Which Packing Tape Should You Use?

Acrylic,Hotmeltor Solvent Adhesives

There are three different types of adhesives available for tapes, Acrylic, Hotmelt and solvent. Each adhesive has different properties which make them more suitable for different situations. Acrylic adhesives work in a wider temperature range than hotmelts (0°C to 65° compared with 3°C to 50°C) as well as in more humid environments. Hotmelts, however, have a stronger adhesion than acrylics on many surfaces including cardboard and perform better under constant stress. Solvent-based tapes (Vinyl tapes can only use solvent adhesive) have the strongest adhesion properties and deal with extreme temperatures and high humidity the best, making it the favourite choice for heavy-duty packaging and export packaging.

Acrylic – Low cost, good for the majority of standard packaging needs

Hotmelt – Stronger adhesion than acrylic, and are more resistant to stress

Solvent – The strongest adhesive, works in extreme temperatures but also the most costly

Polypropylene Packing Tape

Polypropylene tape is the most commonly used packing tape and is usually coloured clear or brown. It’s very strong, durable and resistant to breaking during the shipping process. It is generally the most economic type of packaging tape out there and is perfect for a no-frills tape for your everyday carton sealing and packaging requirements.

Low Noise Polypropylene Packing Tape

The concept of tape being ‘low noise’ might seem strange, but in a busy packaging department where multiple people are sealing cartons, the constant screeching of tape being applied soon makes it obvious why this is a popular type of tape. A variation of polypropylene tape rather than its own type of tape, it can significantly dampen the noise that standard polypropylene tape makes due to an electrostatic charge that is applied to it, creating a better working environment for your staff. Be aware though that in cold environments (usually below 6°c) the electrostatic charge that is applied to make this tape quieter fails.

Vinyl Packing Tape

Vinyl tape has more tack (due to the solvent adhesive used) and is stronger and thicker than polypropylene tape, being able to withstand more tension. It is also quieter when it is released from the roll without the need of a special variant unlike with polypropylene tape. Although stronger it can also be applied and torn by hand easily in addition to being used with a standard tape dispenser. Vinyl tape is much better suited for long-term storage and withstanding extreme temperatures, making it suitable for parcels that need freezing, refrigerating or are just likely to be transported and handled in cold environments. This extra strength though will mean it’s likely to cost you more than most polypropylene tapes.