All tapes are not created equal. When buying tape for your packaging and shipping operation, it’s important to understand the different options you have when selecting packaging tape. This helps you be sure that every package that leaves your warehouse is secured effectively. Let’s take a look at the different types of packaging tape and their benefits.
Types of Packaging Tape
Here’s a rundown of the various types of packaging tape and their benefits:
Acrylic Packing Tape
Acrylic tape is an excellent choice if you frequently work with corrugated boxes. It’s commonly referred to as box tape or carton sealing tape because it instantly bonds to corrugated surfaces. Acrylic tape offers outstanding UV resistance, high clarity, works great in extreme temperatures and is very affordable. It’s versatile, dependable, and a great choice for a wide variety of packaging applications because it can be applied by hand or with a machine.
Hot Melt Tape
Hot melt tape is manufactured with high-volume applications in mind and provides a dependable seal each time it’s put in place. This very durable tape offers an impressive stick factor, performs exceptionally well under stress and strain, and is very durable. Like acrylic tape, it works very well on cartons and boxes, especially those containing a high volume of recycled material. Hot melt tape can also be applied by hand or with a machine, and it works exceptionally well in the 45-to-120 degree F temperature range.
Natural Rubber Industrial Tape
Boasting powerful adhesion capability, natural rubber tape works very well in a variety of settings. It makes an incredible tool for wide surfaces and for packages that will face severe temperatures, including excessive heat, teeth-chattering cold, and very high humidity. The natural rubber option tends to cost a more than other box sealing tapes, but it offers premium resistance to alkalis, saltwater, diluted acids, and the usual wear and tear that comes with time and use.
Paper Packing Tape
Paper packing tape is fully recyclable, and it provides outstanding adhesion. This type of tape includes nylon reinforced gum packaging tapes that can withstand extreme temperatures, water-activated tape that provides obvious evidence of any tampering, and high-strength flatback paper tape. Paper packing tape offers a wide variety of benefits, including the ability to print on it, allowing you to print important messages, such as “Fragile” or “Made in the USA.”
Masking Tape
Masking tape is very versatile and can be used for a wide variety of applications, including painting or lightweight packaging. It comes in a number of specialty options, such as an outdoor version that is resistant to sunlight, automotive masking tape that can withstand heat up to 250 degrees F for as long as 30 minutes, water and oil resistant industrial masking tape, and construction-grade heavy-duty masking tape.
Duct Tape
Duct tape is one of the most popular varieties of tape on the market. This double-woven tape boasts a strong coating made of acrylic adhesive that is age resistant. This allows it to provide remarkable adhesion capability and impressive heat and shear resistance.
Strapping Tape
Strapping tape does an excellent job of holding together the top rows of pallets. It features a rubber band-like effect that allows each load to shift as needed without resulting in damage. You can choose from standard strapping tape, general-purpose strapping tape, or the heavy-duty type to suit your specific application. Each type is equipped with fiberglass filament reinforcement and resists splitting, tearing, and abrasion.
Label Protection Tape
This tape is a clear adhesion tool that is designed to do exactly what its name says. You place it over labels on a wide variety of surfaces, including wood, metal, plastic, or paper, to keep them securely in place. This high-strength, high-clarity tape can be used both inside and outdoors, and it stands up to damaging or harsh elements. Label protection tape is chemical, abrasion, and water-resistant.
Water Activated Packing Tape
If you’re looking for added security for your shipments, water-activated tape is a great choice. It’s made from kraft paper and an adhesive that only activates once it’s wet. Once dry, it bonds to corrugated board, and it creates a seal that can’t be removed without damaging the tape. This makes it more likely to deter theft because it shows evidence of tampering. Some style of water activated packing tape are also reinforced, built as two layers of kraft paper with a layer of fiberglass between them, adding extra strength to your shipments. Water Activated Tape is a workhorse for any e-commerce business due to its ability to protect under filled boxes throughout its rigorous shipping cycle.
Need help selecting the right type of tape for your application? Korpack offers packaging consulting and can help you make a selection or advise you on any and all facets of your packaging operation. Contact us today; we’ll be happy to help.
