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It\u2019s claimed that the average British household has\u202fover 200 cardboard boxes<\/a>\u202fdelivered every year, and the majority of them will have been sealed with tape.\u00a0<\/h2>\nBeing one of the staples of any warehouse, it\u2019ll be hard to find an operation that doesn\u2019t use tape at all in their packing process. But how much do we really know about it?\u00a0<\/p>\n
This blog will be exploring what packing tape is made from, the different types of tape and methods to apply it! We\u2019ll cover common questions about recyclability and help you decide the best tape for your business.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n<\/section>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/macfarlanepackaging.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/What-is-packing-tape-made-from_-.png\")
<\/figure>\nWhat is packing tape made from?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h2>\nGenerally, packing tape is composed of 2 to 3 main parts. Here\u2019s a short explanation of each:\u00a0<\/p>\n
\n- The backing or carrier<\/strong> \u2013 this the physical material tape is made from. In the case of packing tape, the backing is often made from polypropylene, vinyl or kraft paper. Other more technical types might have a backing or carrier made from other materials, such as crepe paper or even cloth.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n- The adhesive<\/strong> \u2013 this is the stuff that makes tape stick. There are several different adhesives used for parcel tape, including acrylic, solvent, hot melt and even water-activated adhesives.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n- The liner<\/strong> \u2013 when it comes to packing tape, a liner is sometimes used on some pressure sensitive or double-sided tapes. It stops layers of the backing material from sticking together.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
What are the different adhesive types used on packing tape?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h3>\nMost packing tape will use one of these four adhesives:\u00a0<\/p>\n
\n- Acrylic<\/strong> \u2013 water-based acrylic adhesive is the most popular and low-cost adhesive used on packing tape. It works in a wide range of ambient temperatures, up to 50\u00b0C. It has good resistance to discolouration and adhesive bonds it forms get stronger over time. Tapes with acrylic adhesive are primarily applied by hand.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n- Solvent <\/strong>\u2013 if you are looking for long-term strength, solvent-based adhesives could be great for you, as they can be stuck down with low pressure and form strong bonds. Solvent adhesives have excellent temperature tolerance, working at -4\u00b0C up to 65\u00b0C. It\u2019s the ideal choice for cold chain environments.\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n- Hot Melt<\/strong> \u2013 when heated, this synthetic resin becomes tacky which creates this adhesive. It is one of the strongest types of adhesive available. It has high initial tack, so is a good option when sealing at speed with electronic tape dispensers. It has a more limited temperature tolerance, so is suited to ambient packing environments.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n- Water Activated<\/strong> \u2013 this is a starch-based adhesive used on gummed paper tape. It needs to be moistened to activate the adhesive and it solidifies as it dries. It creates strong bonds with cardboard and can provide tamper evidence.\u00a0<\/li>\n
- ifferent kinds of tape dispensers & ways to <\/strong>apply packing tape<\/strong>\u00a0<\/li>\n
- Handheld tape dispensers or tape guns \u2013 If you\u2019re packing more than one box, you can use a handheld tape dispenser; it saves time by never losing the end! Designed for use with most self-adhesive tapes, handheld dispensers often have a built-in brake that adjust easily to accommodate varying unwinding speeds. Tape guns come in different sizes for packing tapes with different size cores, too.\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n
- Manual gummed paper tape dispensers<\/strong> \u2013 manual gummed paper tape dispensers are reliable and user-friendly. For example, our BP222 model has fifteen manually set lengths and is ideal for use where there is no convenient electrical power supply. Perfect for light to medium usage and compatible with either reinforced or non-reinforced water-activated tapes.\u00a0<\/li>\n
- Automated tape gummed paper tape dispensers<\/strong> \u2013 Moisten, cut, and deliver pre-programmed lengths of gummed paper tape. Ideal for medium to high usage.\u00a0<\/li>\n
- Automatic case sealers <\/strong>\u2013 for high-demand environments, a case sealer or in-line tape machine<\/a> is the ideal choice. As a box goes through a case sealer, they apply pressure sensitive tape to the box. They can seal up to 30 boxes per minute, depending on the model. You can also opt for a case sealer that uses glue rather than tape.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Different kinds of tape dispensers & ways to apply packing tape<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n- Handheld tape dispensers or tape guns \u2013 If you\u2019re packing more than one box, you can use a handheld tape dispenser; it saves time by never losing the end! Designed for use with most self-adhesive tapes, handheld dispensers often have a built-in brake that adjust easily to accommodate varying unwinding speeds. Tape guns come in different sizes for packing tapes with different size cores, too.\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n- Manual gummed paper tape dispensers<\/strong> \u2013 manual gummed paper tape dispensers are reliable and user-friendly. For example, our BP222 model has fifteen manually set lengths and is ideal for use where there is no convenient electrical power supply. Perfect for light to medium usage and compatible with either reinforced or non-reinforced water-activated tapes.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/figure>\nWhat is packing tape made from?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h2>\nGenerally, packing tape is composed of 2 to 3 main parts. Here\u2019s a short explanation of each:\u00a0<\/p>\n
