BASIC SAMPLE PACK FAQs

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 Are you thinking about ordering our Basic Sample Pack and want to know a bit more about what you’ll be getting? 

Or, maybe you have your sample pack in hand and want to know more about the key differences between each stock and what they’re best suited for. 

Either way — you’re in the right place. Below, we’ll give you a rundown on the BOPP, semi-gloss paper, and thermal transfer stocks that are included in our Basic Sample Pack.

THE BOPP, THE WHOLE BOPP, & NOTHING BUT THE BOPP

To get started, here’s a little insider info. Biaxially-oriented polypropylene is shortened to BOPP in label lingo. Pronounce it “bop”, instead of “B-O-P-P” and you’ll fit right in.  

Here are the most important things to know about using white, metallic, and clear BOPP:

• It’s waterproof and oil-resistant. You might see smudges from light contact with oil, but it won’t stain like it will on some stocks.
  
  
• It’s durable. Great for food and beauty products, white BOPP gives you a label stock that will hold up to regular use.
  
  
• It’ll stay looking great in both hot and cold environments. BOPP is heat and freezer-rated, making it extra durable.
  
  
• It’s very embellishment-friendly. Think high-build UV gloss, foil stamping, spot gloss, variable data printing, the works.
  
  
• It’s NOT one of our sustainable stocks. If you like the sound of white BOPP but you’re looking for an environmentally-conscious label stock, check out Ocean Action or Forest Flim.

 

WHITE BOPP

Ah, white BOPP. The workhorse of label stocks, this is an outstanding multi-purpose stock for all the reasons above, plus: 

• It’s a perfect blank canvas. If you’re unsure how your label design will evolve and want to choose a reliable, versatile material, it’s white BOPP to the rescue.

• It can be used to create peel-back labels for small packaging. White BOPP comes in different thicknesses, meaning you can use it to create labels with multiple layers that are less prone to pulling off small packaging.

 

METALLIC BOPP

Often shortened to “met BOPP”, it offers the same performance as white BOPP — with a few extra perks:

• It gives you the option for metallic elements without foil stamping. You can even create coloured metallic areas, adding a ton of possibilities to your label design.

• You can have non-metallic areas on your label. If you don’t want your entire label to be metallic, we’ll underprint white ink to cover the silver stock before printing colours on top of the white — it’s the best of both worlds.

• It’s ideal for extended content, or peel-back labels. Give your brand extra label space by layering metallic BOPP to create a peel-back label.

 

CLEAR BOPP

If you’re thinking of choosing a coloured container but are worried that it’ll end up being lost behind your labels, clear BOPP may be the perfect option. 

Here are a few ways you can use clear BOPP to elevate your branding:

• Spotlight colourful packaging with your label design. Let a bright container or metallic beer can feature in your branding by printing on clear BOPP.

• You can still use solid colours. We’ll put a layer of white ink underneath colours that you want to be opaque.

• Simulate the look of a custom label shape, without having to pay for expensive tooling.

• Create a screen printed or borderless effect.

 

TO GLOSS OR NOT TO GLOSS? MATTE IS THE QUESTION.

All three types of BOPP — white, metallic, and clear — can have matte or glossy finishes. 

It’s also important to remember when you’re having your labels designed that you can combine glossy and matte areas on the same label for a contrasting effect.

THERMAL TRANSFER

There are a few situations where using BOPP isn’t ideal for creating the perfect final product. In these cases, we’ll often recommend thermal transfer stock.

Here are a few examples of where your Label Specialists may suggest thermal transfer material for your labels:

• If you need to print directly onto the material.

• If you need a true matte look for your labels. 

• When you’re looking for a cost-conscious label solution and your labels don’t need to be overly durable and won’t be exposed to moisture.