How to choose the packaging tape I need

Types of adhesive tapes

Adhesive tapes are an essential consumable in various industries and packaging is one of them. There are currently thousands of tapes that can be classified according to the material they are made of, the type of glue they contain or their different applications. The wide variety of characteristics they have - such as length, width, colors, resistance or durability - can complicate the task of choosing the most suitable one. At Controlpack we want to make your life easier by offering a clear and simple overview of types, features and advantages so that you can choose the one that best suits your needs. Let's take a closer look.

What types of adhesive tapes are there?

Although there are different types of tapes on the market, plastic and paper are the most common materials. Below, we show you the differences and particularities of each type:

Plastic adhesive tapes

This classification includes polypropylene and PVC tapes, the most common in box packaging. They are mainly characterized by their durability, resistance to breakage, low cost and versatility. They are compatible with all types of sealing machines, which means an increase in the speed and productivity of packaging processes.

The main difference between the two lies in the adhesion strength, with PVC being stronger and therefore more suitable for heavier packages.

Paper adhesive tapes

They are the most sustainable tapes we can find, as they are made of a natural material and some are fully recyclable, depending on the type of adhesive. Easy to handle, they can be cut by hand.

Kraft paper and gummed paper tapes used in the packaging of cardboard boxes facilitate their recycling, since they are made of the same material and do not need to be peeled off the box. They have a high level of adhesion, which makes them very convenient for use on packages with fragile objects, since they can be applied without exerting much pressure on the box. They also provide additional security against theft or unwanted tampering: if the tape is removed, the carton is torn.

Krepp or masking tape, also made of paper, is water resistant and is ideal for insulating smooth surfaces in tasks that require the use of paints.

Special tapes

In addition to those mentioned above, Controlpack has several special tapes that meet the specific needs of each sector and type of packaging:

• Reinforced adhesive tape: incorporates fiberglass filaments, which guarantees very high strength and durability. Recommended for very heavy packaging.
• Double-sided adhesive tape: with glue on both sides of the tape, it adheres perfectly to various surfaces and is resistant to temperature fluctuations.
• Duct tape: made of mesh, it is a tape with high strength, flexibility and adhesion. Suitable for repairing, holding, reinforcing and closing special packaging.
• Insulating tape: for the protection of sensitive materials such as pipes and cables.
• Safety: for marking and signaling risk areas.
• Strapping tape: one of the strongest tapes available. It is capable of supporting and stabilizing large loads.

Types of adhesive or glue

To find the most suitable tape, it is important to know the main types of glue applied to adhesive tapes: hot melt, acrylic and solvent.

Hot melt. It is a thermoplastic adhesive of synthetic origin. Perfect for hot gluing or in situations with high temperatures, it is economical and its adhesion is immediate, although it has a lower durability.

Acrylic. Water based synthetic type. It is characterized by its strong adhesion, durability at room temperature and resistance to UV rays. Some acrylic tape rolls have silent properties when unrolled, allowing the boxes to be closed without noise.

Solvent. It can be natural or synthetic. They are the highest quality adhesives, since the adhesion, strength and durability they offer are superior compared to the two previous ones, so they are highly recommended for packaging in transport or storage of long duration in which there may be large variations in temperature and humidity.

How to choose the packaging tape I need

In order to choose the most suitable packaging tape that guarantees quality packaging without negatively affecting our productivity and performance, we must keep in mind a number of aspects:

• Weight: first we will have to consider the weight of our load. It is not necessary to choose the most resistant or strongest tape that can cost more. The important thing is to choose the best for the type of packaging we have and thus avoid unnecessary expenses in material or cost.
• Transport or storage time: whether the goods are to be transported for a long or short period of time also influences the choice of packaging tape with a longer or shorter durability.
• Transport or storage conditions: temperature and humidity variations are important factors to take into account when choosing the tape with the most resistant adhesive to the different environmental conditions to which our merchandise may be exposed.

Printed adhesive tapes

One of the best ways to enhance our business and give a positive image is through an attractive and quality packaging with the customization of packaging tapes. At Controlpack we offer our customers the possibility of printing their company logo or identifying messages on our polypropylene and PVC adhesive tapes in all standard sizes.

If you want to know more about the adhesive tapes available at Controlpack, please contact us. A team of specialists will provide you with all the information you request about our packaging tapes and their applications along with the best packaging solutions. We are waiting for you!