What Kind of Packaging Tape is Best for Shipping?

Packaging tape is a fundamental component in the shipping industry. Using the right packaging tape for shipping is crucial to preventing damage, loss, and pilferage of goods. When choosing the perfect shipping tape, some primary aspects that you should consider include the tape’s grade, quality, material, application substrate, and environmental considerations. Other key factors you should take into account are elongation percent at break, tensile strength, thickness, and adhesion. Tape is available in a wide variety of materials and can be applied manually or using a machine.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Packaging Tape

1. Grade

The grade of packaging tape refers to the thickness and strength of the adhesive material. When choosing the right tape, you should factor in the weight of the contents, package size, and the kind of shipping environment where it will be used. Lower-grade packaging tape is thinner and has weak tackiness, and should only be used for lightweight packages. High-grade packaging tape has a strong adhesive to provide maximum tensile strength and holding power that’s perfect for heavy-duty sealing. 

2. Tape Quality

The quality of packaging tape is critical to the safety of the goods being shipped. Excellent tape has good tensile strength and elongation percent at break. Quality tape is less likely to tear or break hence ensuring the safety of goods being shipped. Poor quality tape can cause serious and costly shipping setbacks. Always ensure that the tape you use maintains good adhesion, is easy to unwind, and delivers the right strength and durability during the shipping process.

3. Packaging Material or Substrate

This refers to the adhesion surface where the tape is applied. The material of the package you are sealing determines the kind of packaging tape you should use. For instance, the carton you are shipping in may be corrugated, waxed, or recycled. If it’s waxed or has a high content of recycled material, a polypropylene tape with acrylic adhesive is most suitable. On the other hand, polypropylene tape with hot melt adhesive is best suited for corrugated boxes. Remember, you can also design your unique custom packaging tape that’s tailored to your packaging needs.

4. Application Method

The mode of application determines the kind of tape you require and is also an important factor to consider when ordering custom tape. Will it be applied using an automatic case sealer, hand-held dispenser, or by hand? Manually applied tapes are easy to unwind and have great tack when applied to a surface. Tapes applied using an automated mechanism adhere to surfaces instantly. It’s important to note that polypropylene tape can be applied either by use of a hand-held dispenser or a machine, while PVC is only applied by a hand-held dispenser. Water-activated paper tape requires a paper tape dispenser.

What’s the best packaging tape for your specific needs? Tapes are designed for different purposes. As you decide on the best tape for your shipping requirements, remember it may need to stay in place for days or even months, withstand heat, humidity, and other extreme weather conditions. Long-term storage, rough handling, and impact are other aspects it may need hold up to.

Phoenix Tape and Supply is dedicated to supplying you with the best quality tape for your unique needs. We understand that choosing the wrong tape can result to a costly packaging disaster. This guide will help you make the right decision to avert a host packaging problems. Give us a call today for the best tape for your packaging needs.