OPaL PP Opalene EH03N

OPaL PP Opalene EH03N is a polypropylene homopolymer thermoforming grade manufactured by ONGC Petro additions Limited under the OPaLene PP portfolio. Produced using Ineos Gas Phase polymerization technology, EH03N is a nucleated, high-stiffness grade developed for thermoformed cups and containers, rigid food containers, trays and selected general-purpose injection moulding applications.

EH03N is especially relevant for rigid packaging converters that need a PP homo grade with good optical properties, dimensional stability and reliable forming performance. Its positioning makes it suitable for businesses manufacturing dairy cups, food-service containers, trays, lids and other rigid packaging formats where appearance, stiffness and process consistency directly affect output quality.

Manufacturer Snapshot

ONGC Petro additions Limited is a major Indian petrochemical producer based at Dahej, Gujarat, with a large integrated polymer and petrochemical complex. EH03N sits within the OPaLene PP range as a documented manufacturer-backed grade, which is important for buyers looking for verified technical positioning, food-contact declarations and dependable sourcing confidence rather than thin distributor-only listings.

Technical Insights and Product Performance

OPaL PP Opalene EH03N has a melt flow index of 3.0 g/10 min at 230°C/2.16 kg, which places it in a balanced processing range for thermoforming and rigid packaging applications where shape retention and sheet performance matter more than very high flow. Its density of 0.90 g/cm³ is consistent with polypropylene homopolymer grades used in rigid food packaging and thermoformed structures.

From a mechanical perspective, EH03N delivers tensile strength at yield of 35 MPa and elongation at yield of 10%, giving processors a useful balance between rigidity and workable forming behavior. A flexural modulus of 1500 MPa supports the high-stiffness profile required for cups, trays and containers that need to hold shape during filling, stacking and transport.

The grade also offers notched Izod impact strength of 40 J/m, Rockwell hardness of 95 on the R scale, Vicat softening point of 150°C and heat deflection temperature of 100°C. These values reinforce its suitability for rigid thermoformed packaging where dimensional stability, surface quality and practical heat resistance are important. Its nucleated structure further supports stiffness development and improved visual appearance in finished parts.

Applications

Thermoformed Cups and Containers

EH03N is strongly suited for thermoformed cups and containers used in dairy, food-service and consumer packaging. Its high stiffness and good optical properties help converters produce parts with better shape retention, cleaner appearance and dependable wall integrity, making it a practical choice for cups, tubs and similar rigid packaging formats.

Rigid Food Containers and Trays

For rigid food containers and trays, EH03N offers the kind of stiffness and dimensional performance required in packaging that must remain stable during handling, sealing, stacking and distribution. This makes it relevant for takeaway trays, ready-food containers, dairy packs and other food-contact packaging where presentation and structural consistency both matter.

General-Purpose Injection Moulding

Although positioned primarily as a thermoforming grade, EH03N also has relevance in selected general-purpose injection moulding applications where processors want a PP homopolymer with stiffness-focused performance and good surface appearance. It can be considered for rigid molded items where optical quality and part rigidity are more important than impact-dominant performance.

Compliance and Regulatory Positioning

EH03N carries a manufacturer-declared compliance profile that supports its use in regulated packaging discussions. The grade is stated to meet IS 10910 for safe use in contact with foodstuffs, pharmaceuticals and drinking water, while its additives conform to IS 10909 positive-list requirements. It is also declared compliant with FDA 21 CFR 177.1520 for olefin polymers. For food packaging buyers, this strengthens the grade’s relevance, although final application suitability should always be validated for the exact structure and end-use.

Comparable Alternatives

EH03N competes most directly with Indian polypropylene homopolymer grades used in thermoforming and rigid packaging. Among the closest references is Haldia Petrochemicals T103, which is also positioned for thermoforming cups and containers. Buyers comparing EH03N with T103 will typically look at stiffness profile, optical appearance, thermoforming behavior and supply preference rather than relying on one property alone.

A second comparison point is the IOCL 1110MAS and 1110MG family, though these are more commonly associated with injection moulding applications for rigid parts and household items. Compared with those grades, EH03N stands out more clearly when the requirement is thermoformed packaging with nucleated, stiffness-oriented performance and better packaging-focused positioning.

The rationale behind EH03N’s assigned grade identity is clear: its MFI, nucleated structure, stiffness profile and optical positioning align with thermoformed cups, trays and rigid food containers rather than raffia, film or high-flow thin-wall injection applications.