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What Are BOPP Labels?

Assorted custom printed BOPP labels.

In the ever-evolving world of packaging and branding, BOPP labels have emerged as a frontrunner, known for their durability and versatility. But what exactly are BOPP labels, and why are they so popular in different industries? Let’s dive into the basics of these labels and explore their numerous benefits.

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Understanding BOPP Labels

BOPP stands for Biaxially-Oriented Polypropylene. To get technical, this material is a variant of polypropylene, which is a thermoplastic polymer. Basically, an almost indestructible plastic. What makes BOPP unique is its biaxial orientation process. This process involves stretching the polypropylene film lengthwise and sideways resulting in a material that is robust, clear, and resistant to external elements.

Why Choose BOPP Labels?

Durability: One of the primary advantages of BOPP labels is their resistance to elements. They’re waterproof, oil-resistant, scratch-resistant, and can withstand exposure to UV rays. This makes them ideal for products that face harsh environmental conditions or require refrigeration. They’re perfect labels for products that live in the kitchen, bathroom, classrooms, or other tough-on-items areas.

Versatility: BOPP labels come in various finishes, such as glossy, matte, and even metallic. These options allow brands to create distinct and eye-catching packaging designs that stand out on the shelves. They’re also flexible and thin, so they adhere to any type of container – from mason jars to lip balm tubes (and so much more.)

Clarity and Color Retention: BOPP labels maintain their clarity over time, ensuring that the branding and product information always remain legible and vibrant.

Cost-Effective: Despite their high quality, BOPP labels are cost-effective. Their resilience translates to less frequent replacements, saving costs in the long run.

When to Use BOPP Labels

BOPP labels are used in a wide range of industries due to their adaptability and strength. Some common products include:

  • Food and Beverage Packaging: Their resistance to moisture and oil makes them perfect for labeling bottles, jars, and food containers.
  • Personal Care Products: Products like shampoos, conditioners, lotions, soaps, and lip balms often use BOPP labels for their moisture-resistant qualities.
  • Pharmaceuticals: The clarity and durability of BOPP labels ensure that important product information remains intact in various conditions.

What Are the Different Types of BOPP?

There are different types of BOPP material with different qualities and design possibilities. The three primary ones include:

White Weatherproof BOPP

White Weatherproof BOPP is one of the most popular choices for product labeling. It offers high durability and moisture resistance with a white finish. It’s made with a top-coated biaxially oriented polypropylene film and a strong permanent adhesive, making it an excellent choice for products that require long-lasting performance.

Some features of White Weatherproof BOPP include:

  • Exceptional print quality: the white surface offers excellent contrast, allowing for vibrant color designs and clear text, colors, and barcodes.
  • Waterproof and oil-resistant: this material can resist water, moisture, and humidity to maintain a polished appearance even with frequent handling.

    Clear Weatherproof BOPP

    Clear Weatherproof BOPP is a durable, transparent label material with the same strength and moisture resistance as the standard BOPP but with a clear finish. This material is made from a top-coated, biaxially oriented polypropylene film that allows the surface beneath the label, whether the product itself or a colored container, to show through.

    • Clear visibility: this material is ideal for creating an invisible appearance, allowing the product's container to be fully visible.
    • Water and oil resistance: designed for long-term durability, Clear BOPP resists moisture, oils, and exterior conditions.
    • White ink printing: while fully transparent by default, Clear BOPP can use white ink to make colors and details pop up when needed.

    Silver Foil BOPP

    Silver Foil BOPP is a custom material with the same durability and performance as standard BOPP but with a metallic finish that gives your packaging a more polished look. It features a top-coated, biaxially oriented polypropylene film with mirror reflection. It’s also a great choice if you're looking for a permanent acrylic adhesive for low surface energy substrates, enabling excellent performance on squeezable and solid containers.

    Some of the main characteristics of Silver Foil BOPP are:

    • Visually appealing: the reflective silver surface can add shine to a product, adaptable to any use, or if printing with white ink, and color over selected areas.
    • Weatherproof performance: this version is weatherproof and oil-resistant, which makes it ideal for products that are frequently handled or exposed to exterior conditions or moisture.
    • Easy customization: this material is well-suited for a range of products, and you can change the background of your artwork to get different metallic colors./li>

    Sourcing vs. In-House Production of BOPP Labels

    Deciding between sourcing BOPP labels and producing them in-house hinges on scale, budget, and control needs. Sourcing ensures high-quality, professional labels without the need for investment in specialized equipment and expertise. On the other hand, in-house production offers more control and potential cost savings for high-volume needs but requires significant upfront investment and skilled personnel. Smaller businesses often find sourcing more feasible, while larger ones might benefit from the autonomy of in-house production. We offer a selection of BOPP materials in the custom printed roll labels section as well as custom enterprise options.

    Ready to Make the Switch?

    BOPP labels are a game-changer in the world of packaging and labeling. Their durability, versatility, and cost-effectiveness make them an ideal choice for businesses looking to elevate their packaging game. As sustainability and efficiency continue to be paramount in product packaging, BOPP labels stand out as a practical and eye-catching solution. Whether you're in the food and beverage industry, personal care, or any industry requiring reliable labeling, BOPP labels are certainly worth the hype.


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