Ecological tape: why you should make the switch!
3min read
02/03/2021
Is ‘becoming more sustainable’ at the top of your agenda this year? Then opting for ecological paper tape is a logical step. Why? Paper tape actually offers the same benefits as a typical plastic tape – with this notable difference that it is perfectly recyclable, along with your cardboard box. But our story doesn’t stop there. We’ll show you more arguments why you should choose this tape and what variants RAJA has to offer.
1. Ecological tape: why you should make the switch
With the growing focus on sustainable business, using paper tape has become a simple yet effective way to do your bit for the environment.
Ecological tape is an excellent alternative to PP or PVC plastic tapes. It offers the same degree of closure, sealing and protection. Moreover, ecological tape is made from renewable raw materials and recyclable. Even the adhesive is eco-friendly (from natural rubber).
Another reason to switch is its high adhesion to cardboard (especially kraft). Your boxes love it! Because ecological tape is made from renewable resources (paper + natural rubber glue), you can recycle it along with a box. As a result, you no longer lose time or money separating the tape from the cardboard.
Did you know that paper tape...
- Resists heat and moisture well? It is therefore also suitable for export applications.
- Easy to apply with a tape dispenser?
- Easy to stick over old paper tape? You can reseal a box that has already been opened in no time.
- Is printable? You can even choose pre-printed variants with the message 'Fragile' or 'Fragile'.
- Writable? So you can also use the tape as a kind of label.
2. What types of paper tape are there?
In fact, you have a choice of 3 types of ecological tape. Of these, 2 have a basic composition of paper and natural rubber glue. The third one adds fibreglass thread. So that makes it exceptionally strong. Ideal for sealing your even heavier parcels.
Standard |
Extra strong |
Reinforced |
| Quality 57 g/m2 | Quality 70 g/m2 | Quality 125 g/m2 |
| For parcels up to 20 kg | For parcels up to 30 kg | For parcels up to 75 kg |
| Total thickness 110 microns | Total thickness 115 micron | Total thickness 265 microns |
| From crepe paper | From kraft paper | With crossed glass fibre threads |
Caution: reinforced tape contains glass fibre thread and is therefore best sorted separately from your cardboard box. Standard and reinforced paper tape, on the other hand, you may just sort with the cardboard.
]3. What is ecological tape made of?
]Paper tape is made of two components: kraft paper and natural rubber glue (= solvent). There may be a third component added – glass fibre thread – if you are dealing with a reinforced variant.
A paper tape is always self-adhesive. That means you can easily apply it with a tape dispenser. Or you just tear it off by hand and apply it without extra tools. For small adhesive jobs, this is perfectly possible.
Besides this type of paper tape, there is a second eco variant: gummed adhesive tape. In terms of appearance, they are very similar. The big difference here is in the adhesive. While a paper tape is self-adhesive, a gummed adhesive tape is not. The adhesive layer (made of potato starch) is ‘activated’ only after contact with water. During the drying process, the adhesive ‘melts’ with your cardboard box, so to speak. The result is a virtually impenetrable seal that forms one entity with your box. If you pull off the gummed adhesive tape, the top layer of the box will come off with it. It is then impossible to glue the box shut again without leaving traces.
