You will come across BOPP when searching for the right labelling material. And you will learn that it is a valuable material that can be applied in various instances, including food packaging. So, what is this versatile and promising material? And is it the right choice for you?

What Is BOPP?

BOPP is an acronym for Biaxially-Oriented (BO) Polypropylene (PP), a plastic material manufacturers use to make labels. It is a thermoplastic polymer that more people are choosing for making packaging labels.

Biaxially-Oriented is the process that manufacturers use to make this plastic. It involves stretching it in two directions to make it more robust and transparent.

This material is slowly taking over the labels and stickers industry for the many qualities that beat traditional materials for label-making.

Types of BOPP Labels

There are two common types of BOPP labels commonly used by manufacturers.

• White

It is the most common label material and offers the chance to contrast dark-coloured packages beautifully. Similarly, white is ideal for portraying cleanliness and sophistication. That is why you often find white BOPP labels on food packages, beauty products, and healthcare supplies.

• Clear

Clear comes with the advantage of virtual invisibility. So, if you do not want a label to hide the product, you can choose the clear BOPP labels for better visibility. Using it makes it look like there is no label. It even works on dark-coloured packaging materials.

Note that BOPP also comes in Semi-Gloss, which offers a smooth coating; Silver Metallic, which gives the labels a dramatic flair; and Eggshell Felt, which comes partially from recycled materials.

Benefits of BOPP As A Material For Labels

There are several reasons why manufacturers highly favour this material in label-making.

Durability

BOPP is a biaxially-oriented plastic, meaning it is more robust. BOPP labels are, therefore, long-lasting and ideal for applications where durable labels are essential.

For example, they are ideal for detergents which can last a while. Additionally, they are suitable for making ‘hazard-labels which need to stay on for prolonged periods.

Resistance

Plastic films do not get tougher than BOPP. This material offers great resistance to elements that manufacturers encounter daily, such as chemicals, UV light, water and oil. It is why many food manufacturers are turning to BOPP for printing labels since food will often come in contact with oil or water.

BOPP is also resistant to chemicals such as bleach, disinfectants, and solvents. This makes BOPP ideal for detergent and chemical-based products. Laminated BOPP also fairs well against UV light, so the colours do not fade in sunlight.

Printability

BOPP has the convenience of printability using water- and solvent-based inks. Manufacturers take the material through various processes to improve its adhesiveness and printability. This offers great convenience to people in multiple industries using various packaging materials.

Not Toxic

BOPP is non-toxic, making it the ideal material for various applications. These labels are food safe, giving manufacturers the chance to get high-quality labels that do not leach any toxins into the food.

Why Use BOPP Labels?

• Value

If you are looking for high-quality labels at a reasonable price, BOPP will not disappoint. Of course, these labels are a bit pricier than traditional forms. But they offer good value for money considering their many benefits and long-lasting appeal.

• Flexibility

BOPP labels are thin and flexible. This means you can use them on any packaging materials, including mason jars, paper, boxes, metal, etc. And best of all, these thin labels will be scratch resistant and last a long time.

• BOPP vs paper labels

Paper labels are not as resistant as BOPP labels. They succumb to water, oil, and chemical exposure. Additionally, they are not scratch resistant, and they tear quickly. While paper labels have the advantage of price, they cannot match up to BOPP labels’ durability.

• BOPP labels vs vinyl stickers

BOPP labels have the advantage of thinness and flexibility over vinyl stickers. But the two are good choices over paper labels for durability. Investing in BOPP is a matter of longevity and the type of effect you want to achieve.

In Summary

BOPP labels are worth consideration. They offer many benefits, including being food-safe, durable, and resistant to water, oil, and chemicals. Just be sure you get the labels from a reputable company.