Packaging Tape

Does your small business need a trustworthy packaging tape manufacturer that can provide you with durable but affordable supplies? Search no more because enKo Products can help you reduce your expenses while ensuring that you get the best packing tape in the market!

We offer packaging tape at wholesale prices which will benefit small businesses that are just starting to make a name in their respective industry. Thus, allowing you to save more for other important aspects of your business without worrying about your packages’ safety. Do you want more discounts? Become a member by signing up here to get up to 10% off on our products including easy payment modes and free shipping.

Whether you are looking for heavy-duty packaging tape clear or packaging tape brown for moving, bundling shipments, fixing boxes, and others, enKo Products has the best supplies for you! From low to high-volume applications, our packaging tape for manufacturing can help you secure your bundles in a cost-effective manner.

With a 2.0-Mil thickness, our packing tapes can hold up to 35-pound carton weights. They are also ideal for sealing or closing corrugated fiberboard boxes effectively to avoid any damage to your bundles. Know more about high-performance packaging supplies that we can offer you at budget-friendly prices by contacting us!

Packing tapes, also known as packaging tapes, shipping tapes or box tapes, are important for securing your items along with other packaging and shipping supplies to keep them safe during storage or transport. 

Packaging tapes are pressure-sensitive tapes used in various packaging, shipping, and moving applications to prevent loosening, tearing, breaking, or bursting. They are available in a wide range of widths, lengths, thicknesses, colors, and other special features like weather-resistant, temperature-resistant, and abrasion-resistant. The most popular widths are 2-3 inches made from polyester or polypropylene backing.

 

As we have mentioned earlier, packaging tapes are extensively used in shipping and mailing applications including product sealing, merchandising, and labeling. They are used to secure boxes when transporting goods or moving either for office or home applications by sealing box seams. Not only that but packing tapes are also used to seal bottle caps as well as tamper-proofing food and pill containers.

Other uses include bundling items with similar shapes into a larger but more manageable package and enclosing items for protection. They are also great ways to avoid package tampering as well as attempts to cover the original seal by providing visual indications.

Pros

Cons

Durable Strong adhesion level for efficient sealing Comes in various colors Safe to use (minimal safety risks) Can be used by anyone (no required technical skill) You can use it without any equipment unless you’re going to use it with a tape gun or tape dispensers Cheap and can be found anywhere compared to other packing tapes used for carton sealing

Improper storage (such us under exposure to sunlight) will cause it to degrade Cannot withstand extreme temperatures You need to use multiple tape strips for branded shipping boxes (this can is not appealing to see and hurts brand perception) Not good for textured and rough surfaces Won’t stick well on dusty or dirty surfaces Fixing or reloading tape can cause a bit of delay Can compromise seal integrity when punctured Loud to use

 

Shipping Tape vs Packing Tape

Both packing tape and shipping tape are called packaging tapes which is quite confusing but regardless of how similar they are, they have huge differences.

 

Shipping Tape	Packing Tape
Thinner and lighter It can withstand a lot of handling Not suitable for long-term storage applications Designed for taping up not-so-heavy boxes Ideal for shipping packages and mailing applications that may go through rough handling	Also known as storage or moving packaging tape Has a durable adhesive Can withstand humidity, heat, and cold for up to 10 years without loss of adhesion or cracking Most recommended for packing boxes and long-term storage applications

 

Adhesive Tape vs Hot Melt Adhesive: Which Is Best For Carton and Case Sealing?

Adhesive tapes and hot melt adhesive are the two most popular choices when it comes to carton and case sealing applications. But which is better between the two? Below are the pros and cons of each to guide businesses in choosing the ideal tape for their needs:

 

