Packaging Tape –Â The packaging is an indispensable element of the industrial sector. It is not only essential to produce quality products, but it is also equally important to pack them safely. Only then it will reach your customers safely and in the same quality as you made it for them.
As many recognise the need and importance of packaging supplies, they fail to give significance to packaging materials. There are a wide range of materials available for each type of a packaging element, and each one serves different purposes. Because of the difference in the manufacturing procedure and the materials used, the pricing also varies considerably. Many are inclined to choose something that costs less without considering their needs. Sadly, this may result in your product getting damaged when dispatching orders.
One of the most critical packaging item are packaging tapes. Choosing the right packaging tape is as important as choosing the right cardboard box. Because it if it not chosen right, it will make your items inside it vulnerable, and the boxes might open, leak or fall apart during transit, which would be a nightmare. It may cause adverse results such as frustration, loss of time, money and breakage of expensive items.
The packaging tapes are specifically designed to secure cardboard boxes to safeguard the items inside it. And there are different types of it available which vary in adhesives, materials and the activators. Also, remember that using the wrong tapes will result in your boxes being collapsed or unfolded when moved, this would waste a number of your working days. So make sure you do enough research about all the different types of tapes before you purchase one. Let’s see each one of them in detail.
What Are The Factors To Look Into Before Purchasing A Packaging Tape?
Adhesion
First, consider how well the tape will stick to the material you will have to secure. And also think, if it would be easy to reposition and reuse it. And it should also be able to withstand the extremes of temperature, as the packaged product may have to go through areas that would be too hot and places which has high humidity levels.
Ease of Use
The tapes you choose to use should be convenient for you to use. Hence, you need not have to waste your precious packing time from keeping the tape from splitting or rebonding with the roll.
Eco-friendly
As we are living a fast-paced world of technology, most of the things that humans use are harming our planet earth. To avoid doing your share in destroying the planet, you can use environmentally friendly packaging tapes. Most of the tapes are plastic-based, which means they are made from oil which is a non-renewable resource. Instead of these tapes, you can start using those which are made from either paper or cellulose. As both these materials come from trees, they are renewable sources and can also be recycled along with the cardboard boxes they are attached.
Strength
Considering the strength of the packaging tape is very important, as it will determine the weight of the box, it will support. Therefore, always remember to check the millimetre thickness and composition of its stickiness before you purchase one.
What Are Different Types Of Packaging Tapes Available?
Packing tapes are available in various styles for different purposes. It can be used to seal carton boxes, for water-activated adhesion, , for cold temperature adhesion, masking and many other purposes. Knowing the properties of each type will help you decide better.
Shipping tape
These tapes are the most commonly used type of packaging tape and are usually clear or brown. They are sturdy and are also cheap. Though shipping tapes are strong enough to seal cardboard boxes, they are easy to use and thin. Sellers generally use it on packages that will not undergo a lot of temperature variations and for short term uses like same-day delivery. Concerning its sticky nature and water-resistant properties, it could be a better option for usage on an average moving box. However, you cannot use it for hefty packages and if you are worried about theft.
Masking Tape
Masking tapes are thin and easily breakable tapes that are light brown and feels like paper. These are a specialised type of tapes and have a pressure-sensitive adhesive. So, these tapes can be quickly applied and removed with ease. Still, these tapes are weak and cannot be used on packaging materials that are of moderate and heavyweight. It can be better used to label boxes and on lightweight packages. And you can also use it to wrap items in bubble wrap or packing paper.
Filament or Strapping Tape
Manufacturers make stapping tapes by weaving glass filaments or fibreglass into a tape. The plastic liner is then reinforced to get added strength, durability, and flexibility and therefore, it is hard to rip and cut it. These tapes are more expensive but are an ideal choice to hold heavy boxes intact. Strapping tapes offers weight support from 100 to 400 pounds. These filament tapes will be perfect for containers that will be exposed to heat and cold during transit or storage.
Duct Tape
Duct tapes are the most versatile kind of tapes as they have rubber adhesives. These tapes are sturdier than a tree and a velcro that is dipped in glue. It is reinforced with cloth or plastic and is usually grey. Nevertheless, it is not very advisable to use these as a packing tape as they are hard to work with and makes unboxing a real bummer. Moreover, they are incredibly costly.
Gummed Paper Tape
These tapes have to be activated by water to create a strong bond with the boxes. You can do this with the help of a dispenser or sponge. These water-activated tapes strengthen the box and so can be used for heavy containers and long-term storage. And it can also withstand extremes of heat, cold or humidity. We can usually find these tapes on boxes that we receive from an online retailer. Yet, it is not suitable for cardboard boxes that have to travel for long distances.
