What Are The Different Types of Packing Tape?

By: Better Packages on January 1st, 1970

There are two primary types of packing tape that are used to seal cartons: plastic pressure-sensitive tape and paper water-activated tape. Each has different physical properties, methods of application, appearance, and performance. It is important that companies go beyond simple decision drivers like cost and availability, and consider how these attributes can impact their operations.

Plastic Pressure-Sensitive Tape

Plastic pressure-sensitive tape (PST) is what is referred to as a “surface mount” type of tape.

This carton sealing tape is manufactured by applying a dry adhesive to a plastic film. Both the adhesive, which can have many different strength formulations, and the film, which comes in a variety of widths, are petroleum-based materials.

Pressure-sensitive tape is generally applied with a hand-held “tape gun.” The pressure applied after the tape is dispensed, typically with the fingers or palm as a follow up, causes the tape to adhere to the surface of the carton.

Plastic pressure-sensitive tape can be further divided into moving tape and shipping tape or packaging tape.

Moving Tape

Moving tape generally does not have to be as strong or adhere as well as shipping tape for a few reasons. First, cartons used in a move from one location to another tend to be handled fewer times than product shipments – potentially just being carried onto a moving truck at the point of origin and off the truck at the destination – so the tape has to endure less stress.

Second, there is minimal risk of theft during a move, as cartons tend to be in the care of the same crew from start to finish. And finally, the person who receives the carton is often the one who sealed it. Consequently, there are not many negative repercussions if the condition of the seal is not optimal on arrival.

Shipping Tape

Shipping tape, on the other hand, is often thicker and has a stickier adhesive. Cartons are likely in the distribution network for much longer and handled many more times between their origin and destination, subjecting them to significant stress.

They also tend to be handled by many people, increasing the risk of theft. And, in this scenario, the person who receives the shipment (often a customer) tends to have elevated expectations about the condition of the seal on arrival.

Paper Water-Activated Tape

Paper water-activated tape (WAT) is typically made of white or tan (Kraft) paper with a starch-based adhesive. It comes in a variety of widths and thicknesses.

Also called gummed paper tape, gum tape, Kraft paper tape, paper packing tape, or brown paper tape, water-activated tape is applied using a manual or electric paper tape dispenser that cuts the tape to the desired length and automatically applies the appropriate amount of water to activate the adhesive. When the tape is applied to a carton, the adhesive penetrates the surface, forming a permanent bond.

If you’ve ever tried to remove gummed paper tape from a box, you probably struggled and quickly learned that the correct approach is to cut it at the point where the flaps come together, especially if you intend to reuse the carton.

For more demanding jobs, paper packing tape can contain fiberglass filaments. This reinforced packing tape is even stronger than standard paper tape, which is already exceptionally strong.