Many supplies are crucial toanecommerce business’s daily operations, including everything from packaging topaper forshipping labels. However, one subject that isn’t discussed often enough ispacking tape.
After all, ecommerce involves alot ofpackaging, which means tape will bearegular need.
However, there are several types ofpacking tape, each with its own practical applications.
So, which one isthebest ormost efficient foryour specific needs? Well, there isactually alot more topacking tape than one might think, which iswhy wehave compiled theguide below.
What istheBest Packing Tape?
The first question most people probably have is, what isthebest packing tape?
The answer tothis question can vary, asthebasic answer is, well, packing/shipping tape. However, there are plenty ofsubcategories forpacking tape, each with its own strengths andweaknesses.
Types ofPacking Tape
Let’s get into theindividual types ofpacking tapes andwhere each one shines.
Clear Packing Tape
Clear packing tape isthemost common form andareliable
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Also commonly known aspolypropylene tape, itisaffordable andversatile. Itoffers ample adhesion toseal upboxes andwithstand temperatures quite well.
Hot Melt Tape
For those looking for
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This tape isdesigned tohave anextremely strong adhesion tovarious surfaces. Itoffers aquick bond andeasier release compared toclear acrylic tape. However, itismore expensive.
Paper Packing Tape
Brown packing tape isanexcellent choice forease ofuse. Paper packing tape isdesigned tobetorn byhand foreasy opening when thepackage arrives.
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Despite this design, itisstill durable enough towithstand rips andtears during transit. Paper tape can bewritten onormarked easily, which can beanadvantage fornotifying carriers offragile products orother information.
PVC Tape
iscurrently considered aspecialty orpremium product. Itisnot currently utilized asmuch asother tapes, but itisincreasing inpopularity.
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PVC tape offers significant advantages, including flexibility, adhesion touneven surfaces, andhigh performance under extreme temperatures.
Custom Packing Tape
Agreat way forecommerce companies toseparate themselves from competitors isbyusing custom packing tape. There are multiple options forthis, but itcould include colored packing tape orbranded packing tape.
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Using tape that has thecompany’s name orbrand colors onitisaunique way tomake animpression oncustomers.
Type ofAdhesive
The type ofadhesive used onthetape isone ofthemost significant factors inits quality andusability. The three common adhesives are:
- Acrylic: Acrylic tapes tend tobeabit more expensive, but they are pretty resilient toextreme temperatures. This isacommon choice forplastic materials andpackages that remain inastorage warehouse forsome time. Acrylic can take longer tobond than other adhesives, but ittends tobelonger lasting.
- Solvent: Solvent adhesive thrives when used for
heavy-duty packages andinhigh humidity andtemperatures. - Hot melt: Asmentioned above, hot melt adhesive thrives in
heavy-duty situations, making itagood choice forheavy packages orlarger boxes. - Natural rubber: Natural rubber ishighly adhesive torough surfaces andrecycled carton material. Italso holds well incold temperatures, making itideal forrefrigerated orfreezer packaging.
Avoid Duct Tape!
Unfortunately, packing isone ofthefew places where duct tape isnot agood fit.
Compared toactual packing tape, itdoesn’t adhere tocardboard very well andwill tend topeel off. This could lead toproducts being exposed orcontents spilling out.
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Infact, many shipping companies will even reject packages sealed with duct tape.
Best Packing Tape Dispenser
Let’s take aquick look atthetypes ofpacking tape dispensers. They make thepackaging process somuch easier andfaster.
Base Tape Dispenser
Asthename implies, abase tape dispenser sits onabase similar tomasking tape dispensers.
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Itisthemost simple dispenser out there. Simply pull out thedesired length anduse theserrated lip tocut it.
Electric Tape Dispenser
Electric tape dispensers are similar tobase dispensers, except they dispense electronically.
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This ismuch easier than pulling thetape out manually, but they will also bemore expensive.
Handheld Tape Dispenser
The most efficient andbest tape dispenser isprobably thehandheld version. Itoffers theconvenience of
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Moreover, itismuch easier touse one ofthese when packing multiple boxes instead ofpulling out one piece oftape foreach box.
What Size ofTape Should You Use?
Another factor toconsider when choosing packing tape isthewidth ofit.
Most standard packing tapes will come in
The expanded width means more holding power tokeep boxes sealed shut, even over long transit.
Eco-Friendly Options
The boom inecommerce has produced more waste than ever from packaging andproducts, leading toenvironmental concerns.
Fortunately, there are plenty of
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Moreover, using these materials will help anecommerce business resonate with environmentally conscious customers.
Choosing theRight Tape
When itcomes tochoosing thesuitable tape foryour ecommerce needs, itisessential totake several factors into consideration.
Itwill come down towhether thepackage will see extended exposure toextreme temperatures, thesize andweight ofthepackage, andhow long itwill beinstorage.
Wehope this guide helps you tonavigate packing tapes better andfind one that suits your needs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What isthebest packing tape touse?
The best packing tape can vary depending ontheparticular circumstances ofthepackages. Standard packing tape isaversatile option formost packages.
However, packages that will beexposed tohigh temperatures orsit instorage locations forextended periods may dobetter with alternatives like hot melt or
How many options forpacking tape are there?
Several packing tape options, including clear, hot melt, andpaper packing tape, can work forecommerce purposes. Custom packing tape with branding orcolors can also beanexcellent choice formaking acustomer impression.
Can Iuse duct tape forpacking purposes?
Itiscommon tohear that duct tape isusable forvirtually anypurpose. However, itisnot recommended forshipping. Duct tape doesn’t stick very well tocardboard, which means itcan peel, andcontents may spill out. Many shipping companies .
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