	Adhesive Tape	Hot Melt Adhesive
Description	Can be a nylon-reinforced filament or a pressure-sensitive plastic Its main adhesive is normally a polymer	It’s a synthetic resin that you need to heat for it to liquefy It is used with an applicator (handheld or automatic)
Uses	Ideal for low-volume applications and different box sizes	The most viable solution for large-volume carton and case sealing applications dealing with similar-sized boxes
Pros	Minimal safety risks Can handle different package sizes Complete flap seam seals for protection from the environment Lower operation and equipment purchase costs	Enables a smooth and professional seal Makes case opening easier without scissors or a knife Provides long-term bonds and stronger structure Ensures continuous operation Allows faster carton and case assembly More flexible application because it comes with different nozzle sizes and material options Affordable sealing material
Cons	Needs storage space Higher costs Time-consuming manual application process Inconsistent sealing appearance and quality Tape breakage risks Longer downtime because of frequent reloading	Requires trained operators Potential safety risks Operation costs can be higher More expensive equipment

 

Common Packing Tape Terms You Should Know

Knowing the common packaging terms can help you pick the right tape for your application to avoid wasting time and money as well as disrupt efficiency:

Tape Dimensions

#1 Width

This is the tape’s width on a roll. It is usually measured in inches or millimeters. 

#2 Length

This is the tape’s length on a roll. It is measured in feet, yards, or meters.

#3 Thickness

This distance between the tape adhesive and the carrier is expressed in mils or milli-inch.

#4 Core Size

The diameter of the tape’s inside roll.

Tape Features

#1 Peel Strength

The force required to separate 2 bonded surfaces.

#2 Tensile Strength

This is the force needed to break the tape. In other words, it is the load limit that a tape can withstand and is measured in pounds.

#3 Elongation

Elongation is how far you can stretch a tape before it will break and is expressed in percentage.

#4 Backing Material

The tape material where the adhesive sticks to. Common materials are polypropylene, cloth, and vinyl.

#5 Weather Resistance

Weather-resistant tapes can be used outdoors because they are resistant to environmental conditions such as water, heat, cold, light, and ultraviolet rays.

#6 Abrasion Resistance

This is a tape’s ruggedness and scratch resistance level.

#7 Temperature Resistance

This refers to how much heat you can expose a tape to without affecting its performance. Packaging tapes, though, don’t usually have temperature-resistant properties.

#8 Transparency

Transparent tapes allow light to pass through. A tape can only be considered transparent if you can read a 10-point text easily when you apply the tape directly over the text.

 

Types of Packaging Tape for Moving & Logistics

 

Below are the common adhesive and carriers for packaging tapes:

Adhesive Types

#1 Water-Activated

• Glue or starch adhesives on reinforced paper carriers
• You need to moisten the tape to initiate a bond
• It dries to harden the seal

#2 Silicone

• High flexibility degree
• Very high resistance to temperature (600°F).
• Some may require EB/UV radiation or ventilation to cure

#3 Rubber

• Highly flexible bonds
• Based on nitrile, polyisobutylene, butyl, or butadiene-styrene compounds

#4 Pressure-Sensitive

• Also known as contact adhesives
• The most common type of adhesive for electrical tapes
• Permanently and aggressively tacky under room temperature
• Can adhere firmly to various dissimilar surfaces in an instant
• Only require hand or finger pressure
• They don’t require heat, solvent, or water activations before they strongly adhere to metal, cement, wood, glass, plastic, or paper
• They are elastic and have a cohesive holding so you can still manipulate them by hand if you want to remove them from surfaces
• They don’t leave a residue

#5 Non-Adhesive

• They don’t have adhesives
• They are self-adhering
• They rely on friction to remain bonded

#6 Hot Melt or Heat-Activated

• They become tacky or sticky when heated
• They will become moldable but won’t melt
• Use supplemental heating to reposition, remove, or reuse them

#7 Acrylic

• Adequate resistance
• Requires no preparation
• They have a good peel and shear strength
• They reach their optimal adhesion once applied 

Carrier Types

#1 Silicone

• Solid, silicone backing
• Moisture-resistant, void-free, and tight electric insulation
• Optimal for stress cones and splicing

#2 Rubber

• Self-adhering
• Water-tight bonds
• High elastic deformation and thermal stability
• Chemically susceptible

#3 PVC/Vinyl

• Enhanced chemical and biological invulnerability
• More flexible workability
• Relatively cheap

#4 Polyimide

• Can maintain excellent electrical, chemical, mechanical, and physical properties

