The right belt for the logistics chain

The choice of packaging tape is important for your logistics chain. It is therefore worth choosing a strong enough tape to guarantee the security of your shipments.

However, the range is vast and it can sometimes be difficult to see the advantages and disadvantages of different solutions. That’s why we’ve put together an overview of the different types of packaging tape to help you choose the most suitable product for your needs.

What is packaging tape?

Why are we talking about packaging tape and not scotch tape?

Because scotch is just one brand of adhesive tape. The name has caught on, but it only points to one manufacturer.

Packing tape: definition

Packing tape is:

“… an adhesive item printed on plastic or paper that can be applied by applying ordinary pressure to a product package, product, poster, display window or any other surface…”

(Source: definitions-marketing.com).

The packaging tape category includes transparent packaging tapes for sealing or reinforcing materials, as well as decorative tapes, which allow items to be decorated at little cost.

Different types of packaging tapes

Packingtapes are not only subdivided into decorative tapes and tapes used to wrap company parcels.

There are numerous products available for very different purposes, differing in the size of the tape and the type of adhesive.

Plastics

Packaging or decorative tape consists of two components:

• Theplastic;
• Theadhesive.

The plastic is in most cases PVC or PP (polypropylene). Each of these materials has different properties.

PVC tape stretches widthways and is quieter to use than PP tape. It is suitable for most applications.

Polypropylene tape is noisier when unrolled, but performs better in harsh conditions: elevated temperatures and significant humidity.

In both cases, the standard tape sizes are:

• 48 or 50 mm wide;
• 50 or 66 m in length.

Choice of adhesives

The second component of packaging tape is the adhesive.

To a large extent, it is the adhesive with which the tape is coated that determines how well it adheres to the substrate.

There are three main types of adhesive available on the market:

• Acrylic adhesive is long lasting and UV resistant. Tape based on acrylic adhesive is considered the standard product.

It is suitable for most cases, but it is discouraged to use it in refrigerated conditions or to apply it to plastic.

• Natural rubber-based adhesive, on the other hand, is ideal for refrigerated conditions.

Although it tolerates long transport well, its durability after a long time is less than that of acrylic glue.

• Hot melt adhesive is also known as thermo-melt adhesive. It has the highest possible resistance to changes in temperature and humidity.

Tape colour

Is the colour of the tape just an aesthetic issue? Not really.

Transparent packaging tape is characterised by greater adhesion, as no dye dilutes the adhesive.

In addition, coloured tape or personalised printed tape is slightly more expensive than comparable transparent solutions.

Raja tip: It is recommended to store packaging tapes at room temperature (20°C). Above this temperature, the adhesive strength may decrease.

Packaging tapes for special tasks

Now you know better why the importance of packaging tape in logistics should not be underestimated.

However, there are other types of packaging tape that are worth exploring in order to make a choice that is perfectly suited to your needs.

Reinforced packaging tape

One of the most commonly chosen packaging tapes is reinforced tape.

It significantly increases the safety of the products being packed, as it is almost impossible to tear along.

This tape is also referred to as ‘thick weave tape’ or ‘reinforced tape’. It is recommended for reinforcing crates and binding heavy products.

Kraft paper packing tape

Kraft paper packing tape is one of those products that is recyclable. It is an environmentally friendly alternative to other tapes.

It consists of impregnated kraft paper and Hot Melt adhesive. It is recommended for sealing cardboard packaging, which is also recyclable.

Masking tape

Masking tape is useful for insulation, binding or when painting. It adheres to all types of plastic and is water-resistant.

It can be used in harsh thermal conditions.

It is made of paper with a partially creped structure and comes in combination with a solvent-based adhesive or Hot Melt.

Double-sided tape

The transparent double-sided tape well known to DIY enthusiasts is made of impregnated kraft paper and coated with Hot Melt adhesive.

It enables two surfaces to be glued together. It is primarily used to fix components to a base.

Printed tape

Tape with personalised printing for your company enables you to clearly mark your consignments.

Also very useful in logistics is tape with warnings such as: “Do not stack” or “Caution, glass”. It informs you of the precautions to be taken when handling goods.

Now the world of packaging tape no longer holds any secrets for you.

Do you simply want to reinforce your company packaging or inform the precautionary measures to be taken by your employees or customers? The applications for packaging tapes are as varied as their types.

In addition to the types of tape discussed, you can also choose personalised paper tapes to give your goods a unique touch.

Three key points to remember:

• There are many types of packaging tape, so it is worth thinking about your needs individually and choosing a tape based on this.
• Packing tapes are used to reinforce packages or to put precautionary information on them.
• Personalised printed packing tapes can be made to give your parcels a unique touch.

You will find the full range discussed in the article in the adhesive tapes and splicing tapes category.

If you need help in choosing the right solution, please contact us via tel: 801 55 3000* or e-mail: poczta@rajapack.pl. Our specialists will help you choose the best packaging solution to suit your business.

*Costaccording to operator tariff.