Packaging Tape Selection Guide

Multiple factors should be considered when selecting the most suitable tape for a particular application. Making the right choice is therefore not as simple as it would seem. One must take into consideration:

• Surface type
• Carton quality
• Weight
• Storage conditions
• Transportation

This guide is designed to make this process easier.

You can download a copy of this guide in PDF format. 

Product Features and Benefits

Adhesive tapes consist of a number of different components, with the most notable key elements being the film type & adhesive coating. The combination of which can have dramatic performance results. Therefore choosing the right product composition will ensure optimum protection for your goods during transport, ultimately saving you money. If the sealing is perfect for your application safe transport is guaranteed from loading to final destination.

Backing Types

BOPP Polypropylene: Predominantly used in manufacturing of packaging tapes. High temperature resistance & tensile strength in longitudinal & cross direction. Works with all adhesive types.

PVC Polyvinylcloride: Widely used in manufacturing of printed packaging tapes as they can be printed on perfectly. Characteristic of providing a silent & smooth unwind with low elongation. Coated with natural rubber adhesive.

PET Polyester: Used for manufacturing of specialised tapes that require high tensile strength. A high performance film with low elongation & high temperature resistance.

Kraft: Commonly used as paper backing for packaging tapes. Can be supplied plain, reinforced as well as in white & standard brown. Provides an easy unwind & in majority of cases can be recycled depending on its type. Can be coated with various types of adhesives.

Adhesive Types

Natural rubber adhesive: Versatile in use and ensures durable sealing of cardboard packaging even on critical surfaces such as recycled carton and under extreme conditions. Offers high temperature resistance & shear strength.

Hotmelt (Synthetic rubber) adhesive: As the name implies this adhesive is melted from its granular form & applied to film whilst hot. Offers good initial tack & high adhesive strength on steel.

Acrylic (Water based) adhesive: The most economical adhesive to apply as sprayed directly onto film. Offers good UV, ageing resistance & high transparency.

WAT (Water activated) adhesive: As the name implies this adhesive needs to be exposed to water. It is a starch based adhesive which becomes sticky when moistened. Upon drying out offers a unique tamper evident style bond to variety of surfaces. Can only be used with WAT dispenser.

Packaging Tape Selection Guide Table

Click on the image to expand

The full range of tapes in the table above, is available to view in our Packaging Tapes product range. If you have any questions on the guide or would like to purchase one of these tapes, get in contact with us.

You can download a copy of this guide in PDF format.