Packaging Tape Explained: Features, Types & Industry Uses

Packaging tape plays a quiet but very important role in modern shipping and product handling. Its final seal gives packaging unity and indicates whether the contents have been opened and exposed. Small e-packets and large industrial shipments, and everything in between, use the appropriate type of packaging tape. This ensures the structural integrity of the package and product security, as well as the prevention of product return. 

Packaging tape is made to stick well to the most widely used materials for packaging, which provide good resistance against the stresses of product handling, and function properly under different temperatures and storage conditions. 

What is Packaging Tape?

Packaging tape refers to a type of pressure-sensitive or water-activated material used for sealing or reinforcement of packages during the time of storage, as well as transportation of these packages.   

Packaging tape is used for the purposes of sealing corrugated boxes and cartons, as well as mailing packages for the prevention of unwanted entry or the shifting of materials contained in these packages. This type of tape essentially works by creating a strong bonding relationship to consolidate packaging supplies and materials.

Why Packaging Tape Matters in Secure Packaging?

Packaging tape refers to a pressure-sensitive or water-activated adhesive designed to secure packages in storage or during shipping. This type of tape is most commonly found on boxes of corrugated cardboard or mailers, designed to prevent their contents from being accessed or shifted. 

The functionality of the tape is to provide a sealing or bonding action between the surfaces of packages, which ensures that the cardboard box retains its integrity during the stress of shipping. Packaging tape is manufactured in varying forms to suit multiple uses in the packaging industry.

Key Features of Packaging Tape

Key features of packaging tape determine how well it seals and supports packages during handling and transit. This resistance influences the effectiveness of sealing and protection as well as the support that the final packages receive. These features include resistance to various stresses and its overall performance in different environments.

• Adhesive Strength & Bonding Performance

Adhesive strength measures the ability of the package sealing tape to stick well to the surfaces of the package, whether it is corrugated cardboard or paperboard. The package will not open when pressure and constant manipulation are applied, when the adhesive strength of the packing tape is good. 

Good adhesives will stick well over time, and the edges will not peel off. The adhesive strength is dependent on the nature of the surface and the amount of pressure.

• Tape Thickness & Durability

The thickness of the tape is a direct influence on the tear resistance and even the puncture resistance. The thicker the packaging tape is, the more it can increase the reinforcement of a heavier box. 

The seal integrity is also improved when dealing with heavier compression and resisting rough handling. Splitting on edges is not a problem with a strong packaging tape that is resilient to splits on seam edges and corners. 

• Temperature & Environmental Resistance

The temperature and environment to which the tape is exposed affect or determine the performance of packaging tape in hot, cold, or wet conditions. Some types of tape may soften when exposed to hot environments. The others may not be flexible enough in cold conditions. 

Moisture resistance is an essential feature of packages that come into contact with wet conditions. Environmental stability tape is capable of withstanding various conditions while maintaining flexibility.

Types of Packaging Tape Explained

There are various packaging tape products, and these are formulated to meet particular requirements of sealing and transportation. The differences in materials and adhesive technology, as well as strength, influence the performance of various tape products when subjected to loading and transportation.

• BOPP Packaging Tape

The packaging tape used in the BOPP category is made from biaxially oriented polypropylene film, which gives it strength and flexibility. The quality provides very good tear resistance and visual readability for labels and logos. The main usage of the packaging tape revolves around carton sealing applications because it is cost-effective and provides very good results.

• Acrylic Packaging Tape

Acrylic packaging tape has a water-based adhesive that works effectively over a long period. This adhesive takes a relatively long time to bond, which makes sure a tight seal upon application. The acrylic packaging tape can resist yellowing and works effectively at different temperatures.

• Hot Melt Packaging Tape

Hot melt packaging tapes have a rubber-based adhesive and attach quickly and aggressively. They develop adhesion immediately for instant bonding, which is suitable for very high-speed packaging lines. The performance of hot-melt tape is good on recycled cardboard. It is generally used for heavier cartons and faster shipping environments. 

• Water-Activated (Gummed) Tape

Water-activated tape is applied with a starch-based adhesive that is activated by moisture. It forms a strong bond with corrugated fibers, which creates a tamper-evident seal. Gummed tape is used very frequently for high-value shipments and export packaging operations because of its durability and construction made from paper.

• Reinforced Packaging Tape

The reinforced packing tapes have fiberglass filaments embedded within the backing for additional strength. This construction provides greater resistance to tearing and splitting when subjected to heavy loads. The applications include oversized cartons and industrial packaging where extra holding power is needed.

Packaging Tape vs Other Packaging Materials

Packaging tape has a different role than cushioning or space-filling materials. While packaging tape is primarily used to seal packages, other packaging materials are intended more to protect the product during impact and prevent movement during transport. Comparing packaging tape to other packaging materials can be an important part of a complete packaging strategy.

• Packaging Tape Vs Bubble Wraps For Protection

Packaging tape preserves the outer box in place by closing its seams, whereas the bubble wrap protects the product from shock and vibration in the box. The packaging tape does not absorb shock effects, but it maintains the closed state of boxes during shipping. The bubble wrap safeguards products from shock effects, but it does not keep the boxes closed.

• Packaging Tape Vs Void Fillers

The packaging tape holds the box together, and the void filler helps protect against movement within the box. The tape is primarily for external protection and holding the box shut with pressure. 

The void filler is primarily for holding objects from moving about within the box and protecting against collisions. To ship products without a void filler and with tape would mean that products would shift, but void fillers do not seal an open box.

How Does Packaging Tape Work With Loose-Fill Materials?

Packaging tape provides a complement to loose-fill packing material, such as packing peanuts, as it closes the box construction after voids have been filled. Loose-fill material protects products and fills voids. A tape is required to close the box. The packing tape prevents the flaps from opening to keep the loose-fill material inside. 

Industry Uses of Packaging Tape

This type of packaging tape has uses in a variety of industries as a way of securing products. There are various forms of packaging tapes that are suited to different industries, which depend on the weight and manner in which the products are packaged. These tapes are an important part of modern packaging and logistics systems. 

• E-commerce & Shipping Industry

The use of packaging tape is important in closing cardboard boxes in online businesses or logistics that are involved in various routes of sorting and distribution. This helps in making sure that the cardboard is not opened during transit. This increases customer satisfaction as there will be fewer returns of products of damaged and opened packages. 

• Manufacturing & Warehousing

Manufacturing and warehousing applications secure raw materials and palletized shipments using packaging tape. This tape is helpful for the stabilization of cartons during storage and internal transportation. The strong tapes support high-volume workflows and protect goods from shifting or exposure, which improves handling efficiency and reduces product loss in the warehouse.

• Food & Beverage Packaging

Tape seals secondary cartons and transport packaging in the food and beverage industry. It protects products from contamination or accidental opening during distribution. The tapes are chosen to provide clean adhesion and temperature resistance so cartons can remain sealed in cold storage and through retail handling. 

• Cosmetic & Luxury Packaging

Cosmetic and luxury brands secure high-value products through the use of packaging tapes while maintaining a professional and clean appearance. The clear or branded tapes support presentation without compromising premium boxes. The strong adhesion prevents tampering and damage during transit to ensure that products reach customers in pristine condition, which meets their brand expectations.

Final Thoughts

Packaging tape is a small but critical part of an efficient packaging process. The appropriate tape supports packing to ensure the contents are protected during transportation and storage, and is used in combination with other materials that protect the contents. Businesses must recognize the role of tape to create more efficient packages that are less costly.