Polypropylene vs Vinyl Stickers. What Is the Difference?

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Both are synthetic substrates but which one is more suited to YOUR custom label project?

When talking about custom polyester labels, the term &#;poly&#; is a bit nebulous because it can refer to a few different materials that all begin with the prefix &#;poly&#;: polyester, polyethylene and polypropylene. Both polyester and polypropylene are commonly used substrates at Sticky Business and although these materials have their differences, for the sake of simplicity and comparison to vinyl, let&#;s just lump them into a single category called &#;poly&#;, and apply distinctions when necessary. What's the difference between polypropylene vs vinyl stickers? Keep reading!

Polyester vs vinyl labels - differences

Durability / lifespan

When considering polyester labels vs vinyl labels, it's important to note that the lifespan of a poly is generally shorter than the lifespan of a vinyl. However, some polyesters can possess greater durability than other members of the poly family, particularly if laminated or screen printed. Poly is a synthetic material and thereby resistant to moisture, temperature fluctuations, oil and mild chemicals, making them far more suitable labels for certain products than a paper substrate. Many polys are intended for indoor use, but depending on the strength of the adhesive, poly can be used outside for up to a year or so.

Contrary to polyester, vinyl labels are manufactured to withstand harsh conditions and often claim to be weather and sun resistant for up to 3 or 4 years. Vinyl has greater stamina against moisture, grease, extreme temperatures, abrasion and caustic substances. Certain chemicals will corrode vinyl or its adhesive, but it is the best substrate option for labels that need to be durable in severe environments.

Costs

In many cases, custom polyester labels are more cost-effective than vinyl because they are less durable. Polys are manufactured to be economically viable options for many label applications, however they are costlier than paper and there is a range of price depending on the specifications of the poly. Special polyesters that are a thicker grade of material or have unique properties like metallics are usually more expensive than polypropylene and sometimes even vinyl, depending on how specialized it is. Similarly, certain vinyl is more expensive than others because of distinctive properties, such as its finish or adhesive strength.

Options

A wide array of options exists for both polys and vinyl. Vinyl is available with a high tack, standard, removable, or static cling adhesive in both clear and white, but typically only the standard adhesive is applied to colored vinyl options, of which there are many! Vinyl can come in every color of the rainbow, but uses for solid colored vinyl are more limited in custom label printing since there is almost always text and graphics printed, which is better achieved using ink on a white substrate.

What's the difference between polypropylene vs vinyl stickers? Polypropylene also comes in clear and white with the gamut of adhesive choices, but also offers a freezer adhesive that is particularly good for packaging that will go in the freezer. White or clear polypropylene are commonly used to produce window decals with a face-side adhesive, those used indoors to be read outside the window. Many of the metallic-looking substrates, such as brite or brushed silver are often polyesters, but it can depend on print method whether the metallic-looking substrate is a vinyl or a poly. Our available options for wide format printing on reflective decals or pearl stocks are both vinyl.

Print methods

When analyzing the battle of polyester vs vinyl, it's crucial to note that vinyl and polys can be printed flexographically, digitally, offset or screen printed, but many presses are limited by the substrate options that are available and compatible with them. Our wide format digital presses, which are especially advantageous and cost-effective for short run orders, use a lot of high-quality vinyl. This occasionally creates confusion when clients request quotes for 100 labels on a white gloss paper and then receive a quote for 100 labels on a white gloss vinyl. The reason is that we always try to quote the most economical option for the quantity requested, even in instances where the substrate might be a little overkill for its application. However, we are always happy to discuss your project&#;s unique specifications and explain the various MOQs for different print methods.

Polypropylene gets a lot of action on digital presses these days because of its cost and versatility. Poly is perhaps the most suitable substrate to use in conjunction with laser cutters because the material is more resistant to burning than paper. A thin brown line along the edge of the cut-line can be visible when the laser burns the substrate, which is more noticeable with a white background or border.

Some of the most durable vinyl and polyesters are only available for screen printing, which use special inks for long-lasting impact and tooling dies to create the cut line. Thus, if you want a screen-printed decal with a special custom shape, you should expect to incur a custom die charge on your first order.

The takeaway

Like most variables in custom label printing, the choice between polypropylene vs vinyl stickers can be distilled down to three factors: application, availability and desired appearance. But don&#;t worry, you don&#;t need to know the ins and outs of substrates and print methods and suitable options. That&#;s why we&#;re here! You are going to be the best judge of where your labels are going and what you want them to look like and if you provide us with this information, we can help devise the best sticky solution to fulfill your labeling needs.

