Choosing a packaging tape – it should be simple, right? Most businesses use packaging tape to seal cartons and boxes or to package items for shipping so it should be an easy choice. However, the range of packaging tapes on the market is vast and the range available only continues to grow with more companies entering the packaging space, and new tape innovations being developed.
Do you think your business is using the right packaging tape? Chances are there could be room for improvement and even financial gain should you switch to a more economical product. Or perhaps you’re wanting to move away from traditional packaging tapes to something that’s sustainable, and better for the environment?
From the different types of packaging tapes available to the applications they’re best suited for, we’ve provided all that you need to know about packaging tapes. Read on to find out how to choose the right packaging tape.
Why is the right tape so important?
While you may think that packaging tape only serves one purpose, you may be surprised to learn just how versatile this product can be and in turn, how important your packaging tape choice is!
As you’re no doubt aware, packaging tape is most commonly used to package materials like cardboard cartons and boxes, so that their contents stay safely inside while in transit. A good quality packaging tape will ensure that a carton or box stays securely sealed. However, there are many other ways that packaging tapes can be used which is why the tape that you choose is so important.
Other uses for packaging tape can include providing important messages or warnings about the contents inside. Some items are breakable and will need to be handled with extra care so placing something like fragile tape on the exterior of the box, will ensure that couriers know how to handle packages.
Another great use for packaging tape that shouldn’t be overlooked is the ability to advertise your logo or message, and give your brand a competitive edge. Say you use plain stock cartons to send something like orders to customers – an easy way to add your branding or company to the box is by using custom printed tape. Tapes can now be printed in almost any colour and with any message you require, there are also options to print on paper tape should you need a more sustainable alternative.
Enquire about custom printed tape here >>
Types of packaging tape
Different types of packaging tape suit different needs and your chosen tape will depend on the purpose for which you will be using it. For example, some tapes are produced from materials that are naturally more durable than others so will last longer and may be more appropriate for heavier items.
Here we’ve outlined the most common types of packaging tape and the applications they’re best suited for.
Polypropylene tape
Polypropylene tape is the most common type of packaging tape on the market; it’s also the most commonly used and suitable for a wide range of applications. Polypropylene tape has the benefit of being not only strong but very durable and resistant to breakage. It’s the perfect tape for general carton or box sealing requirements and it’s also highly economical. Common polypropylene tapes will use either acrylic or hot melt adhesive backings.
Tape with an acrylic backing will stick on a variety of surfaces like boxes and polythene. When compared to tape with an acrylic adhesive, tape with a hot melt adhesive will only work with a temperature of between 5 to 50 degrees celsius. Polypropylene tape with a hot melt adhesive will generally be used for automatic, high volume packaging. It also has a very strong grab and will stick to most surfaces such as foam, fabric and cardboard.
There is an abundance of polypropylene tapes on the market that will suit various needs and budgets. The most popular polypropylene tape we sell here at Primepac is the range of Maestro Economy packaging tapes.
Maestro Economy packaging tapes are a low-cost polypropylene tape with water-based acrylic adhesive and are quiet to dispense. This range is ideal for businesses that want to save on costs for packaging cartons while not compromising on quality.
Shop the Maestro range of packaging tapes here >>
Vinyl tape
If you’re looking for packaging tape that is more durable than polypropylene, then Vinyl tape could be the perfect choice. Vinyl is not only stronger and thicker than polypropylene, but it’s also more resistant to extreme temperatures. Its temperature resistance makes it perfect for packaging up parcels that will be placed in cold storage areas. Vinyl tape can be used on all types of paper or cardboard.
Vinyl tape has many other benefits which include that it can be easily torn by hand, without the need for a tape dispenser. It is also quieter to dispense than traditional polypropylene tape which could make it a more suitable option for businesses where packaging noise needs to be kept to a minimum.
If you’re looking for a heavy-duty vinyl tape then the V-pro range could be a great starting point! This is an excellent quality tape with high break strain and low stretch – perfect for demanding jobs.
Paper tape
While paper tape is newer to the market than standard tapes like polypropylene and vinyl, it is a much more environmentally friendly option should you wish to introduce more sustainable packaging into your business. The fact that paper tape is produced from paper, a traditionally fragile item, shouldn't deter you from choosing this packaging tape either. Paper tapes can in fact have a stronger adhesive, which could make them a better option for packaging your goods!
There are two types of paper tape that have been growing in popularity – self-adhesive kraft paper tape and gummed paper tape. Kraft paper tape is produced from kraft paper so it’s 100% recyclable. The adhesive on kraft paper tape is activated when it’s released from the roll which makes it very comparable to standard packaging tapes which you can use instantly.
In contrast, gummed paper tape uses a natural adhesive that needs water to activate (usually via a special tape dispenser). Cartons that are sealed with gummed paper tape will be very difficult to open as the tape won’t budge. This can be very reassuring should you need to send valuable items via freight or courier. Like kraft paper tape, gummed tape is also 100% recyclable.
Shop paper tapes on our website >>
Shop economical packaging tape from Primepac
As you now know, there are many different packaging tapes available, all with different uses, applications and benefits. What was once just a humble roll of plastic, has truly grown into one of the most versatile types of packaging used by businesses of all shapes and sizes. The ability to use it not just for packaging and sending goods, but to also showcase your brand, is what makes it so vital to any business.
Here at Primepac, we stock not only standard packaging tapes like the Maestro tape range but sustainable options too like kraft paper tape. Check out the video below which provides more information about the different tapes available and our range!
We’re always looking for new packaging innovations as well which is why we also supply the range from Zerotape. With a unique ergonomic design, advanced functionality, and productivity benefits, Zerotape will increase workplace efficiency and reduce physical discomfort or pain – it’s known to reduce muscle strain on the wrist by 75%! And with reusable cores and less packaging waste, you will also minimise your carbon footprint. You can learn more about Zerotape and shop the range here.
To view and shop our entire range of packaging tapes, simply head to our website by clicking below!
