Choosing the Right Packing Tape

When first glancing at packing tape ranges, it can seem like a simple decision. As long as it is sticky then you can’t go wrong, right? Well, it isn’t always this straightforward. Especially when you are under the pressure of operating a warehouse, you can’t afford to mess up ordering the incorrect materials. The wrong tape can result in damaged parcels or even worse, lost items as packages come undone during transit due to the tape used not being durable or strong enough to keep each flap of the boxes fastened together. There is a wide variety of different packing tapes which you will normally have to sift through online to realise which one will meet your and your warehouse’s needs. But now you can read this guide on each different tape and make an expert decision on which one suits you best.

If you are working with lighter loads there is no problem with going for the cheaper option when it comes to packing tape. Acrylic polypropylene tape is useful for standard packaging needs, it also lasts in a vast temperature range (between 0 and 65°C) and is stable in humid environments. This particular tape has excellent adhesion on several materials including cardboard, plastics, wood, metal, and glass, whilst having other credible factors such as having high resistance to discolouration, ageing, and weathering. Acrylic polypropylene tape is cost-effective for preparing bulk orders and perfect for general operations within the warehouse that will not tear as easily as the standard Sellotape.

The 3M Hotmelt Tape is durable between the temperatures of 3 and 50°C, if you need tape you know you can rely on when under constant stress during shipment, the hotmelt tape is the best choice for your warehouse. This type of tape has a stronger adhesion than other tapes such as acrylic or polypropylene tapes so, is a better option when it comes to dealing with heavier cartons. Hotmelt tape is also water-resistant, along with having the capability to be used in both cold and damp environments. 3M also have a Low Noise Tape available from Davpack, which will reduce noise pollution within the working environment, making it very useful if you know your warehouse has busy packing sectors. They have high split and tear resistance, making both the 3M hotmelt tape and low noise tape top picks for fast-paced storehouses dealing with heavy items.

Message tape is the must-have item for your company if it often sends out easily breakable products. It is better to be safe than sorry, especially when it comes to being concerned about how your stock is handled when out of your sight. Therefore, incorporating Fragile Message Tape into your warehouse’s packing techniques will help you not worry about items becoming damaged during transit due to them being easily identifiable as needing extra care.

Message tape still has the strong adhesion of keeping cardboard boxes assembled, alongside being able to securely stick to a range of other surfaces. Customised tape is also a great investment for any business as you can have any bespoke message or instruction printed for people handling the cartons to be aware of. If you want to print messages for your consumers when they receive them can also increase customer satisfaction and the reputation of your company, as it will make your brand stand out, add value to your products alongside, and make your customer feel special and appreciated when reading the message. Impress your consumer base today whilst still having reliable tape which secures all your packages with customised tape today!

Vinyl tape is a great addition to any warehouse when it comes to carton sealing and general packing duties, it has a strong adhesive strip and can help with staff productivity as it can be hand-torn, unlike polypropylene variants. This form of tape is also known to be longer lasting than acrylic tapes, so it is a win-win for both your items staying secure in their parcels, and for ease of use by your warehouse operatives. Vinyl tape can be used for items that have a lengthy shelf life and can handle heavy items kept in weaker boxes. If you are looking for a tape that will last significant periods whether in storage or shipment, look no further than this vinyl tape.

Self-Adhesive Kraft Tape is a great, environmentally friendly alternative to traditional acrylic or polypropylene tapes. This tape is a low-cost solvent and plastic-free tape which still upholds the same adhesive strength as polypropylene tape. Self-adhesive Kraft tape is biodegradable and can be recycled by both your warehouse when it transits between sites and by consumers. It will help improve both your environmental impact and your image to your consumer base. Being eco-friendly is a huge positive when individuals are choosing to buy from a company, so using recyclable materials will not only help with your profits but will also assist in attracting new customers. It is durable in a range of different temperatures and environments, whilst the colour blends into the box giving your cartons a smoother and more professional feel to them. Improve your environmental standing, and lower your carbon emissions and waste production by implementing eco-friendly alternatives in your warehouse.

If you are still unsure about how secure your packages will be on their pallets during transit, Polypropylene strapping is the best next step you can take to ensure that there is no movement from parcels when they are passed over to your couriers. Strapping helps keep all cartons in place, preventing heavier loads from falling and increasing ease of movement when loading pallets in preparation for shipment. It will keep all of your products safer, when in storage and out for delivery. Polypropylene strapping is worth spending extra money on in order to keep customers happy with their orders arriving at their houses with no signs of damage, as well as saving any wasted money on replacing lost or broken items. If you know your warehouse often deals with heavier loads, or have experienced movement during transit in the past, you should consider stocking up on strapping to prevent these risks.

Although the main function of any tape is to keep parcels and their contents securely sealed, you can now understand that there is more to tape than sticking things together. Certain circumstances require tapes that are specifically made for certain temperatures, shelf lives, and surfaces that the standard Sellotape cannot withstand. Certain tapes are now also made to be more environmentally friendly, which allows your business to lower its impact on the ecosystem while still having professional-looking boxes.