What Is the Best Material for Beer Labels?

Article Updated: September 17, 2026 | Originally Published: November 29, 2021

Picking your beer label material is just as important as designing the artwork. You need a label that holds up to refrigeration, condensation, and the heavy handling that comes with beer. BOPP is the best material for most refrigerated beer packaging because it's durable and moisture-resistant. That's why Stomp recommends BOPP for custom beer labels for cans, bottles, crowlers, and growlers.

Here's a look at the different types of BOPP labels, which one you should choose, and why BOPP is usually a better fit for beer packaging than other materials.

Why BOPP Labels Are a Great Choice for Beer

There's a reason why BOPP is so popular in the food and beverage industry! BOPP labels are a great option for refrigerated beer packaging because they're:

• Waterproof: BOPP resists moisture and condensation, helping your labels hold up when your beer gets cold and the packaging gets wet.
• Made for refrigeration: They're well suited to the temperature changes that come with refrigerated beer packaging.
• Durable: BOPP resists scratches, oils, and everyday handling, helping your beer labels maintain their appearance.
• Versatile and flexible: The material works well on flat and curved surfaces, making it a great fit for beer cans, bottles, crowlers, and growlers.
• Great for printing: BOPP provides a smooth surface that's ideal for printing colors and clear, sharp details.

Whether your beers are being shipped, stored in a cooler, or just being enjoyed by customers, BOPP is a practical choice for helping your labels hold up through it all.

White BOPP Labels vs. Silver BOPP Labels: Which Should You Choose?

There are two types of BOPP labels that we recommend for beer: White BOPP labels and Silver BOPP labels. Both provide the durability and moisture resistance you need in a beer label. So which one should you pick? It depends on your label design and how you want your beer to look.

White BOPP Labels

This opaque white label gives you a neutral background that enables colors to look vibrant and print more accurately. Go with White BOPP when you want your beer labels to have bright, consistent colors that pop and a classic label look.

Silver BOPP Labels

If you want your beer labels to literally shine, Silver BOPP is the way to go. These labels add a metallic base that creates a reflective effect for your design. You can also use white ink in certain parts of your design to create an opaque color effect and block the metallic look.

Want only certain areas to shine? Upload your artwork as usual and use the special-instructions field at checkout to identify which areas should remain metallic. Stomp applies white ink beneath the areas that should appear opaque, so you can create metallic accents without making the entire design reflective.

Clear BOPP is another option worth considering if you want the can or bottle itself to become part of the design. Clear BOPP can be used on beer packaging, and areas of your artwork without white ink backing will appear more translucent. This can create a stained-glass-like effect, especially when the metallic surface of a beer can shows through. White ink can be used behind selected areas to improve opacity and help colors stand out.

Are Paper Labels a Good Choice for Beer?

Stomp doesn't recommend standard paper labels for beer products because they're not as moisture-resistant as BOPP. Between spills, ice buckets, and condensation, beer labels can face a lot of moisture. Standard paper labels may become soggy, wrinkle, or lose their appearance when exposed to these conditions.

Paper labels are a better option for dry-use products, such as artisan goods and pantry foods. Stomp offers custom paper roll labels for these applications, but we recommend long-lasting BOPP labels for beer cans, bottles, crowlers, and growlers to keep them looking polished and professional!

Vinyl is another durable, water-resistant material. Stomp offers custom vinyl stickers for promotional applications such as brewery giveaways, branded gear, and other merchandise. If you're considering Vinyl for commercial beer labels, confirm that the specific product format and application requirements are appropriate for your packaging.

What to Check Before Ordering Beer Labels

Before you hit that order button, double-check these before printing your beer labels:

1. Confirm that the label dimensions match your beer can, bottle, crowler, or growler before finalizing your artwork. If you're labeling bottles, check the available sizes for our 12 oz beer bottle labels.
2. Make sure you select the right label material. Stomp offers White BOPP and Silver BOPP beer labels, both printed with a durable matte finish. The matte finish is included as standard. If you need a different finish, contact Stomp about custom options.
3. Pick the best liner for your label application method. The liner is the backing you remove before applying the label. If you're using a labeling machine, confirm which liner and unwind specifications your equipment requires. For more information, check out our guide to beer label printing.
4. Review your proof before the labels go to print. You don't want a typo or design error on hundreds of beer cans!
5. Include required information in your beer label design. Confirm current federal and state requirements before approving your final artwork. Get more details with our guide to custom beer label requirements.