Adhesive tape: an environmentally friendly packaging tape
6min read
10/06/2020
When people think of packaging, they tend to think of cardboard boxes and parcel stuffing, but tend to forget that there are also several different types of tape. It is therefore very relevant to think a bit about which type of tape suits your needs. For example, if your company is looking for a good eco-friendly alternative, it might be worth looking into adhesive tapes. In this post, you can read a lot more about this tape and its benefits.
1. A brief introduction
Adhesive tape has a simple and innovative design, consisting of kraft paper covered with an odourless adhesive layer. This layer of adhesive sticks only by being moistened with water. Therefore, it should ideally be used in conjunction with a humidifier, which we will discuss in more detail later in the post.
As adhesive tape is made from paper, it can be recycled with the cardboard packaging. Therefore, there need not be much hassle in separating the tape from the cardboard before waste sorting.
2. The benefits of adhesive tapes
Adhesive tape is much more than just a type of tape. Of course, you can close boxes with adhesive tape, and it’s great for just that purpose. But before we get to that, there are many relevant benefits of tape worth mentioning.
> Strong adhesion
As the tape virtually ‘melts’ into the box, it provides a very strong seal for your packages. It also means that only one layer of tape is needed, unlike other types of tape. This way you then save on the amount of tape used.
> Secure
Once the adhesive is activated by wetting and has been applied to the box, it immediately bonds to the box surface and provides optimal durability. It is very difficult to remove the adhesive tape once it bonds to the box, and this will be clearly visible if someone has tried to open the box during transit, as it leaves obvious marks. This can help to deter thieves.
> Environmentally friendly
A good argument for the adhesive tape is the environmentally friendly aspect. The material is made from natural raw materials: the adhesive and is made from potato starch and the tape itself is made from paper. The tape is made from 80% recycled materials and is recyclable together with the cardboard box.
However, it should be mentioned that a reinforced adhesive tape contains polyester or glass fibre threads and is therefore less recyclable together with the cardboard box. It is therefore a good idea to sort separately in this case.
> Aesthetic
The tape has a very simple look that blends in with the cardboard box. Therefore, it is not so noticeable and this helps to give a nice and clean look. It is therefore one of the most aesthetic forms of parcel tape, with its attractive visual appearance that is pleasing to the eye.
> User-friendly
Packaging should be easy to handle. Of course, this also applies to adhesive tape. And of course it is. For the best results and to make the workflow easier, all you need is a humidifier. It moistens the adhesive tape and cuts it to the desired length at the same time. That way you avoid using more than you need. If you also want to avoid glue on your fingers, you can use gloves for protection.
A few advantages compared to PVC and PP tape:
- Sticks almost instantly to cardboard boxes and dusty surfaces.
- More resistant to moisture and temperature variations.
- It can be stored for much longer (a few years for Adhesive Tapes and 6 months for more traditional forms of tape).
3. How to choose the right adhesive tape
|
Standard
|
Reinforced
|
Reinforced
|
| Quality 60 g/m 2 | Quality 90 g/m 2 | Quality 130 g/m 2 |
| With longitudinal polyester threads * | With crossing fibreglass threads ** | |
| For packages up to 30 kg | For packages up to 40 kg | For packages up to 80 kg |
* The polyester threads lie on top of the adhesive layer. This helps reinforce the tape and makes it extra durable.
**The fibreglass strands are sandwiched between two layers of kraft paper. In addition, the threads cross each other and lie much closer than in the 90 g/m2 version. This makes the tape even more resistant to tearing.
4. No adhesive tape without dispenser
A moistening machine is manufactured to make the use of adhesive tape easier. It both moistens the adhesive and cuts the adhesive tape to the set length. You can choose from one of the models below:
| Manual
|
Semi-automatic
|
Electronic
|
| Weight: 1,26 kg | Weight: 9,3 kg | Weight: 15 kg |
| Tape width: 25 to 75 mm | Tape width: 20 to 100 mm | Tape width: 40 to 80 mm |
| 14 fixed lengths for trimming | ||
| For standard adhesive tapes | For standard and reinforced adhesive tapes | For standard and reinforced adhesive tapes |
5. Another family member: paper tape
If you’re looking for another alternative to plastic tape besides adhesive tape, it’s also worth looking into Paper Tape. This tape, unlike adhesive tape, is completely self-adhesive and so doesn’t need a moistening machine to stick to your cardboard boxes. All it requires is an unroll and an application to the box. You can streamline the workflow by using a tape dispenser.
Below you can find the pros and cons of paper tape:
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Paper tape is more environmentally friendly than plastic tape (PP or PVC): | The glue on paper tape is either natural rubber or hot melt. This is slightly less environmentally friendly than the glue used on adhesive tape. However, this is not a problem when recycled with the cardboard box. |
| Unlike adhesive tape, you don’t have to rely on a humidifier or water. | It is more efficient to apply paper tape using a dispenser. However, this can be hard on the wrists in the long run. The knife on the dispenser can also cause damage to your fingers. These problems do not occur when using adhesive tape in combination with a moistening machine. |
| Paper tape is very easy to tear by hand, so you don’t always need a dispenser to cut it for you. | It is easier to open boxes sealed with paper tape than it is to open boxes where adhesive tape has been used. |
| The tape is resistant to moisture and therefore suitable for export. | |
| The tape has a writable surface. You can therefore write notes or messages on the tape as required. |
Want to know more about packet tape?
If you have any questions or would like more guidance on. choice of packaging tape, you are always welcome to contact our packaging specialists on tel. 44 58 77 00 or email: info@rajapack.dk.