#5 Paper

• Weak construction
• Ideal for short-term packaging applications

#6 PET/Polyester

• Highly resistant to solvents
• Good clarity and aging characteristics

#7 Metal Foil

• High heat resistance and reflectivity
• Usually have lead, aluminum, or aluminum-reinforced backings

#8 Fluoropolymer

• Excellent chemical resistance
• Stain and water-resilient
• Prevents items from sticking to the carrier

#9 Glass/Fiberglass

• Reinforced with fiberglass or glass particles to improve heat resistance of up to 300° F

#10 Cloth

• Improved tensile strength, electrical resistance, and heat resistance

#11 Acrylic/Acrylate

• Good clarity
• UV stable

 

Other Tape Types And Their Applications

Here are other tape types you can choose from and their appropriate uses:

#1 Cellophane Tapes

• Commonly referred to as Scotch tapes
• The first clear, lightly sticky tape in the world
• Widely used for label-making, gift wrapping, sealing envelopes, holding light objects together, repairing torn paper, etc.

#2 Electrical Tapes

• Also referred to as insulation tapes
• Made from pressure-sensitive and non-conductive materials
• Primarily used for insulating and binding electrical wires
• Flexible and easy to reposition
• Not ideal for storage or moving
• Can be stretched and conform to irregularly shaped surfaces

#3 Masking Tapes

• Water-resistant
• Peels easily
• Tears effortlessly
• Great adherence
• Used in light-duty applications and not for sealing
• Applications include covering areas that shouldn’t be painted, labeling contents, quickly binding items inside boxes, taping paper to walls, etc.

#4 Duct Tapes

• Can create strong bonds
• Robust and versatile tape that you can easily tear by hand
• Can stick to any surface
• Durable and waterproof backing which make them ideal for all seasons
• Powerful industrial tapes that can be used in high-stake applications such as sealing military equipment to prevent water from entering
• Not ideal for moving and packing purposes because they can’t adhere to cardboard well
• The adhesive can become sticky when exposed to heat and become messy to remove
• Leaves a residue on surfaces

#5 Vinyl Tapes

• Also referred to as PVC adhesive tapes
• Available in various colors
• They don’t leave any residue
• They have great dead stretch
• Perfect for insulating PVCs, decoration, identification, color coding, and safety marking

#6 Double-Sided Tapes

• Also referred to as adhesive transfer or double-coated tapes
• Have adhesives on both sides
• Used to bond two lightweight surfaces or materials such as cardboard, plastic, and paper to walls
• Some of these tapes come with a removable liner on one side which you will remove when you use the tape

#7 Acid-Free Tapes

• Safe to be used on artwork and photos because they will not cause discoloration or leave marks
• Ideal for people who are sensitive to acid

#8 Gaffer’s Tapes

• Pressure-sensitive tapes made from cotton cloth and coated with strong adhesives
• Adhesive can be removed cleanly from surfaces and leaves little residue
• Commonly used for completing theater and stage tasks such as securing video cables and laying blocking markers in entertainment industries

#9 Foil Tapes

• Made using aluminum foil or copper foil carriers
• High thermal conductivity
• Strong chemical resistance
• Used for plating and shielding applications in aerospace and electronics industries

#10 Foam Tapes

• Usually made of polyethylene or other similar material
• High impact strength, ductile, heat resistant, and chemical resistant
• Both sides can be tacky
• Ideal for baffling, soundproofing, cushioning, sealing, gasketing, insulation, and weather-stripping

#11 Brown Paper Packaging Tapes

• You can tear it by hand
• Not waterproof
• Cannot withstand the trauma associated with handling and transport
• Ideal for light boxes weighing 30 pounds and below as well as quick moves
• Not ideal for long-term storage

#12 Gummed Paper Tapes

• Water-activated types of tape (you need to wet it with a sponge or dispenser)
• They create strong, permanent bonds that are hard to remove without scarring the container
• Ideal for long-term storage and heavy-duty applications because they can strengthen the boxes
• One layer is enough so less tape is used
• Excellent choices for extreme cold, heat, or humid conditions
• Available in crisscrossed filament reinforcements for enhanced strength

#13 Filament or Strapping Tapes

• Embedded fiberglass filaments for increased tape integrity and strength
• They come in various grades depending on the weight they can hold (100-380 pounds)
• Also available in bi-directional patterns (the fiberglass strands crisscross)
• Can withstand harsh transit conditions as well as cold and heat. 

