Label Facestock Materials Paper BOPP PET and PE Compared

Facestock is the first decision in a label specification and it constrains everything after it: which ribbon will print, which adhesive is available, and how the label will look on the shelf.

Coated Paper

Semi-gloss and top coated art paper give high surface glossiness and high paper strength, and take offset, flexo and thermal transfer printing well. This is the default for dry packaging, retail labels and printed shipping labels, with a service temperature around -10 to +65 degrees C.

Thermal Paper

A paper facestock with a heat-sensitive coating, printed without a ribbon. Typically 65 to 75 gsm over a hot melt adhesive and a 40 to 60 g glassine liner. The protective top coat is what gives water, oil, plasticiser and scratch resistance.

BOPP

Biaxially oriented polypropylene film, available white, silver or transparent. It is waterproof, conforms well to squeezable containers, and with the right adhesive holds a -40 to +70 degrees C service range. The usual choice for chilled and frozen food, beverages, cosmetics and household products.

PET

Polyester film, stiffer than BOPP and more resistant to heat and solvent. Used for rating plates, component labels and anything that has to survive assembly, service and cleaning. PET needs a resin ribbon; wax will not bond to it.

PE

Polyethylene film, softer and more flexible than both BOPP and PET. It suits squeezable tubes and bottles where the label must move with the container without creasing.

Synthetic Paper

A middle option that handles like paper on a press but resists tearing and moisture better. PP synthetic paper prints well with a wax resin ribbon, which makes it a practical upgrade from coated paper without moving to a full film and resin combination.

Matching Ribbon to Facestock

Paper takes wax. Glossy paper, matte coated paper and PP synthetic paper take wax resin. PET, PVC, PE and PP take resin. If the print rubs off, the ribbon is wrong for the facestock, not the other way round.