What are BOPP Labels and When Should You Use Them?
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A guide to BOPP labels and their best uses
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Biaxially oriented polypropylene, commonly known as BOPP, plays a vital role in our daily lives. You’ve probably encountered custom BOPP labels on various food packages, but they’re also found on product labels across a wide variety of industries. In this article, we’ll explore what BOPP is, its characteristics, and the diverse applications where you can utilize these versatile labels in your business.
What is BOPP?
BOPP stands for biaxially oriented polypropylene, but don’t let that technical name scare you off! It’s a material created through a process where raw polypropylene is melted, spread onto cylinders, and rapidly cooled. The magic happens when it’s stretched in two directions, which helps make it thinner, stronger, and more flexible.
BOPP typically comes as a film on rolls, which makes it easy to store and use in bulk. Before the film gets rolled up, it goes through a special treatment (flame or corona) to make it perfect for applying inks, adhesives, or metals.
At Avery WePrint, we offer custom BOPP labels in all sorts of styles—from matte white and glossy white to metallic and holographic—so you can pick the perfect label for your product. We even offer many BOPP labels that you can print yourself.
Why is BOPP so great?
BOPP labels are incredibly versatile, which is one reason they’re so popular. You can get them in a range of finishes, from clear and matte to eye-catching metallic. Whether you want a sleek, modern look or a classic white label, BOPP makes a great first impression.
Perfect for printing
BOPP labels are known for their excellent printability. They take both water- and solvent-based inks really well, which means they can handle a variety of printing techniques. The special treatment the film undergoes helps ink stick and dry smoothly, ensuring your labels look sharp and stay vibrant.
Built to last
BOPP is tough! It’s resistant to water, oils, chemicals, and UV rays—perfect for products that get a lot of handling or are exposed to tough conditions. Whether your products are kept in a cold case or simply handled by lots of customers, BOPP labels won’t smear or fade easily. Plus, it’s great for oily products because it resists oils from both your products and hands.
BOPP is also a favorite for outdoor and industrial uses. It’s tough enough to handle chemicals and UV light without fading, so your labels stay intact even in the harshest environments.
Flexibile and durable
BOPP film is super flexible, making it perfect for both flat and round surfaces. Whether you’re hand-applying labels or using a machine, BOPP works great. Its thinness allows it to look like it’s printed directly on your product, which is a nice touch that can make your items stand out on the shelf.
It’s also one of the most durable materials available. BOPP labels resist lifting, peeling, and wrinkling, ensuring that your product labels stay looking great for a long time.
Eco-friendly
Compared to other plastics like polyester, BOPP has a lower carbon footprint. It also requires less energy to produce, thanks to its low melting point. So, not only do you get durable labels, but you’re making a more eco-friendly choice too!
Where can you use BOPP labels?
BOPP is one of the most popular materials for labels, second only to paper. Its great performance, combined with affordability, makes it a go-to choice across many industries. And you might not realize it, but BOPP labels are all around you, on products at home and in stores.
Food & beverages
BOPP labels are especially popular in the food industry thanks to their waterproof and moisture-resistant properties. They’re perfect for food and beverage containers because they handle conditions like off-gassing from acidic foods that would stain or smudge other labels.
Plus, beverage bottles—especially round ones—can be tricky to label. BOPP’s thin, flexible nature makes it easy to apply, even to glass and plastic containers. Clear BOPP labels can even give your bottles a printed-on look for a sleek, modern touch.
Health and beauty
Cosmetics and wellness products often face exposure to water, oils, and humidity. BOPP labels are ideal for these products, as they resist water and oil, ensuring your labels stay in great condition, whether they’re used in the bathroom or on the go.
Medical facilities
In the medical world, durability is key. BOPP labels stand up to chemicals and liquids that would ruin other labels. Whether for medical supplies or disposable equipment, BOPP labels stay intact and legible even after long periods of storage.
Other industries that use BOPP labels:
- Horticulture & Nurseries
- Lumberyards
- Shipping
- Barcode & Warehouse Labeling
Ready to get started?
There are a variety of benefits to using BOPP material. But to make sure you choose the right label material, reach out to our label experts at Avery. Whether you are printing yourself or want us to do the BOPP label printing for you, we will happily help you find the best label for your packaging. Contact us at 800-942-8379 to learn how we can help you enhance your branding.