#14 Sealing Tapes

• Common types include hot-melt, acrylic, and printable carton sealing tapes
• Used for bonding mating materials or surfaces
• Can also be used to pack cartons and seal or close slotted containers such as corrugated fiberboard boxes

 

What Are The Things to Consider When Choosing a Packaging Tape for Shipping?

Choosing the most suitable shipping tape for your application is not that simple as you think it is because there are a lot of things you need to consider. Whether it is for moving, shipping, logistics, and others, the tape you use will depend on whether your application is for short-term or long-term storage.

 

The Characteristics of the Packaging Tape

#1 Strength

Thicker does not always mean better. Not all thick tapes can keep your boxes sealed or withstand rough handling. However, the following will determine the amount of weight a tape can support:

• Tape thickness
• Composition of the backing material and adhesive
• Tensile strength

In relation to this, here are the tips you can follow in choosing the right tape thickness:

• Choose major packing tape brands like Scotch, U-Haul, Tape King, and Duck.
• Look for tapes with tensile strengths of at least 20 pounds.
• Use thicker tapes for heavy boxes while thinner tapes for lighter boxes.
• Common packaging tapes have thicknesses between 1.9 mil (thinner tapes) to 3.1 mil (heavy-duty tapes).
• Use 2-inch tapes for boxes with 15-inch widths or less.
• Use 3-inch tapes for 16-inch wide boxes, surfaces that are difficult to adhere to, overstuffed boxes, underfilled RSC boxes.

 

Below is a reference table for different box weights and dimensions:

 

Recommended Tape (mil)	Box Weight (lbs)	Box Length + Width + Height (Inches)
1.7 – 1.8	0-15	20
2.0	15-35	40
2.5 – 2.6	35-50	60
3.0	50-65	80
3.5	65-90	100

 

#2 Grade

This is how we describe a tape’s adhesive level and backing thickness. Low-grade tapes are thinner and have weaker tackiness which is ideal for lightweight boxes. High-grade tapes, on the other hand, are thicker and have stronger adhesives for maximum hold. This is perfect for heavy-duty sealing applications.

#3 Adhesion

How sticky a tape is will determine how long it can stay put. For moving applications, choose stickier tapes because they can handle heavy loads to keep your items safe especially for long-term storage. Below are some factors to consider for tape adhesives:

• Does the tape have a release coating that prevents the tape’s end from re-bonding with the roll?
• Will it withstand the humidity and temperature conditions in the storage location?
• Can you easily reposition the tape?
• How well can the tape bond to the surface material?

The best you can do is to do your own research on which tapes moving and shipping consultants prefer. After that, buy and test each tape to see which one can stick best to your packages and which can hold up in your storage unit.

#4 Noise

For busy packing workplaces, the difference between low-noise tapes and normal ones will be very noticeable. Noisy tapes can affect the hearing and working conditions of your operators. However, low-noise tape might offer less adhesion compared to standard tapes under certain conditions.

#5 Ease of use

There are some tapes that won’t come off easily from the tape roll without tearing, splitting, or slivering. This wastes product, money, and time by decreasing productivity. Choose tapes with release coatings for easier unwinding. You can also use handheld tape dispensers to make the process easier.

#6 Quality

Of, course, you should never neglect quality. Higher quality tapes are less prone to tearing and breakage so your processes can run smoothly without delays. Inconsistent tape quality causes setbacks both on your machines and workers and slows down your shipping and packaging systems.

 

The Nature of the Package

#1 Box Strength

Heavy board cartons have higher box flap strengths and exert more pressure on the seal. For these applications, choose tapes with stronger (higher shear strength) adhesives. Corrugated and rough boxes also usually have washboard surfaces that require a high tack adhesive.

#2 Adhesion Surface

The type of surface where you are going to apply the tape to is also important. Different materials require different tape types but the main idea is rougher surfaces where tape doesn’t adhere to easily will require stronger tapes. For instance, water-activated tapes would be great for recycled cartons.

