Why Are BOPP Labels So Popular?

Label material selection is about finding a construction that adapts to your container shape, fits your aesthetic preferences and outlasts your product’s environment. And few materials perform better than BOPP.

It stands for biaxially-oriented polypropylene, a type of plastic stretched in two different directions during production. Most importantly, BOPP is economical to produce, and its ruggedness, low toxicity and performance lend itself to a range of uses.

Here’s how BOPP label materials can adapt to virtually any consumer product line.

Benefits of Choosing BOPP Film Labels

Label materials have to span the entire product life cycle — from manufacturing, storage, and shipping to retail display and customer use. Your highest priority includes choosing a material that won’t wrinkle or pop off your container. That’s why the following benefits of BOPP film labels can offer a sense of security.

Water, UV and Chemical Resistant

The film is resistant to water and acidic environments, which means labels won’t degrade in humidity, and solvents won’t transfer through containers to deteriorate the label.

Non-Toxic and Recyclable

BOPP is non-toxic. Hygiene and food products often use it because it doesn’t pose a threat to consumer health, and it won’t emit harmful gases when being reprocessed.

Strong Adhesive Properties

The film is pliable enough to form around round or curved glass bottles and has proven stronger adhesive properties than other materials.

Easily Printable

BOPP is rigid enough (and stretched flat enough) to be used for printing. It’s even possible to use specialty finishing techniques such as diecutting and embossing.

Different Look, Same High Performance

Another advantage of using BOPP film is that you can modify its opacity and appearance. Whether you’re designing for a traditional white label or experimenting with a clear “no-label” look, BOPP film offers options.

Metalized Silver Labels

Also referred to as Chrome BOPP, metalized silver adds a mirror-like shine. It’s resistant to moisture, oil and water, which makes it a popular choice for candles, wine bottle, and nutraceutical labels. For areas designed without shine, white underprinting can prevent the colors from becoming distorted by the metallic film underneath.

Opaque White Labels

For products with damp environments or oily surfaces, white BOPP labels are the classic look. It owes its durability to its light weight and high flexibility, making it difficult to tear or get scratches from abrasions. Notably, since white labels are already white, underprinting isn’t necessary since the film gives the ink opacity.

Clear Labels

Popularly referred to as the “no-label look,” clear labels are best for products that want to show off what’s inside the container. Since BOPP is extruded twice, it’s clearer and shinier than polypropylene. However, clear labels often require underprinting so the inks aren’t transparent (unless that’s part of the design).

Why BOPP Film Won’t Squeeze

During the material selection process, you’ll typically have to answer the following questions:

  • Do you have a tube or highly contoured container?
  • Is your container squeezable?

If you answered “yes,” you’ll want to choose a less rigid film like polyethylene or polyolefin that won’t bubble after constant handling and squeezing. BOPP film is simply too stiff to conform.

Additionally, if your product will be stored outdoors, vinyl or polyester film labels are more durable. BOPP tends to degrade in extreme conditions.

Find the Right Materials for Your Labels

A good printing company knows that finding the right facestock for your label can be challenging. When you partner with a professional label printer, they can work with your budget and help you navigate which paper and film labels need to be specially ordered and which are readily available.

At Label & Specialty Products, our experts ask the right questions and provide options based on your unique product needs. Contact us today to learn more about your material options and to talk with us about your label project.