BOPP Stickers Explained: The Material That Changed Labels and Stickers Forever
BOPP (biaxially oriented polypropylene) is a type of plastic film that has revolutionized the world of stickers and labels. First developed in the 1960s to strengthen packaging materials, BOPP quickly proved to be more than just durable and became the standard for creating professional, long-lasting labels.
In this article, we break down what makes BOPP special, highlight its many benefits, and help you decide if it’s the right material for your labels.
The Key Properties of BOPP
BOPP is made by stretching the polypropylene resin in two directions. This creates a strong, versatile material that can reinforce packaging. Today, it has also found its niche as a branding material through durable labels and stickers, primarily due to these important benefits:
Extreme durability
The two-way stretching of the BOPP gives it extreme durability and flexibility. It is both tear and puncture-resistant, so you can count on it to hold your packaging as a reliable seal.
Waterproof
BOPP is non-porous, so it’s both waterproof and weather-resistant. BOPP sticker designs also don’t fade and can withstand moisture, oil, and other contaminants.
Vibrant printing and finish
Unlike other polypropylene materials, stretched BOPP produces a smoother surface, making it ideal for sticker printing. You can also add matte, gloss, and UV coating to the stickers for added design finish.
How Does BOPP Fare With Other Sticker Types?
Comparing BOPP with the other popular sticker materials, you can see many benefits BOPP offers.
| BOPP Stickers | Vinyl Stickers | Paper Stickers | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Durability | BOPP stickers are waterproof, oil-resistant, and tear resistant. Its durability is optimal for everyday use and product labeling. | Vinyl stickers are highly durable and made to withstand harsh outdoor conditions. Vinyl is also weatherproof, even when exposed to the changing weather conditions. | Paper stickers are generally less durable, with only minimal water resistance, depending on the finish. Paper stickers are more suitable for short-term use. |
| Color and Finish | BOPP stickers offer sharp and vibrant colors. They also come in gloss, matte, or transparent finishes that showcase professionalism. | Vinyl stickers deliver bright, vibrant colors, with options for single or full-color printing. You can also choose gloss or matte finish for the vinyl labels. | Paper stickers produce well-defined and accurate colors, enhanced by multiple finishing options to make them vibrant and stand out. |
| Best Uses | BOPP stickers are ideal for labeling food, beverages, cosmetics, and retail products. The durable and moisture-resistant labels maintain their visual appeal for a long time. | Vinyl stickers are ideal for outdoor use, such as signage, car decals, or heavy-duty labels. Vinyl works best, especially in environments that are exposed to harsh conditions. | Paper stickers are ideal for temporary use where cost is a key consideration. Affordable packaging seals, sticker crafts, and promotional giveaways make paper stickers shine and collectible. |
| Pricing | BOPP stickers balance affordability and durability, providing businesses with long-lasting labels without overspending. | Vinyl stickers typically cost more due to their superior durability, outdoor strength, and weatherproof qualities. | Paper stickers are a budget-friendly solution for short-term labels. They are also great for bulk orders at an affordable price. |
What are Other BOPP Applications?
1. General Packaging
BOPP serves as a strong protective material for various packaging applications. Some BOPP labels also work perfectly as security seals and shipping labels that require clarity, legibility, and durability during transit.
2. Food Containers
BOPP is safe and non-toxic, making it suitable for packaging and labeling food. Snacks, meals, and beverages are protected and can be displayed on shelves without fading or peeling. Its moisture resistance also helps labels withstand refrigeration, maintaining the packaging’s professional appearance.
3. Medical Equipment
BOPP is widely used in medical labeling due to its durability and resistance to solvents. Medicine bottles, health tools, and medical supplies remain clearly marked with branding and essential information at all times.
4. Retail Labeling
BOPP can label almost any retail product, offering a water-resistant design with sharp colors and finish. Any product packaging will look professional and reliable with BOPP labels, while withstanding everyday handling and use.
The BOPP material takes stickers and labels beyond basic packaging, turning them into vibrant and sturdy tools for branding and presentation. With its clean finish, flexibility, and sharp print quality, it helps products stand out effortlessly. BOPP delivers the best balance of style, durability, and functionality.
For businesses seeking long-lasting, professional labels, BOPP remains the smarter choice, and with PrintRunner, your BOPP stickers are guaranteed to be of top-notch quality.