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Material Guide

PET, PP and BOPP Film Guide

Choose film by clarity, stiffness, temperature resistance and cost, because each film prints, die cuts and winds differently.

PET, PP and BOPP film comparison diagram
Clarity, stiffness, temperature resistance and cost decide which film fits the label.

Quick Answer

PET film is clear, stiff and heat resistant but more expensive. PP film is soft and conformable and suits squeezable containers. BOPP is economical and widely used for clear and white labels. Choose by clarity, stiffness, temperature resistance, printability and cost.

Film Types Compared

PET
Clear, stiff, heat resistant, dimensionally stable; higher cost; common for premium and durable labels.
PP
Soft and conformable, good clarity, suits squeezable bottles; less stiff than PET.
BOPP
Economical, good clarity and printability, widely used for clear and white film labels.
PE
Very soft and flexible, conforms to curved and squeezable containers.

Key Selection Factors

  • Clarity: clear, white or metalized finish.
  • Stiffness: PET is stiff, PP and PE are soft and conformable.
  • Temperature resistance: PET survives heat better than PP.
  • Printability: surface treatment and ink match matter for film.
  • Cost: BOPP is economical, PET is higher cost.

Film Selection Diagram

PET, PP and BOPP film selection diagram
Match clarity, stiffness, temperature and cost to the label and container.

Converting Notes

Film is non-porous, so ink adhesion depends on surface treatment and matching ink. Film also stretches and builds static more than paper, so tension control, web guiding and static discharge matter during printing, die cutting and slitting.

Buying Checklist

  • Finish: clear, white or metalized
  • Stiffness and conformability to the container
  • Temperature resistance needed
  • Surface treatment for ink adhesion
  • Cost and order quantity

FAQ

Which film is clearest for labels?

PET and BOPP both offer good clarity. PET is stiffer and more heat resistant, while BOPP is more economical.

Which film suits squeezable bottles?

PP and PE are soft and conformable, so they follow squeezable containers better than stiff PET.

Why does film need surface treatment?

Film is non-porous and has low surface energy, so corona or plasma treatment raises surface energy for ink adhesion.

Does film convert differently from paper?

Yes. Film stretches, builds static and needs tighter tension and web guiding control during printing and converting.

What information should I send before asking for a quotation?

Send the finish, container type, temperature needs, print method and order quantity.

Ask an Engineer

Not sure which film fits your labels?

Send us your finish, container type and temperature needs. MWELLPACK can help you choose the right film.

Ask an Engineer Send Your Container and Finish Data

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