Film & Synthetic Label Materials
BOPP, PE, PET, PVC and PP synthetic facestocks for labels that must survive water, oil, cold, squeezing and abrasion.
When should you use film instead of paper label material?
Use a film facestock whenever the label will meet moisture, oil, chemicals, deep cold, outdoor exposure or mechanical abuse — or when the container is squeezed or has a tight radius. Films do not absorb water, do not tear along a fibre and stay flexible, so the label keeps its shape and legibility through the whole life of the pack.
The main families differ by stiffness and cost. BOPP is the volume workhorse (white, clear or metallized) for bottles and cosmetics. PE is soft and conformable for squeeze tubes. PET is stiff and heat- and chemical-resistant for durable industrial labels. PVC/vinyl is flexible and tough for outdoor and warning labels. PP synthetic paper adds a matte, paper-like, writable face to a tear-proof film.
Film family comparison
| White / clear BOPP | 50 – 60 µm · waterproof · bottles, cosmetics, chemicals |
|---|---|
| Metallized BOPP | 50 µm · metallic finish · beverage and premium packaging |
| PE (polyethylene) | 85 – 100 µm · conformable · squeeze tubes and bottles |
| PET (polyester) | 23 – 50 µm · heat/chemical resistant · industrial, ratings plates |
| PVC / vinyl | 80 – 100 µm · flexible, durable · outdoor and warning labels |
| PP synthetic paper | 80 – 120 µm · matte, writable, tear-proof · tags and durables |
| Common liners | PET 23 – 30 µm or glassine 60 – 65 gsm |
| Roll format | Jumbo up to 1,070 mm; slit from 20 mm, 3" or 6" core |
Values are typical for standard constructions and are not a guaranteed specification. Ask for the datasheet for tolerances and test methods.
Typical applications
- Beverage, detergent and personal care bottles
- Squeeze tubes, sachets and flexible packaging
- Chemical drums and industrial equipment
- Cold-chain and freezer packaging
- Outdoor equipment, warning and rating labels
Frequently asked questions
- Which film gives the no-label look?
- Clear BOPP with a clear (crystal) permanent adhesive on a transparent container. Print white as an opaque base only where you need it, and the rest of the label disappears into the pack.
- Do film labels need a special print process?
- Films are non-absorbent, so use UV flexo, UV offset, or digital presses with a compatible topcoat. Water-based inks need a topcoated film to anchor.
- Are film labels recyclable?
- They can be. Match the label polymer to the container polymer (PP or PE label on a PP/PE pack), or use a wash-off adhesive so the label separates in the PET recycling wash.
Related materials and guides
Materials in this range
White BOPP
White BOPP self-adhesive label material: waterproof, tear-resistant film label stock for cosmetics, chemical and bottle labels. Jumbo rolls.
Clear BOPP
Clear (transparent) BOPP self-adhesive label material for the no-label look on bottles and cosmetics. Custom adhesive and roll specs.
Silver Metallized BOPP
Silver metallized BOPP self-adhesive label material for premium metallic-effect labels. Waterproof film stock, custom adhesive and rolls.
PE Film
White and clear PE (polyethylene) self-adhesive label material: conformable, squeezable film for tubes and squeeze bottles. Custom rolls.
PET Film
PET (polyester) self-adhesive label material: white, clear, matte and silver. Heat- and chemical-resistant film for durable industrial labels.
PVC & Vinyl
PVC / vinyl self-adhesive label material: flexible, durable film for outdoor, industrial and warning labels. Custom adhesive and rolls.
PP Synthetic Paper
PP synthetic paper self-adhesive label material: tear-proof, waterproof paper-feel film for durable labels and tags. Custom roll specs.
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