What is the purpose of packing tape? Simply put, to seal your shipping box or parcel and ensure it reaches its destination safely. So, when picking out packaging supplies for your business, packing tape would be the least of your worries, right? That’s where you are wrong. Packing tape is available in multiple types, each varying in its material and functionality, and choosing one that fits your business needs is crucial.
To ensure you don’t buy the wrong packing tape type, we have listed out all the different options below, along with their uses, to make it easier for you.
4 Packing Tape Types and Their Usage
Acrylic Packing Tape
Acrylic packing tape is the most commonly used type by retail and eCommerce business owners. It is excellent for sealing corrugated cardboard boxes and ensuring it bounds to the surface without extreme pressure. This packing tape type is durable and reliable and can withstand extreme temperatures. It’s ideal for parcels that are transported in cool environments or need to be frozen or refrigerated. They are cost-effective and useful for long-term storage. Acrylic packing tape is also UV resistant and offers increased clarity.
Heat-Activated Packing Tape
There are three main types of heat-activated packing tapes that can work in a wide range of temperatures and offer different sticking forces. For instance, one type is acrylic packing tape that can work in a 0°C to 65°C temperature range. Next is the hot melt packing tape. It offers a stronger bond than acrylic tape and is used for high-volume cardboard boxes. It works in a shorter temperature range, around 3°C to 50°C, and is stickier than other types. Hot melt packing tape is also more resistant to stress and can be applied by hand or machine.
The third type is solvent packing tape. It is ideal for heavy-duty packaging and offers the most robust sticking properties. It works in a wide temperature range and is UV-resistant.
Double-Sided Packing Tape
If you don’t want your parcels to be lined with packing tape, you can always use double-sided packing tape. It offers an adhesive surface on both sides, enabling users to stick two surfaces together and hide the tape from sight. It is great for gift packaging or to create a more clean presentation.
Paper Packing Tape
Paper packing tapes are fully recycled and available in different types. They are great for businesses that are trying to achieve sustainability and want to reduce their carbon footprint. Also known as water-activated or gummed tape, these paper tapes can withstand extreme temperatures and are made of kraft paper. They have a starch-based adhesion system that offers increased strength and shows obvious signs of any tempering with the taping. They are also cost-effective, eco-friendly, and customizable. Businesses can print their logo or other important messages like “handle with care,” “fragile items,” etc.
Conclusion
Other packing tape types include masking tape, duct tape, industrial rubber tape, retail tape, and more. All these vary in their functionality and are used for different applications. Businesses should compare and choose accordingly and ensure their parcels are safely sealed and delivered. We hope this article helped!
