What Are Some Different Types of Packaging Tape?

When it comes to making your products’ packaging secure, making sure it stays sealed during shipping is essential. And one of the most common, affordable and practical ways to seal packages is by using packaging tape.

But while there may be plenty of options available on the market, knowing exactly what kind of packaging tape is right for your needs can be a daunting decision. After all, if you unknowingly buy the wrong tape for your products, this could hamper your packaging efforts and result in damaged goods, unhappy customers and an excess of packaging waste.

As an example, did you know that some many tapes’ adhesive does not work as well in colder environments? Or that some well-known tapes can tear easily and should not be used for shipping?

Whether you are an experienced packager seeking to expand your packaging materials or a small business owner looking to start your packaging strategy out on the right foot, use this guide to find the right packaging tape for your needs.

Carton-Sealing Tape

The original packaging tape, carton-sealing tape is a no-nonsense solution that works in a wide range of circumstances. Typically made with a paper or PVC film lining, carton-sealing tape comes in various shapes and can come with extra characteristics like being suited for heavy-duty tasks.

Benefits:

• Affordable packaging tape
• Works with many tape dispensers

Uses:

• Sealing corrugated cardboard boxes
• Basic packaging tasks for simple goods

Best for: Businesses looking for an easy-to-use and affordable packaging tape solution when packaging their items.

Water-Activated Tape

Also known as gummed tape, water-activated tape uses a powerful adhesive that activates when it comes into contact with water. Once sealed, the tape remains firmly in place and cannot be pried open without removing most of the packaging – ideal for preventing your buyers’ packages from being tampered with.

Benefits:

• Extremely strong adhesive
• Secure, tamper-evident tape

Uses:

• Heavy or awkwardly-shaped products
• High-value products, such as technology and jewelry

Best for: Businesses looking to upgrade their tape so they can offer their customers a more secure product delivery.

Masking Tape

Similar to carton-sealing tape, masking tape is a common tape used by both businesses and households alike. This gentle, multi-use tape can be used for temporary packaging functions like storing basic items but is best used to assist with decorative tasks like masking off areas for painting or for labeling items. Being so common, masking tape also works well with many tape dispensers. Be aware though that masking tape is not recommended for heavy-duty packaging or shipping as it can tear easily.

Benefits:

• Resistant to heat and water
• Leaves no marks or stains on packages

Uses:

• Temporary solutions for sealing an item
• Everyday use, such as decoration or labeling

Best for: Businesses seeking an affordable tape to assist with organizational and decorative tasks around a warehouse or store.

Strapping Tape

As one of the most durable packaging tapes around, strapping tape is an essential for any heavy-duty packaging tasks. Strapping tape is made from polypropylene, a type of plastic that is light and water-resistant, and often reinforced with materials like glass yarn filament, a form of glass fiber. This makes it much stronger than paper-based tape and is excellent for holding heavy and large items together.

Benefits:

• Extremely durable
• Cost-effective heavy-duty packaging tape

Uses:

• Palletizing or bundling items
• Wrapping large or heavy items

Best for: Businesses that need a strong, reliable tape for heavy-duty packing tasks.

Rubber Tape

Rubber tape is a great choice if you need a robust, carton-sealing packaging tape in harsh conditions. Natural rubber tape boasts excellent bonding in nearly any environment, making it ideal for packaging items in spaces that other tapes could struggle with, such as cold temperatures or high levels of dust. As a bonus, natural rubber tape is biodegradable and uses little to no synthetic materials.

Benefits:

• Flexible and fast bonding
• Can be applied at freezing temperatures

Uses:

• Sealing products in temperature-sensitive environments
• Sealing awkwardly-sized or shaped packages

Best for: Businesses needing to prepare packaging in complex environments.

Custom Printed Tape

Are you looking to add that signature touch to your products’ packaging? If so, custom packaging tape is an excellent way to make your package stand out and demonstrate your brand’s image as soon as your customer receives their package.

Benefits:

• Unique to your brand
• High-customer appeal
• Easy to apply to packages

Uses:

• Branded packaging
• Customer gift packaging

Best for: Businesses looking for style as well as substance, especially if they choose to offer gift wrapping or want to leverage their brand’s appeal in their customers’ buying experience.

Obtain High-Quality Packaging Tape & Other Materials with Crownhill Packaging

If you would like more advice on the best packaging tapes and other materials for your products, consider calling Crownhill Packaging. As an innovator in the packaging industry, we go above and beyond to discover and distribute the very latest packaging technologies, including environmentally-responsible and affordable options. For many years, we have proudly helped clients across North America obtain quality packaging solutions and systems they can rely on to this day.

To learn more about how we can help you elevate your packaging, reach out to our team today!