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 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 refers to the manufacturing process of the material. The raw materials are melted and spread onto cylinders where they are rapidly cooled. The material is then stretched in two directions to reduce its thickness as well as increase its flexibility and strength.
BOPP is generally manufactured as a film on rolls, making it easy to store in large quantities. Before the final rolling, the film receives the flame or corona treatment, making it suitable for the application of inks, adhesives, or metals.
Available from Avery WePrint, our professional printing service, in matte white and glossy white and matte and glossy clear to holographic and metallic, you can find the ideal BOPP label for your products and packaging. You can also find many BOPP labels that you can print yourself.
The benefits of BOPP
BOPP is incredibly versatile. You can order BOPP labels in opacities from clear to white to metallic, making it a great option to enhance your product branding. Whether you choose metallic for a unique look, clear for minimalism, or white for traditional, BOPP labels always provide a good first impression.
Ideal for printing
The film material takes both water- and solvent-based inks well, which allows your printing service more options when using BOPP for your product packaging. It takes ink well due to its final treatment, which generally enhances the printability and ability of ink to stick to the material.
Resist water, oils, chemicals and UV rays
Since the material is plastic-based and durable it resists most intrusive liquids and oils. Even if your products are not in a refrigerated case where liquid tends to be, something spilled on your products won’t smear or ruin your label if using BOPP. Resistance to oils is vital for not only oily products but also means you don’t have to worry about hand oils or lotions smearing the ink.
BOPP is also ideal in industrial as well as outdoor settings. The resistance to chemicals and UV light, as well as the long-lasting nature of the product, ensures safe labeling with no fading during the service life of your product.
Flexibility
BOPP film is remarkably flexible. It works just as well-rounded containers as it does on flat surfaces whether hand or machine-applied. Since most BOPP film is incredibly thin, it can look like you printed directly on product bottles and jars. This extra touch can help set your products apart on the shelf.
Durability
BOPP is often thought of as one of the most durable label options on the market. Its various properties make it immune to many common problems, such as lifting, peeling, and wrinkling. BOPP labels are meant to last, regardless of where you use them.
Eco-friendly
BOPP films have a relatively low carbon footprint compared to other plastic substrates such as polyester. Since it has a low melting point, it takes less energy to convert from one form to other.
Where to use BOPP labels
Next to paper, BOPP is the most popular material for labels. Its proven performance and affordability make it the preferred label material for a variety of industries. BOPP labels have many uses, and you can find the film in almost any business sector. Even in your personal life, you see BOPP labels on a variety of consumer goods around your home as well as in public.
Food & beverages
BOPP is a superstar in the food sector because of its waterproof, moisture-barrier properties, sealing ability, clear graphic reproduction, and shelf appeal. It is a favorite label material for all kinds of food and beverage containers. Even when it’s not in direct contact with food, it holds up to processes like off-gassing from acidic foods that leave other label materials stained or smeared.
Beverage bottles can be tricky to label due to the round surfaces and varying bottle textures. Along with the advantages above, the thinness of BOPP film allows for a great deal of flexibility when you’re applying it to glass and plastic containers. BOPP clear labels can give your beverages a seamless, printed-on look.
Health and beauty
Cosmetics and wellness items require specific labeling information and you need a material that holds up in damp or humid environments. Along with all the benefits mentioned in food and beverage labeling, BOPP is perfect for health and beauty items due to its resistance to the product inside, oils from hands, and water from sinks or showers. All of these things BOPP can handle.
Medical facilities
All medical items require labels that stand the test of time. Even on disposable medical equipment, a label can help someone get the necessary care. If you’re in the medical field, you should consider BOPP labels.
The labels are immune to chemicals and liquids that would smear other labels. Plus, the durability of the labels makes them a good choice if you make medical supplies that might be stored for extended periods of time.
Other industries that use BOPP labels
- Horticulture & Nurseries
- Lumberyards
- Shipping
- Barcode & Warehouse Labeling
When you’re ready to buy
There are a variety of benefits to using BOPP material. But to make sure you choose the ideal material for your products and packaging reach out to our label experts at Avery. As the inventors of self-adhesive labels, 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.
