Polypropylene (BOPP) Labels: Everything You Need To Know

Ever notice how some product labels look just as good months later as the day they were applied? Chances are, those labels were made from a polypropylene labeling material, often referred to as BOPP.

Whether it's the label on your favorite cold brew or bottle of skincare, custom polypropylene (BOPP) labels are a go-to choice for brands that care about durability and design. They hold their shape, resist moisture, and deliver a premium finish that paper labels simply can't match.

Here's what you need to know about the material and how to make it work for your brand.

Jump To a Specific Section

• What are Polypropylene Labels?
• Why Choose Polypropylene Material?
• Are There Different Types of Polypropylene Labels?
• BOPP vs Vinyl vs Paper
• Where Do Polypropylene Labels Work Best?
• How are Polypropylene Labels Printed?
• Stock vs Custom Polypropylene Labels
• Final Thoughts

What are Polypropylene Labels (BOPP Labels)?

Polypropylene (pah-lee-PROH-pleen) labels, also known as BOPP labels, are made from a type of plastic film called Biaxially Oriented Polypropylene. That means the film is stretched in two directions during manufacturing, making it stronger, cleaner, and more flexible. This unique process gives BOPP labels their signature clarity and durability.

The term "poly labels" is often used interchangeably with polypropylene labels or BOPP labels. No matter what you call them, they're one of the most versatile materials available for packaging.

Why Choose Polypropylene Material?

When your labels need to survive moisture, handling, and time, polypropylene labels are the clear choice. They strike the perfect balance between performance, print quality, and cost, making them a top option for everything from small brands to industrial packaging.

Key Benefits of BOPP Labels:

• Moisture and oil resistant: Won't smudge or peel, even in humid or oily environments.
• Tear-resistant and flexible: Ideal for curved bottles, jars, or pouches.
• UV and fade resistant: Keeps graphics vibrant over time. 
• Cost-effective: More affordable than vinyl with comparable toughness.
• Professional look: Glossy, Matte, and Clear finishes for the perfect look.
• Print-ready: Works with flexographic, digital, and thermal transfer printers.

If you need long-lasting labels that resist water, oil, and handling, polypropylene is the ideal choice.

Are There Different Types of Polypropylene (BOPP) Labels?

BOPP labels come in a range of films and finishes, each designed for different product types and branding goals. Here's a quick rundown of the most common types:

1. White BOPP Labels

White BOPP is the most common choice for product labeling. It's an opaque, bright white film that provides a clean background for crisp, vibrant artwork. It's waterproof, flexible, and available in matte and gloss finishes.

It's best used for food jars, shipping labels, supplements, and general product packaging. Because it hides the container color, white film ensures branding across different product lines.

2. Clear BOPP Labels

Clear polypropylene offers a sleek, "no-label" look that makes your design appear directly printed on the product. It's transparent, durable, and resistant to moisture. Perfect for products where presentation matters.

It's best used for beverages, skincare, candles, and transparent packaging. For vibrant designs, add a white ink underlay behind your artwork to prevent transparency from washing out colors.

3. Metallic BOPP Labels

Silver metallic BOPP (also known as chrome or foil BOPP) adds a reflective, eye-catching appearance without the cost of foil stamping. You can combine opaque and metallic elements for a layered, premium effect.

Silver BOPP is best used for luxury goods, craft beverages, tech accessories, and promotional packaging. 

4. Specialty BOPP Materials

Specialty films are crafted for unique conditions or packaging needs:

• Squeezable BOPP: Stays smooth on flexible tubes, pouches, or beverages. 
• Freezer-grade BOPP: adhesive that holds through cold, condensation, and frost.
• Removable BOPP: repositionable labels that come off easily
• Matte & Gloss Finishes: pick the look that fits your brand best.

BOPP vs. Vinyl vs. Paper Labels

Choosing between BOPP, vinyl, and paper depends on how and where your labels will be used. Here's how polypropylene compares:

BOPP vs Vinyl:

Vinyl is ultra-flexible and great for outdoor signage or uneven surfaces. But for product packaging, BOPP offers the same water and UV resistance at a lower cost, and it prints with cleaner detail.

BOPP vs Paper:

Paper labels are affordable and great for short-term use, but they're not built for moisture or long shelf life. Polypropylene labels provide a sharper print, higher durability, and a premium finish, especially for refrigerated or oily products.

Where Do Polypropylene Labels Work Best?

BOPP label material performs well across most industries, from consumer goods to manufacturing. Here's how it adapts:

How are Polypropylene Labels Printed?

BOPP label printing works with nearly every modern method, giving brands flexibility in production and design.

• Digital Printing: Best for short-run or frequent design updates. Perfect for craft brands or seasonal products.
• Flexographic Printing: Ideal for large runs where consistent color and tight registration matter.
• Thermal Transfer: Used for variable data or barcoding on Polypropylene label rolls with printers like Zebra or TSC.

Helpful Tips When Printing Your Own Polypropylene Labels:

• Always use the right ribbon or ink(resin or hybrid) when printing barcodes or variable data.
• Store your labels in a cool, dry environment to prevent curling.
• Clean your containers' surface before labeling for maximum adhesion.
• Polypropylene labels typically perform best between -20°F and 200°F, depending on the adhesive type.

Stock vs Custom Polypropylene Labels

Not every business needs the same label setups. The right polypropylene option depends on how you print and what stage your product is in. 

Stock Poly Labels

If you're printing in-house, poly labels are a fast and flexible choice. They're blank, pre-cut rolls made from white, clear, or metallic film and compatible with popular printer brands such as Zebra, Dymo, Seiko, and TSC printers. These are ideal for companies that update SKUs often, need short runs, or prefer full control over their printing. 

Polypropylene printer labels are best for barcodes, shipping labels, and outdoor packaging. 

Custom Polypropylene Labels

When your labels are part of your brand experience, custom BOPP printing gives you the creative freedom to stand out. Unlike poly printer labels, custom labels allow you to design every detail, including finish, adhesive, shape, color, and size. This means your packaging can be visually consistent and functionally suited to your container or storage environment. 

Final Thoughts

Polypropylene labels are for brands that expect durability, clarity, and a professional look for their packaging. From white to transparent film, BOPP combines strength and shelf appeal in one material. They resist water, oils, and wear, keeping your product labels looking sharp long after application. 

At LabelValue, we print and finish custom BOPP labels every day using advanced digital printing technology. Whether you're design calls for white, clear, or silver polypropylene, our team ensures every label is tailored to your product's exact needs. 

Create and order your Custom BOPP Labels today or Shop Polypropylene Labels Today!