Packaging tape is not just a tool for sealing boxes. It has many roles and functions, depending on the type and type of adhesive you choose. In our blog post, we've collected everything you need to know about packaging tapes!
Packaging tapes play an essential role in the packaging process, from preserving products to guaranteeing the safety of transport to transferring information. As simple as its function may seem, packaging tape can have a significant impact on the customer experience and therefore on your business as a whole. The wrong choice of packaging tape can not only make the parcel delivery process more difficult but also more costly, while the right type can increase parcel security and improve the customer experience.
Here we look at the different types of packaging tape, their features, advantages and disadvantages!
Types of packaging tapes
Packaging tapes are used in many areas of life, both in everyday life and in industry. So let's take a look at the different types and their characteristics.
BOPP packaging tapes
These tapes are made from bioriented polypropylene or BOPP. Their characteristics include high tensile strength and good elasticity, which is why they are often used in logistics or general applications. They have the advantage of being extremely durable and resistant, not to mention economical. Their disadvantage is that they produce large amounts of plastic waste.
Paper packaging tapes
Paper packaging tapes, as their name suggests, are made of paper. Their main advantages are that they are recyclable and environmentally friendly. Their disadvantage is that they are less resistant to extreme temperatures and humidity.
PVC packaging tapes
PVC packaging tapes are made of polyvinyl chloride, a very strong raw material, which makes them ideal for heavier packages. As well as being hard-wearing, they stretch well and are resistant to chemicals and weathering. On the downside, they use a lot of energy to make and are difficult to recycle.
Fibre-reinforced packaging tapes
Fibre-reinforced packaging tapes are usually reinforced with fibres made of glass fibre or polyester, which makes them strong enough to withstand any packaging task. The fibre reinforcement makes them particularly resistant, but they have the disadvantage that they are typically more expensive than other types of packaging tape.
Now that we're familiar with the types of packaging tapes, let's move on to how adhesive tapes adhere to surfaces!
Adhesives for packaging tapes
It's not enough to know the material of the tape, you also need to know what adhesive it is made with, as this will affect its use. Let's look at the types of adhesives!
Acrylic
Acrylic adhesive-based packaging tapes are widely used for light and medium-weight packages. Acrylic-based products are characterised by their long-lasting adhesion, which ensures the durability of the packaging. An additional advantage is that acrylic is resistant to UV radiation and weathering, protecting packages during long-term storage and transport.
Nevertheless, acrylic adhesive does have its drawbacks. For example, it does not provide instant adhesion, so manual application can sometimes be difficult. Extreme cold weather can also cause problems, as adhesion may be weaker.
Solvent
Packaging tapes with solvent, also known as solvent-based adhesives, are a great choice when extreme adhesive strength is required. A major advantage is their fast and strong adhesion, which makes them easy to work with, both manually and mechanically. Another plus is their resistance to weathering and heat.
On the downside, solvents often have a strong odour, which can be unpleasant to use. Also, despite its high resistance to heat and extreme cold, solvent-based adhesives tend to discolour in light stronger than medium.
Hotmelt
Packaging tapes with hotmelt adhesive provide an instant and extremely strong adhesion, which can be useful for both manual and mechanical applications. Another advantage is that they are much less prone to discolouration than other types.
However, this adhesive method requires higher temperatures, which are not always easy to achieve in manual applications. In addition, although hotmelt provides very strong adhesive strength, it is less resistant to the cold effect.
Natural rubber
Packaging tapes made with natural rubber-based adhesives also provide strong, instant adhesion. A positive feature is that they are suitable for all surfaces, including cartons made from recycled materials. Natural rubber-based adhesive packaging tapes are resistant to moisture and heat and perform well in low-temperature environments.
The main drawback, however, is that the strength of the adhesive can diminish over the years, especially if storage conditions are not suitable. In addition, the odour associated with natural rubber-based adhesives can also be a nuisance.
Choosing the right type of packaging tape can make packaging easier, faster and less costly. It is therefore worth taking care when choosing one.
Flanker is a supplier of raw materials to industry players. Have a look around our webcatalogue!
