PET, PP, PE and PVC identify film families, not finished-label performance grades. Compare the exact film, treatment, thickness, adhesive and print system against the same application requirements.
A fixed best-to-worst ranking can hide the difference between grades. Start with the container shape, application, exposure and required reading period, then compare documented constructions and printed samples.
1. Describe the job before the polymer
Record the substrate, coating, curvature and any squeezing or flexing. State how the label is printed, dispensed and applied, and what the readable image must survive.
Separate application conditions from later service. A film name does not establish cold application, chemical resistance, outdoor life or a bond to a low-energy surface.
2. Compare grades, not fixed family rankings
Film structure and treatment can affect stiffness, conformity, print anchorage and converting. Oriented and cast structures, coatings and thickness choices require actual grade information.
Use a sample of the complete proposed stock. Do not assume every PET is too rigid for a curve, every PE is suitable for cold application, or every PVC grade has the same market acceptance. Destination and project requirements need a separate material review.
3. Use a requirement-led comparison
The table defines evidence to request. It does not assign a universal winner or a standard thickness to any film family.
| Requirement | Grade information to request | Sample check |
|---|---|---|
| Curved or flexible pack | Film structure, thickness and adhesive | Edges and distortion after the pack moves |
| Printing and converting | Treatment, coating, ink or ribbon and liner | Print, die-cut and feed performance |
| Heat or chemicals | Complete construction and stated test conditions | Bond, face and readable image after exposure |
| Outdoor or long reading life | Evidence for the proposed finish, print and adhesive | Representative exposure followed by inspection |
4. Approve the printed and applied result
Run the candidate through the real printer or press and applicator. Check feeding, die-cutting, print anchorage, code contrast and the applied fit before testing exposure.
Inspect after handling, liquids, temperature cycling or weathering as required. Compare cost on the accepted construction, waste and application process rather than assuming a fixed polymer price order.
FAQ
Which film is best outdoors?
There is no universal answer by polymer name. Compare specific constructions, the required period and representative weather, print and bond evidence.
Can I decide conformability from the material name?
Use the actual structure, thickness, label shape and adhesive on the real container. Family-level descriptions do not replace that trial.
Does a film face make the label waterproof?
No complete-label rating follows from the face alone. Specify liquid, duration, handling and the image and adhesion requirements.
What thickness should I order?
Select from grade information and fit, feed, converting and exposure trials. There is no single thickness range that qualifies every application.
References and next steps
References illustrate material, process or verification distinctions; they do not establish a rating for a quoted Bofmat grade. Checked 2026-11-04.
Related: film labels · PET film labels · PP film labels · PE film labels · PVC film labels · Paper or film: the package decision
Send the actual surface, equipment, process and acceptance requirements to discuss a trial.