Label Stocks: What Are They and Which Is Right for Me?

What is label stock? Label stock is the material used for creating product labels. Typically, label stock has a printable area on one side to display a product’s information and adhesive on the other side to adhere to the product.

The type of label stock you choose for your products depends on its intended purpose. Many different label stocks are available on the market, and each has specific characteristics that make it better suited for particular printing jobs.

For example, if you’re trying to create durable stickers or bottle labels, plastic will be the best choice for your needs. On the other hand, if you need something easy to write on, a paper label stock may be the right option.

Let’s dive into the most common types of label stocks.

BOPP

The most common type of label stock is BOPP. The acronym BOPP is short for biaxially oriented polypropylene, and you can find this material used on all sorts of products, from shampoo bottles to any number of food products. The benefits of BOPP are that it is water-resistant, chemical-resistant, and oil-resistant—almost indestructible.

These characteristics make it one of the world’s most widely used label stocks. In addition, there are several types of BOPP available including:

Clear BOPP 

This type of BOPP resembles shrink-wrap but is much more durable. One of the benefits of clear BOPP is that you can print directly on it, giving the impression that your logo and content are printed directly on the surface of your product. Clear BOPP is ideal for applications where you want consumers to see through most of the label to whatever lies underneath. For example, this would be ideal for food products in clear packaging that you want to show off.

White BOPP

Like clear BOPP, white BOPP shares all the benefits of clear BOPP but is an opaque white color. It is popular in cosmetic and pharmaceutical packaging.

Metallic BOPP

Metallic BOPP is white BOPP but with an additional metallic finish that will give your label a shiny, reflective, foil-like appearance. It is common on labels that need to be eye-catching. Metallic BOPP is a popular label stock among wineries, distilleries, jewelry makers, and watch manufacturers because it complements a more luxury look-and-feel.

Holographic BOPP 

Holographic BOPP is a unique and effective way for your company to stand out from the crowd. It is a BOPP that has a special reflective coating. This coating allows it to reflect light in all directions, creating an optical illusion that makes it appear as if there are many more layers than there are. This colorful, shimmering effect is ideal for creating added visual pop. It’s perfect for high-end consumer products like cosmetics and fragrances.

Kraft

Another popular label stock is Kraft. It is a type of paper that is often white but also printable in various colors. Additionally, Kraft can be printed with water-resistant or waterproof inks, making it ideal for labels on food packaging. It is also popular for printing labels on cans, wine bottles, cigar boxes, and other items that will be kept in a relatively humid or moist environment. As a result, the ink will not bleed or wash off when exposed to water.

Estate Stocks

Estate stock labels are a unique option that delivers a more tactile label experience. They are made from recycled paper and are a great way to add a nostalgic touch to your product. In addition, they can be used as decorative elements to make something look vintage or distressed, which is particularly useful for rustic products.

Tree-Free Eco-Friendly Stocks

Tree-free eco-friendly stock is a biodegradable and compostable stock made from 100% recycled materials, including post-consumer waste water bottles. It’s the perfect alternative to wood-based stocks, which often contain chemicals and coatings that could be considered harmful to the environment.

Tree-free and eco-friendly stock is excellent for labels in the food service industry because they are a more sustainable alternative to paper labels. They are also great for use in the healthcare sector because they do not contain chemicals that could harm more sensitive patients.

Conclusion

When choosing the right label stock, the most important thing you can do is educate yourself on all your options and make an informed decision about which material is best for your product.

Are you ready to create your custom label? If you have any questions or concerns and would like to speak with us directly about which label stock is best for your product’s needs, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are label experts, and we are always ready to guide our clients through this process.

Thank you for reading!