Different Carton Sealing Tape Options

The four main types of carton sealing tape have advantages and disadvantages. Think about your needs as listed above and choose from these options to match.

Acrylic Tape:  This is among the more professional-looking types of packaging tape you can pick up. For this reason, you often find it in use as a branding tape to label boxes with what is inside or the seller’s identity.  It is also a bit of an “everyman” when it comes to packaging. It offers good adhesion on most surfaces, remaining even after prolonged UV exposure, so long as the surface is not too dusty or humid. It even works well on recycled cardboard and similar materials.

Acrylic tape does not work as well on heavyweight boxes or those prone to shifting during transport. As such, make sure to only use it on light- to medium-weight packages to prevent losses.

Hot Melt Tape:  This is one of the fastest tapes to apply, adhering fast to the surface on which you apply it. It is also one of the strongest tapes when adhering to a surface, although the strength of the tape itself depends on its construction.

Hot melt options are great when you need to ship very heavy packages, as they maintain their adhesion even with strong tension. This also helps when trying to secure boxes with too much in them for any reason, or if you expect them to face lengthy or stressful shipping conditions. Hot melt tape is also ideal for custom printing.  We would caution you, though, hot melt tape does not work as well as some of the other options when exposed to extreme temperatures. If you plan to ship or store items in the warmth or cold, this would not be the best choice.

Natural Rubber Tape:  Natural rubber is, as its name suggests, a little more malleable than many of the other options in this list. If you are packaging a container that does not adhere to standard shapes or sizes, using this tape will help you overcome its irregularities.  Natural rubber is also a good choice if you expect the shipment to pass through locations that are either very hot or cold. It can handle such environments without losing adhesion and even works well if the humidity reaches extremes. As such, it works well for chilled goods or a hot manufacturing environment.

Another benefit of natural rubber is its ability to adhere to less-clean surfaces. It will hold even when placed on dust or small amounts of dirt, whereas other tapes may fail.

Water-Activated Tape:  This tape is dry to the touch until water touches it, at which point the dry plant-based adhesive will become “activated.” When applied to its surface, it becomes tacky, thereby forming a firm, tamper-evident seal. As a paper tape, water-activated tape is ideal for printing your company logo, branding message, or QR code.

This is the best carton packaging tape when dealing with corrugated boxes or cartons that need to have a solid, secure seal. Water-activated tape bonds to the carton; acting as an added layer of package security. It works well in chilly locations, and as such, it will hold up in refrigeration, as well as hot, humid, and dusty environments. The seal will not be compromised, it will endure the elements.

For more information on these tapes call 813 242 6995 or sales@quickpakinc.com