\n- The backing or carrier<\/strong> \u2013 this the physical material tape is made from. In the case of packing tape, the backing is often made from polypropylene, vinyl or kraft paper. Other more technical types might have a backing or carrier made from other materials, such as crepe paper or even cloth.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n- The adhesive<\/strong> \u2013 this is the stuff that makes tape stick. There are several different adhesives used for parcel tape, including acrylic, solvent, hot melt and even water-activated adhesives.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n- The liner<\/strong> \u2013 when it comes to packing tape, a liner is sometimes used on some pressure sensitive or double-sided tapes. It stops layers of the backing material from sticking together.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
What are the different adhesive types used on packing tape?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h3>\nMost packing tape will use one of these four adhesives:\u00a0<\/p>\n
\n- Acrylic<\/strong> \u2013 water-based acrylic adhesive is the most popular and low-cost adhesive used on packing tape. It works in a wide range of ambient temperatures, up to 50\u00b0C. It has good resistance to discolouration and adhesive bonds it forms get stronger over time. Tapes with acrylic adhesive are primarily applied by hand.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n- Solvent <\/strong>\u2013 if you are looking for long-term strength, solvent-based adhesives could be great for you, as they can be stuck down with low pressure and form strong bonds. Solvent adhesives have excellent temperature tolerance, working at -4\u00b0C up to 65\u00b0C. It\u2019s the ideal choice for cold chain environments.\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n- Hot Melt<\/strong> \u2013 when heated, this synthetic resin becomes tacky which creates this adhesive. It is one of the strongest types of adhesive available. It has high initial tack, so is a good option when sealing at speed with electronic tape dispensers. It has a more limited temperature tolerance, so is suited to ambient packing environments.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n- Water Activated<\/strong> \u2013 this is a starch-based adhesive used on gummed paper tape. It needs to be moistened to activate the adhesive and it solidifies as it dries. It creates strong bonds with cardboard and can provide tamper evidence.\u00a0<\/li>\n
- ifferent kinds of tape dispensers & ways to <\/strong>apply packing tape<\/strong>\u00a0<\/li>\n
- Handheld tape dispensers or tape guns \u2013 If you\u2019re packing more than one box, you can use a handheld tape dispenser; it saves time by never losing the end! Designed for use with most self-adhesive tapes, handheld dispensers often have a built-in brake that adjust easily to accommodate varying unwinding speeds. Tape guns come in different sizes for packing tapes with different size cores, too.\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n
- Manual gummed paper tape dispensers<\/strong> \u2013 manual gummed paper tape dispensers are reliable and user-friendly. For example, our BP222 model has fifteen manually set lengths and is ideal for use where there is no convenient electrical power supply. Perfect for light to medium usage and compatible with either reinforced or non-reinforced water-activated tapes.\u00a0<\/li>\n
- Automated tape gummed paper tape dispensers<\/strong> \u2013 Moisten, cut, and deliver pre-programmed lengths of gummed paper tape. Ideal for medium to high usage.\u00a0<\/li>\n
- Automatic case sealers <\/strong>\u2013 for high-demand environments, a case sealer or in-line tape machine<\/a> is the ideal choice. As a box goes through a case sealer, they apply pressure sensitive tape to the box. They can seal up to 30 boxes per minute, depending on the model. You can also opt for a case sealer that uses glue rather than tape.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Different kinds of tape dispensers & ways to apply packing tape<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n- Handheld tape dispensers or tape guns \u2013 If you\u2019re packing more than one box, you can use a handheld tape dispenser; it saves time by never losing the end! Designed for use with most self-adhesive tapes, handheld dispensers often have a built-in brake that adjust easily to accommodate varying unwinding speeds. Tape guns come in different sizes for packing tapes with different size cores, too.\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n- Manual gummed paper tape dispensers<\/strong> \u2013 manual gummed paper tape dispensers are reliable and user-friendly. For example, our BP222 model has fifteen manually set lengths and is ideal for use where there is no convenient electrical power supply. Perfect for light to medium usage and compatible with either reinforced or non-reinforced water-activated tapes.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- \n
- The adhesive<\/strong> \u2013 this is the stuff that makes tape stick. There are several different adhesives used for parcel tape, including acrylic, solvent, hot melt and even water-activated adhesives.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- \n
- The liner<\/strong> \u2013 when it comes to packing tape, a liner is sometimes used on some pressure sensitive or double-sided tapes. It stops layers of the backing material from sticking together.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
What are the different adhesive types used on packing tape?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h3>\n