Whether you&#;re looking to package a new product or rebrand the packaging of an existing product, a custom product label is a great way to go. But with so many label materials and laminates, choosing the right one can seem daunting. We&#;ve aimed to help you find the perfect label material for your product by providing you with a quick-reference guide full of insights and suggestions, as well as a few visuals to help get you started!

We offer the following types of label materials:

• Waterproof Label Materials
• Paper Label Materials
• Eco-friendly Label Materials

Waterproof Label Materials

Of all the label materials we have to offer, waterproof labels are the most abundant. Well suited for virtually any application, waterproof labels can come in a variety of styles, including white, clear, and metallic! 

White Plastic Labels

White Plastic, commonly referred to as White BOPP, is the most versatile and widely used label material we offer. Being both waterproof and oil-resistant, it can be applied to virtually any product. White Plastic labels are easy to hand apply or machine apply, which makes it a great choice for small-batch artisans and large manufacturers alike. White Plastic labels also have an exceptional low-temperature application range, so it can even be applied to frozen food packaging!

White Plastic serves as the go-to label material for wine, beer bottles and cans, candle jars and tins, bath and beauty products, cosmetics, supplement and vitamin bottles, food product packaging, vape and e-juice products, and so much more.

White Vinyl Labels

White Vinyl is the most durable label material we have in stock. This material is waterproof, oil-resistant, weather-resistant, and chemical-resistant. White Vinyl is thick and sturdy, easy to apply by hand or machine. With a strong adhesive and flexible nature, White Vinyl labels are the ideal choice for products with a diameter of 1&#; or less, like lip balm tubes or vape cartridges. Add an extra degree of durability by pairing this material with a UV Resistant Gloss laminate!

White Vinyl is used to label household and industrial cleaning products, outdoor equipment, essential oil products, lip balm tubes, vape cartridges, and more.

White Plastic Removable Labels

White Plastic Removable is different from all other label materials we offer in that the adhesive is weaker than the rest, similar to that of a Post-it® Note. This tactical choice allows labels and stickers to be removed from products without leaving any glue residue behind. Being waterproof and oil-resistant, this material is perfect for a wide range of temporary labeling needs.

White Plastic Removable labels are ideal as a material for promotional stickers, window and door installation labels, oil change stickers, and more. It is not recommended for permanent product labeling or for tight radius packaging.

Holographic Plastic Labels

Holographic Plastic is a stunning reflective label material featuring unique rainbow effects in the light. In a sea of metallic foil packaging, Holographic Plastic labels will most certainly catch the eye of even the most particular of customers. The material is waterproof and oil-resistant and is able to withstand high temperatures up to 300° F. Apply a gloss laminate to boost the shine or opt for a soft touch matte laminate for a subtle radiance.

Holographic Plastic labels are frequently used for supplement and vitamin bottles, beer cans and bottles, bath and beauty packaging, vape and e-juice cartridges, coffee bags, candle jars, and much more!

Metallic Plastic Labels

Metallic Plastic is a bright metalized polypropylene film with both waterproof and oil-resistant properties. Though an elegant material, Metallic Plastic is tougher than it looks; high tensile strength makes these labels perfect for automatic label dispensing, and great temperature resistance allows labels to withstand a variety of environments. Metallic Plastic is highly customizable, which means you&#;re not limited to just gold or silver. Try electric blue or vibrant magenta as the accent color for your labels!

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Metallic Plastic labels are best suited for supplement and vitamin bottles, candle jars, skincare and cosmetics packaging, bath and body products, vape and e-juice cartridges, beer cans and bottles, wine bottles, and more.

Clear Plastic Labels

Clear Plastic is the most economical of the clear label materials. This crystal clear label material is waterproof, oil-resistant, and can even handle low-temperature application, so you can label frozen products! The tensile strength of the Clear Plastic runs through label application machines like a dream, but you should keep an eye out for fingerprints when hand-applying. 

Clear Plastic labels are preferred for juice bottles, bath and body products, beard oil bottles, candle jars, essential oil bottles, honey jars, refrigerated and frozen food packaging, and more!

Ultra-Clear Plastic Labels

For a label material that truly disappears on the packaging, look no further than Ultra-Clear Plastic. This material comes paired with a clear adhesive for a higher degree of clarity than the other clear label materials. The backing is a clear film with high strength and durability, perfect for high-speed automatic roll-to-roll application! With the additional benefits of being waterproof and oil-resistant, this graceful label material can really do it all!

Ultra-Clear Plastic labels are widely used for beauty and cosmetic products, juice and water bottles, vitamin and supplement bottles, bath and body products, candle jars, and so much more.

Paper Label Materials

Paper label materials are the perfect partner for products that don&#;t necessarily need a heavy-duty label. If you&#;re looking for texture and character while saving a pretty penny, you&#;re sure to find your label soulmate in a paper material.

