When it comes to packaging and shipping, the focus often revolves around selecting the right boxes, containers, and protective materials like stretch wrap and bubble wrap, but do not overlook the importance of choosing the right packaging tape.
“Using the correct tape is essential to ensure the integrity of the package during transit and avoid costly mistakes,” explains Morty Chambers, president/founder of Performance Packaging.
Those who assume “tape is tape” may be surprised to learn that for packaging pros, talking about tape is a bit like Bubba explaining to Forrest Gump the different types of shrimp and how they can be prepared:
“You can barbecue it, boil it, bake it, sauté it … pan fried, deep fried, stir-fried… There’s pineapple shrimp, lemon shrimp, coconut shrimp, pepper shrimp …”
While packaging tape certainly isn’t as mouth-watering as talking about shrimp, there are many types and applications of packaging tape with Performance Packaging carrying all the following:
- Carton sealing tape
- Masking tape
- Filament tape
- Poly strapping tape
- Paper flat-back tape
- Duct tape
- Water activated tape
“Packaging tape is key to maintaining the integrity of cartons as well as the products inside. Making the wrong choice of tape or application system can result in failed seals and other issues that cause costly inefficiencies like rework and line stoppage,” advises Packaging Strategies magazine. “Selecting the right tape from the beginning of the process keeps cartons sealed, goods secure and lines running smoothly.”
Let’s look at the composition, sizes, colors, primary use, and pros and cons of different types of packaging tape used in the shipping business.
Carton Sealing Tape
When most people think of packaging tape, they are referring to the popular carton sealing tape, often called box tape.
Performance Packaging carries both acrylic adhesive and hot melt adhesive carton sealing tape. Let’s break down both types:
Acrylic Adhesive Carton Sealing Tape
- Composition:
- Base Material: Acrylic adhesives are made from water-based acrylic polymers.
- Chemical Properties: They have a chemical structure that includes acrylic esters, making them resistant to aging and yellowing over time.
- Characteristics:
- Clarity: Acrylic adhesives are generally clear, making them suitable for applications where aesthetics matter.
- Temperature Resistance: They exhibit good temperature resistance and can withstand a wide range of temperatures.
- UV Resistance: Acrylic adhesives are often UV-resistant, protecting against sunlight exposure.
- Performance:
- Quick Setting: Acrylic adhesives typically set quickly, allowing for fast bonding.
- Versatility: They are versatile and can adhere well to a variety of surfaces, including cardboard.
- Applications:
- Acrylic adhesive carton sealing tape is commonly used in industries where clarity, temperature resistance, and quick setting are essential.
- Pros and Cons:
- Pros: Clarity, UV resistance, quick setting.
- Cons: May have slightly lower initial tack compared to hot melt adhesives.
Hot Melt Adhesive Carton Sealing Tape
- Composition:
- Base Material: Hot melt adhesives are thermoplastic and made from synthetic rubber and resins.
- Chemical Properties: They have a solid state at room temperature and melt when heated.
- Characteristics:
- Color: Hot melt adhesives are typically amber or tan in color.
- Temperature Resistance: They offer good temperature resistance, especially during transit.
- Initial Tack: Hot melt adhesives usually have excellent initial tack, providing strong and immediate adhesion.
- Performance:
- Quick Bonding: Hot melt adhesives bond quickly, making them suitable for high-speed packaging applications.
- High Tensile Strength: They provide strong and reliable bonds with high tensile strength.
- Applications:
- Hot melt adhesive carton sealing tape is often chosen for applications where immediate and robust adhesion is crucial, such as in high-volume packaging operations.
- Pros and Cons:
- Pros: Quick bonding, high initial tack, good temperature resistance.
- Cons: May have lower resistance to UV exposure compared to acrylic adhesives.
Choosing Between Acrylic and Hot Melt Adhesive
The choice between acrylic and hot melt adhesive carton packing tape depends on factors such as the speed of packaging operations, desired clarity, UV exposure, and temperature requirements.
Speed vs. Aesthetics: Hot melt adhesives are often preferred for high-speed applications, while acrylic adhesives are chosen when clarity and UV resistance are critical.
Both acrylic and hot melt adhesive carton packing tape have their strengths, and the choice depends on the specific needs of the packaging application.
Both types of tape come in different measurements of Mil (a unit of thickness equal to one-thousandths of an inch) such as 1.6, 1.8, 2.0, 2.5, and 3.0.
Understanding the characteristics and performance of each adhesive type helps businesses make informed decisions to ensure effective carton sealing.
Of course, acrylic and hot melt adhesive carton packing tape are just two alternatives for sealing your packaging.
Masking Tape
This general-purpose tape is popular for general purposes and comes in blue painter grade and yellow high-performance varieties.
- Description:
- Masking tape is a versatile tape with a paper backing and a light adhesive that is solvent-free, hot melt, or acrylic-based depending on the level of adhesion needed.
- Composition:
- Made from crepe paper and features a pressure-sensitive adhesive.
