPET) film. Over decades, the name “Mylar” became so popular that it turned into a genericized trademark, much like “Kleenex” for tissues. When engineers ask for Mylar Film, they are typically looking for a high-strength, clear polyester film.
What is BOPET?
BOPET stands for Biaxially Oriented Polyethylene Terephthalate. It is the actual chemical and manufacturing term for the film. BOPET is produced by stretching PET resin in both the machine direction (MD) and transverse direction (TD) to align the polymer chains, resulting in exceptional tensile strength, clarity, and thermal stability.
The Core Difference Between BOPET and Mylar
The primary difference is simply branding and sourcing. While DuPont’s Mylar is a high-quality product, modern BOPET manufacturers produce film that meets or exceeds the same specifications. Today, BOPET is the global standard term used for sourcing, allowing buyers to access a highly competitive market of premium materials.
Technical Characteristics
The following values represent the typical capabilities of modern BOPET film, suitable for replacing DuPont Mylar in most applications:
- Material: PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) / BOPET
- Thickness Range: 12 μm up to 500 μm
- Tensile Strength: MD 133 to 271 MPa
- Thermal Shrinkage at 150°C, 30min: MD 0.9% to 1.5%
- Breakdown Voltage (Insulation Grades): up to 39.6 kV
- Certifications: RoHS, REACH, UL746B (RTI 105°C)
Why Choose Jinlu Film as Your BOPET Supplier
Jinlu Film is a leading BOPET Film Manufacturer and Factory, offering a direct Mylar Alternative for global buyers. We provide factory-direct pricing, custom slitting, and strict quality control. If you are currently sourcing DuPont Mylar and want to optimize your supply chain with generic BOPET Film, we can provide equivalent or custom grades. Request a sample today to compare our quality.
Contact us today for a factory quote, technical data, or a sample of BOPET Film.