Most packing tape will use one of these four adhesives:\u00a0<\/p>\n
- \n
- Acrylic<\/strong> \u2013 water-based acrylic adhesive is the most popular and low-cost adhesive used on packing tape. It works in a wide range of ambient temperatures, up to 50\u00b0C. It has good resistance to discolouration and adhesive bonds it forms get stronger over time. Tapes with acrylic adhesive are primarily applied by hand.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- \n
- Solvent <\/strong>\u2013 if you are looking for long-term strength, solvent-based adhesives could be great for you, as they can be stuck down with low pressure and form strong bonds. Solvent adhesives have excellent temperature tolerance, working at -4\u00b0C up to 65\u00b0C. It\u2019s the ideal choice for cold chain environments.\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- \n
- Hot Melt<\/strong> \u2013 when heated, this synthetic resin becomes tacky which creates this adhesive. It is one of the strongest types of adhesive available. It has high initial tack, so is a good option when sealing at speed with electronic tape dispensers. It has a more limited temperature tolerance, so is suited to ambient packing environments.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- \n
- Water Activated<\/strong> \u2013 this is a starch-based adhesive used on gummed paper tape. It needs to be moistened to activate the adhesive and it solidifies as it dries. It creates strong bonds with cardboard and can provide tamper evidence.\u00a0<\/li>\n
- ifferent kinds of tape dispensers & ways to <\/strong>apply packing tape<\/strong>\u00a0<\/li>\n
- Handheld tape dispensers or tape guns \u2013 If you\u2019re packing more than one box, you can use a handheld tape dispenser; it saves time by never losing the end! Designed for use with most self-adhesive tapes, handheld dispensers often have a built-in brake that adjust easily to accommodate varying unwinding speeds. Tape guns come in different sizes for packing tapes with different size cores, too.\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n
- Manual gummed paper tape dispensers<\/strong> \u2013 manual gummed paper tape dispensers are reliable and user-friendly. For example, our BP222 model has fifteen manually set lengths and is ideal for use where there is no convenient electrical power supply. Perfect for light to medium usage and compatible with either reinforced or non-reinforced water-activated tapes.\u00a0<\/li>\n
- Automated tape gummed paper tape dispensers<\/strong> \u2013 Moisten, cut, and deliver pre-programmed lengths of gummed paper tape. Ideal for medium to high usage.\u00a0<\/li>\n
- Automatic case sealers <\/strong>\u2013 for high-demand environments, a case sealer or in-line tape machine<\/a> is the ideal choice. As a box goes through a case sealer, they apply pressure sensitive tape to the box. They can seal up to 30 boxes per minute, depending on the model. You can also opt for a case sealer that uses glue rather than tape.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Different kinds of tape dispensers & ways to apply packing tape<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h3>\n
- \n
- Handheld tape dispensers or tape guns \u2013 If you\u2019re packing more than one box, you can use a handheld tape dispenser; it saves time by never losing the end! Designed for use with most self-adhesive tapes, handheld dispensers often have a built-in brake that adjust easily to accommodate varying unwinding speeds. Tape guns come in different sizes for packing tapes with different size cores, too.\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- \n
- Manual gummed paper tape dispensers<\/strong> \u2013 manual gummed paper tape dispensers are reliable and user-friendly. For example, our BP222 model has fifteen manually set lengths and is ideal for use where there is no convenient electrical power supply. Perfect for light to medium usage and compatible with either reinforced or non-reinforced water-activated tapes.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- ifferent kinds of tape dispensers & ways to <\/strong>apply packing tape<\/strong>\u00a0<\/li>\n
- Water Activated<\/strong> \u2013 this is a starch-based adhesive used on gummed paper tape. It needs to be moistened to activate the adhesive and it solidifies as it dries. It creates strong bonds with cardboard and can provide tamper evidence.\u00a0<\/li>\n
- Hot Melt<\/strong> \u2013 when heated, this synthetic resin becomes tacky which creates this adhesive. It is one of the strongest types of adhesive available. It has high initial tack, so is a good option when sealing at speed with electronic tape dispensers. It has a more limited temperature tolerance, so is suited to ambient packing environments.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Solvent <\/strong>\u2013 if you are looking for long-term strength, solvent-based adhesives could be great for you, as they can be stuck down with low pressure and form strong bonds. Solvent adhesives have excellent temperature tolerance, working at -4\u00b0C up to 65\u00b0C. It\u2019s the ideal choice for cold chain environments.\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Acrylic<\/strong> \u2013 water-based acrylic adhesive is the most popular and low-cost adhesive used on packing tape. It works in a wide range of ambient temperatures, up to 50\u00b0C. It has good resistance to discolouration and adhesive bonds it forms get stronger over time. Tapes with acrylic adhesive are primarily applied by hand.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- The liner<\/strong> \u2013 when it comes to packing tape, a liner is sometimes used on some pressure sensitive or double-sided tapes. It stops layers of the backing material from sticking together.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/macfarlanepackaging.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Packing-Tape-Types-.png\")
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