What is Strapping Tape?

What is Strapping Tape?

While top-selling packaging tapes like polypropylene, PVC, and kraft paper tape often get all the glory, other lesser-known varieties have unique and noteworthy advantages that are worth a second look. One such variety is strapping tape, or filament tape. In this article, we’ll reveal the most frequent questions our customers ask about strapping tape to help you learn more about this utility-grade packaging solution.

After reading this article, you’ll discover the answers to the following:

What is strapping tape?

What is strapping tape made of?

How does strapping tape work?

How is strapping tape used?

What are the customization options?

If you’re ready to explore the ins and outs of heavy-duty strapping tape, let’s get started.

What is strapping tape?

Believed discovered by a Johnson & Johnson scientist in 1946, strapping tape is the same as filament tape, a utility-grade tape named after its embedded fiberglass filaments that lend exceptional strength and integrity. High tensile strength is the central feature that distinguishes strapping tape, or filament tape, from most other types of packing tape. In addition to being stronger than alternative tapes, strapping tape’s rubber adhesive forms a long-lasting bond that makes this tape well-suited for many heavy-duty applications.

What is strapping tape made of?

Strapping tape, or filament tape, is made of tensilized polypropylene, polyester yarn, or glass yarn filaments for reinforcement. It has a synthetic rubber adhesive, a beneficial feature when you need your tape to form a long-lasting bond. 

How does strapping tape work?

Like polypropylene and PVC tape, strapping tape is a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) tape with a sticky backing that adheres to surfaces when you apply light pressure. In this way, you get the same convenience and ease of use of traditional tape with the added benefit of powerful strength for heavy-duty utility applications. A split- and crack-resistant backing and moisture- and solvent-resistant properties round out the many durability-focused benefits of choosing strapping tape, or filament tape.

How is strapping tape used?

Strapping tape, or filament tape, is much stronger than traditional adhesive tapes, making it the best choice for heavy-duty packaging applications, such as: 

• Bundling packages

• Closing cartons

• Reinforcing packages

• Unitizing loads

• Securing loads during transit

However, you can apply the exquisite strength of filament tape to many other heavy-duty packaging applications that call for a smart and sturdy solution. 

What are the customization options?

Our strapping tape, or filament tape, is clear and available in 60-yard lengths. There are many ways to customize this packaging tape to meet your application and branding requirements, such as:

Width – Choose either 2” or 3” widths, depending on which dimension works best with your packaging application. 

Number of ink colors – Select one, two, or three ink colors to design your filament tape to reflect your company’s brand and message. Whether you’re going for a bright and bold look or something more minimalist, check out the tips in our recent article on designing the look of your box with custom packing tape.

PMS inks – Choose from 11 standard ink colors, including black, white, reflex blue, process blue, red, green, orange, yellow, burgundy, gray, or brown. Or, use our PMS color matching capabilities to select an ink that best aligns with your desired color scheme.

Reverse print – If you’re looking to create a design that displays the opposite background and foreground colors, go for the reverse print customization option available with strapping tape, or filament tape. Because it’s a specialty process, extra surcharges may apply.

Flood coat – Finally, select flood coat to achieve a look where the ink coats a larger surface area of the tape. Just like a reverse print, extra surcharges may apply when you choose this filament tape customization option. 

As we explored in this article, strapping tape, or filament tape, is an easy-to-use custom packaging tape designed to stand up to your most demanding strapping jobs. If you’re interested in learning more about filament tape or its customization