What Type of Box Sealing Tape Should I Use?
What Type of Box Sealing Tape Should I Use?
When it comes to packaging, box sealing tape might seem like a small detail—but it plays a huge role in protecting your product and keeping your operation efficient. The right tape ensures your boxes stay secure through storage, shipping, and even extreme conditions. But with so many tape types out there, how do you choose the best one for your needs?
This quick guide breaks down the main tape options, factors to consider, and answers to common questions so you can tape up your packages with confidence.
What Are the Different Types of Box Sealing Tape?
- Polypropylene Tape
This is the most common box sealing tape on the market. It’s cost-effective and works well for general-purpose sealing.
- Thicknesses: Vary from light-duty to heavy-duty grades. Thicker tape offers more durability for heavier boxes.
- Widths: Wider tape provides more holding power and stability. Thinner tape can work well for lightweight boxes but might not hold up for heavier loads.
- Adhesives: Polypropylene tapes typically use acrylic or hot melt adhesives.
- Polyester Tape
Polyester tape offers much higher resistance to tears and punctures than polypropylene.
- Pros: Excellent for heavy or sharp-edged contents.
- Cons: Harder to apply with a machine and comes at a much higher cost.
- Paper Tape
An eco-friendly option that’s becoming more popular, especially with sustainability in mind.
- Reinforced Paper Tape: Contains fiberglass threads for extra strength.
- Adhesive Options: Acrylic, hot melt, or water-activated adhesives.
- Benefits: Tamper-evident when water-activated, recyclable with corrugated boxes.
- Other Options
- Natural Rubber Adhesive Tape: Less common now but still used for specific applications because it performs well in cold temperatures and on recycled corrugate.
- Printed Tape: Almost any of these tapes can be custom printed in multiple colors to add branding or handling instructions.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Box Sealing Tape
Not all boxes—or shipping conditions—are the same. Here’s what to think about:
- Cost: Balance performance with your budget.
- Appearance: Printed tape can help with branding and customer experience.
- Durability: How strong does the seal need to be?
- Product Weight: Heavier boxes often need thicker or reinforced tape.
- Box Fill: If the box isn’t filled to the top, it’s more likely to crush—stronger tape helps.
- Storage Conditions: Will the box be refrigerated or frozen? You may need tape with specific adhesives that hold up in cold environments.
- Shipping: Will boxes be palletized or shipped as individual cases?
- Tamper Evidence: Water-activated tape or printed tape can show if a package has been opened.
- Application Method: Make sure your tape works with your taping machine or manual process.
Other Common Tape Questions
What is the shelf life of tape?
Most tapes last 1–2 years when stored properly—cool, dry, and away from direct sunlight.
How should I store my tape?
Keep it in a climate-controlled space to prevent the adhesive from drying out or becoming too tacky.
Why does my tape pop off the box?
This could be due to the wrong adhesive for your box material or conditions, over-tensioning during application, or dusty/dirty box surfaces.
What tape is best for freezers?
Natural rubber or certain hot melt adhesives perform well in cold temperatures.
What tape works best on recycled corrugated?
Recycled corrugate can be harder for tape to stick to. Natural rubber adhesives or reinforced tapes often perform better.
Can I get my tape printed?
Yes! Many tape types can be custom printed in multiple colors for branding or special instructions.
Need Help Choosing the Right Tape?
Picking the best box sealing tape is more than just grabbing the cheapest roll off the shelf. It’s about protecting your product, your reputation, and your bottom line.
For help analyzing the best tape for your operation, reach out to a packaging professional at Ace Packaging Solutions. We’re here to help you sort through your options and find the tape that checks all the boxes—literally.