Polypropylene (BOPP)
ultra clear or white top coated for optimum printability, stiff, normally used for rigid surfaces, but not as stiff as PET, so can be used for semi-rigid

Uses: The ultra clear is a favourite for no label look on glass and PET or PVC containers, new age beverages e.g. Beer, wine, liquors, variety of personal care products especially hair and skin care products.
Cons: not usually on squeezable containers or complex contours, no outdoor durability.

Polyester (PET)
available in clear, white, silver .0005 and up, top coated, clear, high degree of resistance to heat, abrasion, chemical resistance, outdoor durability

Uses:  UL or CSA classification labels, safety labels, medical devices, appliances, power tools, electronic controls.
Cons: used for rigid surfaces, will not work on squeezable or semi-squeezable containers, will not work on containers with complex contours.

Vinyl (PVC)
3.4mm referred to  as 4.0mil, acrylic top coated for ink receptivity, easy to print, die cut and dispense.

Uses: highly conformable grades used for squeezable and semi- squeezable containers, white vinyl’s most widely used.
Cons: soft vinyl’s not recommended on plastic pharma containers due to plasticizer migration.

Polyethylene (PE)
soft and conformable, available in white and clear, the clear not quite as clear as BOPP, works better on irregular glass surfaces than BOPP
Uses: excellent stock for squeezable or semi-squeezable containers, the clear is still okay for no label look on clear containers with med. dark color contents or pearlized /textured containers, often used as gloss accent on opaque or frost clear containers, good for complex contours such as in personal care- creams, lotions, soaps, shampoos, conditioners.
Cons: does not die cut as easily as BOPP

Polystyrene (PS):  
stiff but tears easily, available in white, metallized or clear, corona treated for good printability, used as upgrade for paper.
Uses: base for coupon type constructions, used widely for tamper-evident applications.
Cons:   no outdoor durability