What is BOPP? And why we use it for labels & stickers? | Blog

27 May.,2024

 

What is BOPP? And why we use it for labels & stickers? | Blog

Contact us to discuss your requirements of bopp label sheets. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.

We use BOPP for all of our custom labels. But what is BOPP exactly?

Packaging industry experts would answer the question with a technical term: biaxially oriented polypropylene. That's a fancy name for a type of plastic. "Biaxially oriented BOPP" means manufacturers stretch the plastic film in two directions during its production. They do this to improve its strength, flexibility and clarity.

Basically, BOPP is the kick-ass material we use to make the best labels and stickers. Here&#;s why we and other online printing services love it.

Talk to me like an engineer, what exactly is BOPP?

BOPP (Biaxially Oriented Polypropylene) is a thermoplastic polymer that has many similar properties to PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate). It is commonly used in sticker and label printing, food packaging, bottle caps, and other applications.

BOPP is produced by cross-linking two propylene molecules with a chemical compound called di-(2-propen-1-ol) adipate (DA). The resulting thermoplastic polymer chain is biaxially oriented. This orientation creates a film that is stronger along two axes than it is along just one axis.

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When was it invented?

BOPP is a type of plastic that was first commercially manufactured in the early s by companies like Brückner-Maschinenbau. It became popular for its low cost, opacity, and ability to withstand harsh outdoor conditions. Today, BOPP is one of the most commonly used plastics in the world; by some accounts, it&#;s the 2nd most popular plastic in the world!

Why is BOPP a great material for stickers & labels?

Stickers and labels should be easy to print on, resistant to water and chemicals, and either clear or opaque, depending on your needs. BOPP label material ticks all of these boxes and more.

BOPP is perfect for printing

Printing with both water- and solvent-based inks is possible on BOPP labels. Manufacturers of BOPP film treat its surface using various methods&#;like corona treatment&#;to improve its adhesiveness and printability.

The corona treatment is a process of applying a thin layer of metal oxide to the surface of the BOPP label. The metal oxide layer is added by applying a liquid or gas on the surface of the label. The liquid or gas is then evaporated to form an oxide film on the surface of the label.

The corona treatment is not only applied on the surface of BOPP labels, but also to other labels as well, such as those used in food packaging and automotive parts packaging, due to the ease of printing and durability it provides.

Water, chemical, and UV resistance

The tough BOPP is "the Hulk" of plastic films. Almost indestructible, it resists oil and water, making it perfect for labeling products used in the kitchen or in the bathroom.

Thanks to its resistance to most chemicals&#;solvents, bleaches, and disinfectants&#;BOPP is also suitable for drug and cosmetic labels.

BOPP film is an excellent choice for any indoor or outdoor use. While it's waterproof, it doesn't have to be sealed against moisture, which means it can be used in kitchens, bathrooms, and classrooms. It can also withstand harsh UV light exposure, meaning it can be used for printing signs, graphics, and more.

BOPP can be crystal clear or opaque

BOPP has excellent clarity, so it's ideal for see-through labels. But this material is also available in its opaque variety. So, whether you want a totally transparent or brightly colored label, we have a type of BOPP label to meet your needs.

Why BOPP is the only material you need for labels

Versatile and durable, BOPP is an excellent material for labels in the food and non-food packaging sectors. It has many advantages over other label materials, like paper and vinyl. BOPP has a long shelf life, which means it will last longer than other labels. This makes it ideal for use in the food and non-food packaging sectors where shelf life is important.

BOPP can be used in any type of container, whether plastic or metal.

BOPP vs. paper labels

Unlike paper labels, BOPP stands up to water, oil, and chemicals. Plastic is also more durable and stronger than paper. So, a BOPP label resists tears and scratches better than paper does.

However, since it's a plastic material, BOPP will usually have a shiny look that some people and designers may not like. If you want a more "matte" finish, paper labels and stickers might be more for you. Just remember these stickers and labels will be way less durable, and are not great for many practical uses.

If you want to learn more, please visit our website bopp film manufacturing.

BOPP labels vs. vinyl stickers

BOPP is thinner (3.4 mil) than the vinyl material (7 mil) we use for custom stickers. And because labels are printed on a roll, this makes them ideal for fast peeling and application. Check out stickers vs. labels for a more detailed comparison.

BOPP is a superstar in the food packaging industry. Many food products can use a BOPP label. Coffee and tea packaging, honey jars, wine bottles, and all sorts of food containers are just a few examples.