#3 Package Features

Consider the following properties of your boxes when selecting the best packaging tape for your application:

• Package width
• Package length
• Package weight

You should note that heavier loads will cause more stress on the package and the tape seal. To make it short, you will need thicker and wider packing tapes for wider, longer, and heavier boxes.

#4 Properties of the Package Contents

The contents of the package also matter so consider the following:

• Value of the package contents
• Stability of the package contents

If you want to secure your valuable items, of course, it would make sense to use higher-quality tapes for safe delivery. Shifting contents causes stress on the seal so you will need to use a stronger and wider tape.

Below is a reference table of the recommended tape widths and thicknesses to use for different packages:

 

Recommended Tape	Package Properties
2-inch wide ~1.8 mil to ~2.2 mil thick	Light contents No sharp-edged contents Less than 30 inches box lengths Less than 22 inches box widths Small packages Not shifting and inexpensive contents (~1.8 mil is enough) Minimal shifting and moderately valuable contents (~2.2 mil) Less than 15 pounds packages (~1.8 mil is enough) 15 pounds to 40 pounds contents (~2.2 mil)
3-inch wide 3.1 mil	More than 30-inch box lengths Over 40 pounds packages Excessive shifting and expensive contents

 

Other Factors To Consider

#1 Environmental Factors

Shipping tapes and packaging tapes are affected by environmental factors like humidity, sunlight, and temperature which can impact the tape’s stickiness and the packaging’s integrity. Consider the conditions in which you will be storing or transporting the package to prevent damaging your products. Resealing faulty boxes will also be a waste of time if you fail to choose the right tape.

#2 Shipping Method

Boxes shipped individually are secured more carefully to prevent the negative effects of individual handling. On the other hand, boxes shipped on a pallet are usually shipped as unitized loads so there is less pressure on each carton.

#3 Polypropylene or PVC?

PVC and polypropylene tapes have a few differences but the key difference between these two is their strength. PVC tapes are stronger than Polypropylene tapes but this doesn’t mean that you should always choose stronger tapes because this can result in higher material costs as well as wasted material. Below is a short comparison between the two:

 

	Polypropylene Packaging Tapes	PVC Packaging Tapes
Sticking Power	Gentler Easy to remove adhesive	Strong sticking power
Finish	Glossier finish	Matte finish More professional-looking
Noisy vs. Quiet	Crackling noise	Quieter
Eco-Friendliness	More eco-friendly Releases safe water and carbon dioxide when burned	Made from chlorine Releases toxic chemicals when burned
Cutting	Tearable by hand	Requires a cutting tool
Cost	Less expensive Ideal for large-volume packaging	More expensive

 

To make it short, follow these tips:

• 0 – 25 pounds : use polypropylene tapes
• Over 25 pounds : use PVC tapes

Tips in Choosing a Packing Tape Supplier

To make sure that you transact with a reliable box tape supplier, below are the things you need to consider:

• Find a supplier that offers product warranties.
• They should have a responsive customer support team.
• Positive customer feedback is also important to ensure that you are dealing with a customer-centric supplier.

How To Use Packing Tape?

Here are helpful tips when using packaging tapes:

• Apply them to the joints or seams of your boxes in an “H” pattern to keep them safe during transport.
• Always seal your boxes with one tape strip.
• If you’re using 2 strips of a 2-inch tape, you can use a thicker tape instead like a 3-inch one to save money and time.

Tips When Using a Packaging Tape Machine

If you are using a packaging tape machine, below are the tips you can follow:

• Look for a manufacturer that can offer you longer product warranties like 2-4 years because this proves the manufacturer’s confidence in their products.
• Choose a supplier that also offers service and parts in case problems occur to reduce your downtime.
• Buy longer tape rolls to reduce material waste and labor costs while increasing your throughput.
• If you are frequently having problems with tapes or tape heads breaking, adjust the tension. Too much tension is the major cause of tape breakage issues.
• Most machines have various tape head options. Choose a bigger one like a 3-inch tape head because it can handle both 2- and 3-inch tape rolls, unlike a 2-inch tape head that can only handle 2-inch rolls.