Buy Online UK Packaging Supplies

Packaging Tapes

An excellent variation of the adhesive tape that is making the lives of everyone easier since it came about is the packaging tape. It gives that extra comfort and assurance that the precious items sent to family, friends, or customers will arrive safely and intact. In addition, it provides a visual confirmation to the authenticity of the package.

Packaging tapes are sometimes referred to as box-sealing tape or parcel tape. Whatever it may be called, the basic purpose of this tape is to close carton or storage boxes in order to protect the items within while in transit or storage.

It should never be confused with the general purpose masking tape as it has a stronger adhesive and is manufactured in different types of material.

Packaging tapes started off with the attempt of Richard Drew, an American inventor, to create a tape coated with some form of adhesive. After a few years of working in 3M, he gave the world the first transparent cellophane adhesive tape or Sellotape in 1925. This was a big help to the people at the time of the Great Depression because faulty items that can be repaired by adhesive tapes were not thrown out anymore.

From a simple cellophane adhesive tape, it inevitably extended its use to packing, shipping, and storing goods. The blank surface of packaging tapes soon morphed into an effective branding tool for businesses and a form of self-expression for individuals.

Common Types of Packaging Tapes

There is a great variety of packaging tapes that are being offered by packaging suppliers in the market. The adhesive is coated onto different types of backing materials depending on the taping requirements.

The heavier the carton box is, the stronger the adhesive and the material of the packaging tape should be. Packages are typically subjected to rough handling while in transit. So another factor to think of is the shipping condition and duration that the package may be exposed to. Local shipping may not be as stressful to the package compared to overseas shipping.

The most affordable packaging tape is the Polypropylene Economy Adhesive Tape. If you have an extra budget for higher quality, the backing material made of Vinyl is a good choice. Businesses that are heavily into printing custom messages onto their packaging tapes are leaning more to Custom Printed Vinyl Adhesive Tape. It provides a superior print quality that radiates a professional vibe to customers.

For heavy duty packaging, a cross weave filament tape is a likely option. It is manufactured with reinforced glass fibres which can protect the package from possible ripping or tearing during shipping. This is ideal if you are after maximum protection and durability in rough environmental and handling conditions. Since the material is so strong, a sharp cutter or knife is required to cut it.

Aside from quality, packaging suppliers nowadays are also addressing the noise level produced by standard packaging tapes. For people who are sensitive to the whirring noise, a low noise packing tape is the alternative solution. With its low noise rolling capability, it can greatly reduce the noise disturbance in and around the packing area.

Although the materials vary, the sizes are standardised in the packing industry. This is in consideration of the tape dispenser gun that facilitates the sealing process. Carton boxes are initially available flat-packed so it does take considerable efforts to seal each one without a handy a tape gun dispenser. For ease of use, your dispenser should be
at equal size with the tape roll.

Packaging tapes come in a number of colours. Make sure that when purchasing a clear tape, the material is not known to turn yellow with age. Custom coloured messages are also readable if it blends properly with the colour of the tape. Boxes that are ready for shipping are sometimes colour coded using packaging tapes.

If a business is on a campaign to build customer trust, a reliable packaging tape has the power to significantly reduce product returns and customer turnover. Acknowledging this fact at the onset is a smart business strategy. To get a good idea on what specific packaging tapes are most suited to your shipping requirements, it is best to contact a good packaging supplier for a discussion.