White Paper Labels

White Paper labels are the highly economical bread-and-butter option for products that don&#;t need to endure contact with water or oil. This high-quality paper material possesses a bright white, opaque facestock that shows off your label design like a dream. For extra customization, artisans often pair White Paper labels with a matte laminate so they can write dates, varieties, etc.

White Paper labels are perfect for disposable packaging, coffee bags, tea tins, non-refrigerated food products, candle jars, beer bottles and cans, and more.

Estate 4 Paper Labels

Estate 4 is an elegant textured white facestock that provides great character to your product&#;s packaging. A simple black and white design shines beautifully on this canvas, though bright and colorful designs are sure to make your labels look like works of art. Estate 4 is water-resistant, meaning that the paper will not wear down when wet, nor will the inks run or smear. Since the paper is unlaminated, you can either stamp or write additional information for further customization.

Estate 4 labels are a favorite for coffee and tea bags, artisan candle jars and tins, wine bottles, beer bottles, disposable food packaging, luxury skincare packaging, shipping and address labels, and more!

Avon Classic Crest Labels

Avon Classic Crest is a smooth unlaminated paper with a bright white facestock. Possessing water-resistance, the paper performs well in moist environments without losing integrity or color. The base paper is FSC certified, acid-free, and archival quality, so you can rest easy knowing your labels are responsibly sourced.

Avon Classic Crest labels are found on candle jars and tins, coffee and tea packaging, luxury cosmetic and skincare products, disposable food packaging, and more.

Black Vellum Labels

Black Vellum is a suave specialty paper that is, as the name suggests, all black throughout, even on the edges and back. Black Vellum labels blend in seamlessly on black containers and offer striking contrast when paired with anything else. The paper is also water-resistant, so it can hold its own as a wine or craft beer label. With a smooth finish, this label material is sure to take your packaging to the next level.

Black Vellum labels are ideal for artisan candles, wine and beer bottles, supplement products, luxury skincare and cosmetic products, cannabis and CBD product packaging, and more.

Eco-Friendly Label Materials

Frontier Label is proud to offer several options for an eco-friendly label material! Each of the options listed below is made from either inorganic compounds or post-consumer content to create paper labels your products can wear with pride. 

TerraSkin Labels

The TerraSkin is a unique label material made of 80% calcium carbonate and 20% polyethylene resin to create an environmentally friendly paper. TerraSkin is water-resistant and inherently durable. Though this material requires a plastic gloss or matte laminate as well, its environmentally friendly origin ensures a small footprint in regards to your packaging.

TerraSkin labels work excellently on organic skincare and bath products, food packaging, pet products, and virtually any type of product you can think of!

Recycled Kraft Paper Labels

The Recycled Kraft Paper is a dark brown unlaminated paper with great character and texture&#;plus, it&#;s water-resistant! Made with 100% post-consumer content, this label material is great for the environment and looks amazing at the same time! Since it&#;s a darker material, we recommend incorporating strong, saturated colors into your label design so everything pops.

Recycled Kraft Paper labels are a popular choice for candle labels, coffee and tea packaging, non-perishable food product packaging, organic skincare and beauty products, cannabis and CBD product packaging, and so much more!

Label Laminates

The right label material laminate can provide the perfect final touch to your label, adding both protection and style to your design! All laminates are waterproof, but the material it is paired with might not be, so do keep that in mind when making your selection.

Gloss Laminate

Our gloss laminate is considered a high-gloss label finish. This clear polypropylene laminate protects printing from wear, scuffing, and scratching, while also enriching the color of your label design! A gloss laminate can add extra charm to basic materials like White Paper or White Plastic, boost clarity on Clear materials, and emphasize the brilliance of Metallic materials. 

Matte Laminate

For a more subtle look, choose a matte label laminate. Made from durable polypropylene, our non-glare matte laminate gives a softer look and feel to your labels while protecting the ink from scuffing or scratching. A matte laminate lends a frosted look to clear materials while boosting the striking effect of metallic elements on those corresponding materials.

UV Resistant Gloss Laminate

Pair your labels with a UV resistant gloss laminate to improve the longevity of your labels! Our UV resistant gloss laminate gives your label a high-gloss finish while acting like an extra-strong sunscreen to prevent fading. Made from polyester, this laminate works hard to preserve your hardworking labels.

Request Samples

Seeing is believing! Opt in to receive our complimentary Sample Pack of all the materials we have to offer, and feel free to request additional samples of the ones you particularly have your eye on. If you&#;re still uncertain, give the knowledgeable Customer Care Team a call! They can answer any further questions you may have or set you up with a Printed Proof.

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