- Sizes and Colors:
- Comes in various widths and colors, commonly beige or white with specialty blue and yellow colors.
- Primary Use:
- Primarily used for masking surfaces during painting and labeling.
- Pros and Cons:
- Pros: Easy to tear, leaves minimal residue.
- Cons: Not suitable for heavy-duty applications.
Filament Tape
Filament tape, also called strapping tape, is a type of adhesive tape that is designed for securing and reinforcing heavy or bulky items.
- Description:
- Filament tape, also known as strapping tape, is reinforced with fiberglass filaments.
- Composition:
- Polypropylene or polyester film with a strong adhesive and embedded filaments.
- Sizes and Colors:
- Available in different widths, often transparent or white.
- Primary Use:
- Used for bundling and reinforcing packages.
- Pros and Cons:
- Pros: High tensile strength prevents package shifting.
- Cons: May be challenging to cut.
Poly Strapping Tape
You can also purchase poly strapping tape that is not a filament type.
- Description:
- Poly strapping tape is a strong tape used for bundling and securing heavy loads.
- Composition:
- Polyester or polypropylene with a sturdy acrylic adhesive.
- Sizes and Colors:
- Comes in various widths and colors, including white and black.
- Primary Use:
- Ideal for securing pallets and heavy packages.
- Pros and Cons:
- Pros: High strength, resistant to abrasion.
- Cons: May be less flexible than other tapes.
Paper Flat-Back Tape
This specialty adhesive tape has a flat and smooth kraft paper backing.
- Description:
- Paper flat-back tape is a reliable tape with a flat paper backing.
- Composition:
- Kraft paper with a strong adhesive.
- Sizes and Colors:
- Available in different widths, often tan or brown.
- Primary Use:
- Used for sealing and packaging applications. Also used for splicing papers or cardboard, bundling, tabbing, and other general-purpose applications.
- Pros and Cons:
- Pros: Easy to write on, eco-friendly.
- Cons: May not be suitable for heavy loads.
Duct Tape
Not to be confused with “duck tape”, duct tape was the brainchild of a mother of two U.S. Navy sailors during World War II who was working at an ordnance plant and had an idea to seal ammunition boxes with a waterproof cloth tape. For generations since, duct tape has been in just about every household garage toolkit and kitchen junk drawer.
- Description:
- Duct tape is a versatile tape with a cloth or polyethylene backing.
- Composition:
- Cloth or polyethylene with a strong adhesive.
- Sizes and Colors:
- Comes in various widths and colors, commonly silver or black.
- Primary Use:
- Known for its strength and versatility, used for various applications.
- Pros and Cons:
- Pros: Extremely durable, multipurpose.
- Cons: May leave residue on some surfaces.
Water Activated Tape
This tape, which becomes sticky when moistened, is often used for closing and sealing boxes.
- Description:
- Water-activated tape, also known as gummed tape, forms a strong bond when moistened.
- Composition:
- Kraft paper with a starch-based adhesive.
- Sizes and Colors:
- Available in different widths, commonly brown or white.
- Primary Use:
- Ideal for sealing cartons in high-volume packaging.
- Pros and Cons:
- Pros: Forms a secure bond, tamper evident.
- Cons: Requires water for activation.
Importance of Choosing the Right Tape
The packaging tape you choose can make a difference – select the wrong style of tape and it can have consequences such as:
- Weak Sealing: Using inadequate tape may result in weak seals, risking package integrity during transit.
- Residue and Damage: Some tapes may leave adhesive residue or damage surfaces, affecting the appearance of the package.
- Insufficient Support: Inadequate tape may not provide sufficient support for heavy or bulky items, leading to package failure.
- Tampering Risk: Choosing the wrong tape may increase the risk of tampering, compromising the security of the package.
Don't Forget the Dispensers
Choosing the right dispenser is crucial for efficient tape application. Here's a quick guide:
- Carton Sealing Tape: Standard hand-held dispensers.
- Masking Tape: Handheld dispensers with a serrated blade for easy tearing.
- Filament Tape: Dispensers with a built-in cutter for the reinforced filament.
- Poly Strapping Tape: Dispensers designed for strapping tape with tension control.
- Paper Flat-Back Tape: Handheld or tabletop dispensers with a smooth tape feed.
- Duct Tape: Dispensers with a serrated blade for cutting through the tough backing.
- Water Activated Tape: Specialized dispensers with a water brush for easy activation.
Additional Materials for Proper Use
While you are stocking up on your packaging tape of choice and dispenser, there are other shipping supplies to consider for proper use:
- Tape Cutters: For precise cutting of various tape types.
- Surface Cleaner: Ensures the surface is clean before tape application.
- Tape Gun Maintenance Kit: Keeps dispensers in good working condition.
- Labeling Tools: For easy identification and organization.
The right choice of packaging tape is a critical factor in ensuring the safe and secure transit of packages.
Contact Performance Packaging today to optimize your packaging processes and minimize the risk of costly mistakes.