How to choose the right packaging tape?

Tape… Undoubtedly one of the most important tools in a warehouse, office or shop. For some, packaging tape is a witness to a tragic event (to mask mishaps). For others, tape equals happy moments (tearing open a long-awaited parcel!).

If you start browsing through the huge range of tapes, strapping tapes and adhesives, you might soon find yourself unable to see the wood for the trees. How am I supposed to make the right choice? Save time and consult the list below to choose the ideal packaging tape based on your needs.

Packaging tapes and their best-known applications

What is tape for? The basic idea behind packaging tape is the temporary joining of products. With any tape, it is recommended to apply it at a temperature above 15 °C, on a dry and dust-free surface. Because so many different types of tape and adhesive properties have since been developed, the door could be opened to a host of new applications:

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► 1. Packing and sealing boxes

We look at the most important and common properties first. There are a mass of different boxes with almost as many types of tape. The small details make a big difference here:

• The best partner for all your boxes: PP tape
  Within the world of packaging tapes, polypropylene tape (or PP tape) is the most commonly used nowadays. This packaging tape adheres perfectly to paper or cardboard. A popular variant is the low-noise PP tape. It makes a less screeching noise during unrolling than ordinary adhesive tape. PP tape is usually the cheapest tape solution.

• The older brother of polypropylene: PVC tape
  PVC tape used to be standard. It is sturdier than polypropylene and thus better suited for sealing heavier packages (up to about 40 kg). This type of tape is much more elastic than PP and also low-noise as standard.

• The real powerhouse: waterproof and reinforced tape
  This packaging tape is reinforced with glass fibre thread, making it extremely tear-resistant. With this tape, you can pack your heavier packages with peace of mind. This tape is also the ideal solution when you will need to store your goods for a longer period of time or when you know that they will have to endure a lot during transport (temperature fluctuations, moisture, etc.).

► 2. Temporary packaging, marking and taping

Now let’s look at the ‘artistic’ member of the family: the multi-purpose masking tape. Painters can’t live without it! Because this ‘painter’s tape’ does not stick so strongly, it can be easily removed without leaving marks on the surface. This tape is made entirely of paper and is therefore easy to tear off by hand. It is not only an indispensable painter’s helper but also comes in handy in any warehouse: this tape is perfectly writable and thus allows products to be marked. And as if that were not enough, it is also water and high temperature resistant (up to +60°C)!

► 3. Double-sided taping on all types of substrates

Double-sided tape is perfect for a variety of purposes. This type of tape adheres to any kind of surface and serves to securely stick objects in a discreet way: carpets, wall frames, etc. This tape has strong adhesion, but is often more convenient than a nail or screw because you can still easily remove this tape without causing damage.

► 4. Giving your packages extra visibility

Tightly sealing your parcels is one thing, but you can also give your parcels a personal touch, thus giving them more visibility. You can easily do that by adding your logo or your company colours to a packaging tape. A personalised packaging tape is like a chameleon, adapting to really any look. This makes it much easier for recipients to identify their packages.

► 5. Packaging with an extra touch of sustainability

A sustainable alternative to traditional packaging tape is the eco-friendly variant below. It is a polypropylene tape that contains 30% less film. It is thus lighter and contains 30% less plastic than average tapes.

For those who mainly ship their goods via cardboard boxes, you might want to consider a paper tape. As the name suggests, this tape is made entirely of paper so it can be perfectly recycled together with a cardboard box. So no more headaches about sorting. Another packaging tape that fits into this picture is the gummed adhesive tape. The moistened adhesive penetrates deep into the cardboard and then becomes one with your box. This gives you an unseen, strong seal. And what’s more, a seal that is totally environmentally friendly, as you can recycle everything in its entirety. This tape is also more resistant to temperature fluctuations, moisture, UV rays and long-term storage. So there is something for everyone!