[SK] How do you choose strapping tapes for your parcels and pallets?

The strapping of parcels and pallets is one of the key elements of the order preparation process, as it ensures the safety of your goods during transport. At the heart of this process is a key tool: strapping. In this article, you will find a brief guide on how to choose your strapping tapes, as well as all the machines and accessories you need for efficient and ergonomic bale and pallet strapping.

What type of strapping tape should I choose?

There are several types of strapping tapes. Their choice depends on the parcels you plan to tape, as well as the type of storage you plan to use.

Type of tape	Features	For what type of cargo?	Application and sealing
Paper tapes	Environmentally responsible as they are derived from bio-based raw materials: (made from 95% recycled paper and 5% vegetable glue) and are recyclable They add value to your parcels Adapts to the shape of the package They do not cut, so handling is very safe	Suitable for strapping lightweight bales (tensile strength up to 55 kg) For short-term storage	Can be used manually with plastic tapes or mechanically with a strapping machine Closing with buckle
Polypropylene (PP) tapes	Durable Much more flexible than other types of tape, loosens over time Less UV resistant than other materials	Suitable for strapping parcels, loads and pallets weighing up to 200 kg For short-term storage indoors	Can be used manually or on automatic or semi-automatic machines Can be closed with plastic clasp, steel clasp or welding
Polyester tapes	Environmentally responsible (made from 100% recycled PES plastic) They do not cut, ensuring safe use Will not stretch or deform even when in contact with solid and heavy products Insensitive to moisture, UV rays and temperature fluctuations	Suitable for palletising or strapping medium loads (tensile strength up to 534 kg) For long-term storage and outdoor use	Can be used manually or on an automatic machine Can be closed by clasp or welding
Textile tapes	Made of woven PES plastic Highly durable, will not stretch Adapts to the shape of the load Safe handling Unaffected by temperature fluctuations, UV rays and humidity	Suitable for strapping fragile, diverse products and heavy loads (tensile strength up to 820 kg) For long-term outdoor storage	For manual use Buckle closure (the knot on the buckle strengthens the closure)

What are the tapes used for?

Tapes are used to enclose, secure or group goods in such a way that they cannot move during transport (in a bale or on a pallet). However, not all types of tie-down tapes are suitable for all types of goods. You need to make sure that the one you choose allows your products to be stored and transported safely.

Tape type	For what use?
Paper tapes	Taping for additional protection of lightweight packaging against theft Grouping of products to be stored inside for short periods of time
Polypropylene (PP) tapes	Binding newspapers or magazines Strapping for additional protection of lightweight packaging against theft Securing light loads on pallets
Polyester tapes	Palletising medium or heavy loads Stacking of heavy and specially shaped products (e.g. iron pipes)
Textile tapes	Strapping of goods with fragile surfaces (e.g. wooden products) Strapping of items with sharp corners (e.g. tiles)

Taping techniques to be used

Do you need to know how to tape your parcels or pallets? You have two options: either do it by hand or get a machine that mechanises or automates the packaging process. Here’s how to do it.

Manual strapping

Manual strapping should only be used if you have several dozen shipments to strap per day. Exceeding that number exposes your operators to a potential risk of strapping in logistics: musculoskeletal disorders.

When hand strapping parcels, the type of tape you use is important:

For PP, paper or fabric tapes, use a loop and tensioner. Simply make two loops on the binding tape and attach them to the buckle. In the next step, you can tighten the tape in two ways, either by hand or with a tensioner.

To tape PP, steel or polyester tape, use a manual strapping machine (which includes the tensioner and buckle) as well as strapping pliers. Insert the clip and tape into the pliers, then tension the tape using the tensioner and secure the pliers.

Mechanised or automated strapping techniques

Does your warehouse need to handle a large number of bale or pallet strapping operations? To prevent the risk of musculoskeletal disorders in operators and reduce the workload in your warehouse, incorporate strapping machines into your order preparation processes.

Several options are available:

Mobile strapping machines (semi-automatic or automatic) are battery powered and can be moved anywhere in the warehouse. These machines help the operator to strap 70 to 150 bales per day.

Semi-automatic strapping machines bale strapping machines (or table-top strapping machines) can be used to strap packages of different shapes and sizes or for simple product grouping. They assist operators in strapping and allow them to remain upright while working.

4 essential strapping accessories to get

Don’t leave without thinking about these four strapping accessories. These accessories will improve the protection of your shipments and the productivity of your warehouse operators!

• Protective corners allow you to protect the edges of boxes – especially if they contain very fragile products.
• Part of unwrapping trolley is an unwinding tool for easy handling of your tape rolls.
• Self-locking clips made of plastic or steel hold the tapes firmly to the boxes being transported.
• The tape holder is a handy accessory that makes it easier to slide the tape under the pallet, thus reducing the physical strain on the back, especially to reduce the risk of musculoskeletal disorders during manual palletizing!

Now you have the strapping tapes and best practices to achieve efficient and ergonomic strapping of bales and pallets. Now it’s up to you!