We’ve compiled a rundown of all critical considerations in one handy place to help you make better choices regarding your materials.
Why is packing tape the perfect fit for your needs? That is an excellent question. When it comes to choosing a type of packing/packaging tape, there are several considerations to remember. Make the incorrect choice, and you might end up with a packaging nightmare.
Fortunately for you, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of all of those critical considerations in one handy spot so that you can make educated choices regarding your packaging materials.
There are several different types of packaging tape, and each has its own unique set of pros and cons. Here’s how to determine which is the best for mailing, shipping, or storing.
Packing Tape Categories
Packing tape comes in a variety of sizes. It is suitable for various applications, including carton-sealing, water-activated adhesion, cold temperature adhesion, strapping strength, and masking. According to Tape Jungle, the best packaging tape discussed in this article has universal properties that might help any consumer.
#1. Carton-Sealing Tape
The most often used method of packaging tape is carton-sealing tape. It is commonly utilized for people who operate in packing factories or moving businesses. However, it has been used by almost anyone who has transported or packed products. This tape is ideal if the packages are not exposed to extreme temperature changes.
If you want to use it on large shipments or are concerned about stealing, you might want to consider another form of packaging tape.
#2. Cold Temperature Tape
One issue with standard carton-sealing tape is that it can become useless at very low temperatures. Whether you reside in a cold environment or are relocating to one, or if the products will be processed or kept in a temperature-controlled area (including an ice cream van or freezer), you may need cold temperature tape.
This tape has the same adhesive as carton-sealing tape, but the adhesive is made specifically for cold temperatures. As you might assume, this tape isn’t ideal for incredibly hot temperatures.
#3. Water-Activated Tape
When you send goods around the country or hire movers to transport your belongings, protection is a primary concern. Without leaving a trace, it’s simple to strip and reapply carton sealing tape.
Try using water-activated tape to keep your things safe. When damp, this tape binds, attaches to cardboard, and forms a lock that must be cut or torn to remove. When the film is removed, there is proof of tampering.
#4. Strapping Tape
If the boxes are too tall to be safely sealed with standard carton tape, you can try strapping tape. Fiberglass or glass filaments are woven into this tape to reinforce the liner for increased longevity, power, and flexibility.
Strapping tape is much more costly than other types, but it safely seals heavy objects within containers.
#5. Masking Tape
Masking tape is a proprietary tape that features a pressure-sensitive adhesive that enables easy application and removal. The thin, tear-resistant paper filler is ideal for covering areas such as baseboards during painting.
You may still use masking tape to seal small items, but the thin adhesive would not hold up well to moderate to oversized packages.
Consider the Following When Selecting the Perfect Packing Tape
The adhesion ability of a tape defines how much it adheres to a surface which is a crucial element in determining how it can be used.
How heavy are the boxes you’re packing? How good must your tape be to serve its purpose? These are critical factors to remember since they affect the type of tape you require.
- Masking tape is the most vulnerable of the packaging tape styles, with the worst adhesion and liner thickness.
- Carton-sealing tape has excellent adhesion and is suitable for most light packaging items. Weighty contents, on the other hand, can put a strain on and potentially split this tape.
- When activated, the water-activated tape cannot be unstuck, making it ideal for containers containing heavy objects. Additionally, resilience deters robberies.
- The strapping tape has the same sturdy adhesive as carton sealing tape. However, the adhesive is much more durable, providing additional protection and longevity.
Transportation and Storage
Remember the transportation or storage requirements when selecting a packaging tape. While a fast move within the same city would not necessitate the use of long-lasting adhesive tape, you will want to ensure that it is durable enough to protect the most substantial packaged pieces.
Alternatively, holding a box for months at a time would be highly dependent on the adhesive’s durability. When the package is in long-term shipping, the liner’s power is irrelevant.
However, moving versus storing is not the only factor to remember. If you hire movers, you may want to protect your possessions from burglary by using water-activated tape. Always prefer cold-sealing tape whether you want to store containers or packaging year-round in frigid conditions or if you intend to relocate to a cold environment.
There are numerous other factors to remember, such as temperature, precipitation, and transporting the packages. For instance, packages on a boat may be exposed to high humidity levels. In comparison, those on a truck can experience shifts. When selecting packaging tape, always bear in mind the transport and storage requirements.
Quantity of Tape Required
Determine the quantity of tape you would need before beginning the process so that you do not get halfway through packaging and have to rush to the stores for more tape. Manufacturers of packing tape would often indicate the amount of tape used on a roll or bulk box. This can be quantified in two respects.
The first consideration is the tape’s width, which is usually between 0.5 and 4 inches. You must identify the width of the area where the tape would be spread to tie and seal the surfaces properly. The second factor is the roll’s length.
Rolls are usually measured in yards, although they may also be measured in feet or inches. Always be on the cautious side when estimating the quantity of tape you require; purchase more than you require to avoid running out halfway through. Overall, having additional tape in storage is never a bad idea.
Conclusion
We trust that this article has assisted you in determining how to select suitable packaging tape. Now that you have this information, you can use it to make the best packaging decisions possible.