Acrylic vs. Hot Melt Tape: Which is the Better Choice for Your Needs?

When it comes to delivering excellent packaging, your choice of adhesive tapes can quite literally make or break your customers’ buying experience. After all, the tape you use to seal your packages will determine whether the product it contains will reach its destination in the same condition it was shipped out in.

And if it fails at this task, you might be putting both your product and your brand reputation on the line, particularly if your product has a long way to travel to reach its buyer.

Fortunately, there are two types of packaging tape that can really make a difference in protecting your package and, consequently, buyer satisfaction. These types are acrylic tape and hot melt tape. Both come with unique advantages that make them standout solutions, as well as some drawbacks that might not be best suited to certain applications.

In this comprehensive breakdown, we will explore the benefits and drawbacks of acrylic and hot melt tapes and guide you in making an informed decision for your business needs. We will also explain how you can purchase quality packaging tape to help get the most out of the benefits they bring. Read on to find out more!

Acrylic Tapes

Acrylic tapes have long dominated the packaging industry and are a staple choice for a packaging tape solution. Their staying power can be attributed to several key properties:

• Durability Over Time: Acrylic tapes are known for their longevity. They can maintain their bond for several years without yellowing or breaking down, making them ideal for long-term storage.
• Resistance to UV Rays: Acrylic adhesive resists yellowing and deteriorating when exposed to sunlight and UV rays, a trait essential for packages stored in well-lit areas.
• Performance in Extreme Temperatures: These tapes can function in both extremely hot and cold temperatures, ranging from -20°F to 350°F. This is ideal for long-distance or international transit where products experience wide variations in temperature.

As an extra perk, acrylic tape has long been a very cost-effective solution for businesses. It is easily purchasable and is unlikely to break the bank.

Hot Melt Tapes

Hot melt tapes, while not new, have seen a surge in their adoption due to several distinct advantages:

• Quick Adhesion: Hot melt tapes bond quickly to surfaces, even those with high recycled content, making sure packages are sealed swiftly.
• Excellent Holding Power: These tapes provide superior holding power, especially on corrugated cartons or boxes. They grip and stay put, minimizing the chances of packages coming undone during transit.
• Optimal for Heavy Packages: Hot melt tapes can handle heavier packages, making them a go-to option for businesses shipping bulkier items.

While hot melt tapes have typically come at a higher cost than their acrylic counterparts, recent market shifts and advancements in manufacturing technology have made them more affordable. This price drop, combined with their benefits, has helped grow their popularity in the market.

Which Tape Should You Choose? 5 Factors to Consider

While both tapes are excellent choices, choosing the right one will come down to your specific needs. Let’s take a look at 5 key factors you should consider when choosing between hot melt and acrylic tapes:

1. Package Weight

For lighter packages, acrylic tapes often suffice. They provide a reliable bond that can handle modest weights. However, if you are shipping heavier items, hot melt tape’s superior holding power makes it the better choice.

2. Storage and Transportation Conditions

Consider where your packages will be stored and the conditions they will face during transportation. If they are likely to be exposed to extreme temperatures, acrylic might be the way to go. However, for packages facing rough handling or needing quick sealing, hot melt tape proves superior.

3. Budget

Historically, businesses looking to save might have opted for acrylic tapes due to their cost-effectiveness. However, with hot melt tapes becoming more affordable, this choice is not as clear-cut. It is essential to evaluate not just the upfront cost, but the potential long-term savings. For instance, using hot melt tape for heavier packages might reduce breakage and returns, offering indirect savings.

4. Environmental Factors

While both tapes have their environmental concerns, it is worth noting that certain acrylic tapes might be more resistant to yellowing and UV damage, making them more suitable for specific environments.

5. The Importance of Quality

Whichever tape you opt for, quality should be at the forefront of your decision. A subpar tape can lead to package damage, loss, and consequently a tarnished brand image. Furthermore, poor-quality tapes might require double layering or frequent replacements, negating the gains in any upfront savings.

How to Purchase Quality Packaging Tape

Once you have decided on a tape for your needs, your search should not just stop there. In fact, choosing the tape itself is only half of the challenge, you will also want to make sure you have the right supplier in mind. After all, even though both hot melt and acrylic tapes have some excellent qualities, they do have some drawbacks. These drawbacks can be minimized by selecting from a packaging tape supplier you can trust.

Here are 3 key steps you will want to take when choosing a tape brand and supplier:

1. Research their Reputation: Opt for suppliers known for consistency and quality. Have you heard about this supplier before? Do they service businesses similar to your own in your area?
2. Seek Out Reviews: What do other businesses say about the tape’s performance and supplier’s service? This is especially important if you are investing in a long-term packaging solution.
3. Consider Testing Before Committing: Before making a bulk order, test the tape under your specific conditions. See how it holds up with your package weight, in your storage environment, and during your transportation process. Learn more about evaluating packaging quality and strength here.

Purchase Quality Packaging Tape with Crownhill Packaging

In the battle of acrylic vs. hot melt tapes, it is clear that there is not a one-size-fits-all answer. Ultimately, the best choice hinges on your unique business and product needs. While acrylic tape is a reliable staple choice that offers durability and resistance to extreme conditions, hot melt tape boasts quick adhesion and superior holding power, ideal for larger packages.

If you are looking for quality packaging tape solutions that include acrylic and hot melt tapes, consider Crownhill Packaging. We successfully provide reliable, packaging products to a wide range of businesses across North America. Known for our reputation and passion for innovation, our team can provide you with bespoke packaging systems you can rely on each and every time.

Learn more about our packaging tape solutions by reaching out to our team today.