Understanding BOPP
If you’ve ever ordered custom labels, chances are you’ve encountered the term BOPP. But what exactly is it?
BOPP stands for Biaxially Oriented Polypropylene, a type of plastic film widely used in label and sticker production. During manufacturing, the film is stretched in two directions—horizontally and vertically—to enhance its durability, flexibility, and optical clarity.
In simple terms, BOPP is a high-performance plastic that makes tough, vibrant, and professional-grade labels.
The Technical Side of BOPP
From an engineering standpoint, BOPP is a thermoplastic polymer that shares some traits with PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate). It’s formed by chemically linking propylene molecules, then orienting the resulting film in two directions to increase its strength.
This cross-directional orientation gives BOPP excellent mechanical properties, making it a go-to material for applications like food packaging, bottle labels, and stickers.
A Brief History
BOPP hit the market in the early 1960s, with companies like Brückner-Maschinenbau pioneering its commercial production. Its affordability, resilience, and adaptability to harsh conditions quickly made it one of the most widely used plastics today—reportedly the second most common globally.
What Makes BOPP Perfect for Stickers and Labels?
- Excellent for Printing
BOPP films accept both water- and solvent-based inks with ease. To make the surface even more receptive to ink, manufacturers often apply a process called corona treatment. This technique modifies the surface energy of the film by exposing it to a high-voltage electrical discharge, allowing inks to stick better and print more crisply.
Corona treatment is commonly used across various industries for labels applied to food products, automotive parts, and more.
- Resistance to Water, Chemicals, and UV Light
BOPP is tough. It resists water, oils, solvents, and many household chemicals. This makes it an excellent choice for labels on products that are used in kitchens, bathrooms, or exposed to frequent handling.
It also holds up well under sunlight and UV exposure, meaning it won’t fade easily—ideal for both indoor and outdoor applications.
- Clear or Opaque Options
One of the standout features of BOPP is its versatility in appearance. It comes in both transparent and opaque versions. Whether you want a completely see-through label or something bold and colorful, BOPP gives you options.
Why BOPP Outshines Other Label Materials
Compared to Paper Labels:
BOPP is waterproof, oil-resistant, and doesn’t tear easily.
Paper labels might offer a matte finish that some designers prefer, but they lack the resilience of BOPP.
Paper is more prone to smudging, fading, and damage when exposed to moisture or rough handling.Compared to Vinyl Stickers:
BOPP is thinner (around 3.4 mils) compared to vinyl (typically 4-6 mils), making it better suited for labels applied by hand or machine.
Since it's usually printed on rolls, BOPP is ideal for rapid application processes.Safe for Food-Related Products
BOPP is widely accepted in the food packaging industry and is approved for indirect food contact. You’ll find BOPP labels on everything from honey jars to coffee bags to wine bottles. It’s lightweight, cost-effective, and doesn’t require special handling.
Highly Flexible and Durable
Thanks to its thin, flexible structure, BOPP labels adhere smoothly to containers of all shapes and sizes—glass jars, plastic bottles, metal tins, and more. And because it’s resistant to scratches and scuffs, your product label will stay looking sharp even after extensive use.
Water and Oil Resistance for Cosmetics and More
Products like shampoo, moisturizer, and lip balm need labels that hold up in moist, oily environments. BOPP is perfect for these situations, offering a clean, professional appearance that won’t degrade over time.
Why You Should Consider BOPP for Your Next Project
While BOPP does require specialized printing equipment, the results speak for themselves. Whether you’re a small business owner creating packaging for handmade goods or a larger operation needing high volumes of durable labels, BOPP delivers consistent quality and performance.
Need Labels? We’ve Got You Covered
If you’re looking for a reliable, affordable way to produce labels that last, BOPP is the answer. And if you’re not equipped to print them yourself, working with a professional printing service can make the process quick and stress-free.