As an open-cell construction material, BOPP has many advantages: lightweight, easy to handle, inexpensive to produce, and doesn't need any special packaging.

Thin and flexible for any container

Flexible and very thin, BOPP labels stick well to any container. That can be a mason jar or a jelly jar, a container for spices, or a scented candle. Add the scratch resistance of BOPP, and the label may last longer than what's inside the container.

BOPP labels are water and oil resistant

Any label that may encounter oil or water needs to come out undamaged. The water and oil resistance of BOPP label material make it useful for applications in the cosmetic industry and many others - Sticker Mule labels are perfect for moisturizer jars, shampoo bottles, and lip balm tubes, among others.

Why aren't you using BOPP?

BOPP is a material that needs specialized equipment to print on. But the good news is that Sticker Mule is the easiest way to print stickers, labels and other promotional materials for your homemade products or promotional business needs with BOPP.

Whether you need a few custom stickers for your Etsy shop or a large quantity of custom stickers for your retail store, Sticker Mule can help you get the job done quickly and easily. We use the best materials and equipment so we can turn your design into a high-quality printed product.

What is BOPP Label Material and When Does It Work Best?

What is BOPP label material? Biaxially oriented polypropylene, also known as BOPP, is among the most popular label materials available today. Its toughness and versatility make this polymer a top choice for packaging of all kinds, and it might be the perfect complement for your next custom label project.

Some of the top uses for the BOPP material include:

This guide will fill you in on the uses of BOPP labels and help you decide whether this adaptable material fits your product packaging needs.

What is BOPP Label Material?

BOPP is a polypropylene polymer, stretched flat to become suitable for application to products. Typically coated with a permanent adhesive on one side, the material can be used to make flat sheet labels or roll labels, which can be unwound automatically for machine application.

BOPP is economical to produce, and it brings other desirable traits to the table, including low toxicity, resilience and versatility. The material is resistant to oil and water, and can accept multiple finishing treatments, allowing it to take on high gloss or matte textures.

Lightning Labels has partnered with Avery Dennison, a leader in the field of high-quality labeling, to offer BOPP as a custom label material.

What Types of BOPP Labels Are Available?

Depending on the intended look of your finished custom label, you can work with one of several distinct varieties of BOPP label material. These include:

 

  • White BOPP labels: These are the most common labels made of BOPP material, typically backed with a permanent adhesive. They are suitable for most labeling applications, and users can print logos, text and imagery on them in any combination of colors. Since they are impervious to oil and water, they make excellent bath and body labels or food labels.
  • Clear BOPP labels: Offering the same level of toughness and water resistance as white BOPP labels, a clear BOPP label is also transparent, which allows customers to see more of the packaging or product underneath. In addition to product labels, this material can be used for clear decals for use on store windows or display cases.
  • Chrome (silver) and gold BOPP labels: Whether you want a silvery sheen or a deep golden tint, you can choose a metallic BOPP label material. Since these materials are naturally shiny, they can become part of an eye-catching design, especially for premium products.
  • Lip balm labels: While the BOPP material used to make lip balm labels is the same as for other types of custom labels, this is still a unique category because of the labels' distinctive size and shape. Specifically made for lip balm tubes, these labels will fit snugly while offering oil and water resistance, as well as specialized features like tamper-proof sealing.
  • Removable BOPP labels: The white BOPP label material is available without a permanent adhesive, allowing you to make temporary labels and stickers for a variety of applications. To ensure these labels work as intended on your substrate of choice, it can pay to test them beforehand &#; Lightning Labels offers samples for this purpose.

What Can You Accomplish with BOPP Labels?

The most exciting part of using BOPP labels for your products is that, no matter your industry or the type of goods in question, the material will likely suit your needs.

If you intend to print a colorful product label design, white BOPP will work perfectly. To showcase your products in a transparent package, you can invest in clear BOPP. Gold and silver BOPP materials allow you to craft classy metallic designs. No matter what you're trying to sell or what impression you'd like your customers to have, BOPP can be your first choice.

In situations where water resistance is at a premium, such as skincare labels or other bath and body products, BOPP is still the right choice. It's perfect for situations where you don't need to go all the way to a heavy-duty outdoor vinyl label but a paper label with no finishing treatment wouldn't be tough enough for your products' intended use.

Are you interested in learning more about bopp metallized film? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!