This guide explains which tape is best suited to a variety of uses, surfaces and environments to help you cut through the wide range of choice to the packing tape that’s best suited to your needs. Just read our guide to buying packing tapes below and you’ll be able to make an expert decision.
At A Glance
| Type | Surfaces It Sticks To | Choose When |
| Plastic | Virgin paper and polythene - most packing surfaces | You need an entry level tape to seal packages. |
| 3M | Recycled board, polythene – most packaging surfaces. | You want a premium packing tape that will cater for light-medium weight sealing duties. |
| Paper | A wide range of packaging surfaces. | You want an eco-friendly alternative to polypropylene tape that does not compromise on quality. |
| Printed | Most packaging surfaces. | You want to ensure your fragile items are handled appropriately during transit. |
| Reinforced | Sticks to most surfaces. | You need to secure heavy packages or create long lasting repairs and seals. |
Plastic Packing Tape
If you need your tape to stick to polythene or virgin paper (non-recycled) on light packages, there’s no harm in saving money by choosing a plastic packing tape or unbranded tape.
Top tip: Keep an eye on your usage levels. You may find you’re wrapping parcels with two or three times more tape just to feel confident they will stay stuck! If so, upgrading to a branded tape might be more economical.
3M Packing Tape
3M is a brand synonymous with quality, so if you are looking for a high-quality packing tape that won’t let you down, then look no further than 3M Tape. Perfect for everyday use for taping light to medium weight boxes, our 3M tapes bond to a variety of packaging surfaces, including recycled board and polythene. With 3 types of 3M tape to choose from, we are confident you will find one perfect for your needs.
- 3M 369 – this tape features a hotmelt adhesive that is water resistant and can be used in cold and damp environments.
- 3M 371 – this tape has a hotmelt rubber resin adhesive that will stick to any surface in any conditions.
- 3M 309 – a tape that features a low noise polypropylene adhesive that sticks to almost any surface in cold and damp conditions.
- Scotch 3739 - this tape has a hot melt adhesive that's great for medium-heavy weight boxes and performs well in standard shipping conditions.
- Scotch 3444 - features a natural rubber adhesive with good performance in damp and cold shipping and storage environments.
Paper Packing Tape
Paper Packing Tapes are a great eco-friendly alternative to traditional polypropylene tapes; offering a reliable seal without the environmental damage. It is important to note that there are two types of paper packing tape and each has its own benefits.
- Self Adhesive Paper Packing Tape – a low-cost, plastic free parcel tape that has a solvent self-adhesive backing that works in the same way as traditional polypropylene tape but without the plastic. Ideal for light to medium duty sealing tasks, this easy-tear paper tape offers a strong adhesion to a wide range of packaging surfaces.
- Gummed Paper Tape – if you are looking for a stronger, more reliable, permanent seal, then gummed paper tape is the packing tape for you. Featuring a gummed seal, this tape must first be activated with water to create a strong, tamper-evident adhesion that is ideal for medium-heavy duty tasks. With a high resistance to humidity and temperature, this tape is suitable for use in difficult conditions and busy warehouses. The most eco-friendly of them all, gummed paper tape is plastic free, biodegradable and can be recycled alongside the cardboard box – no need to separate!
Priory Elements EcoTape
Yes, these are technically paper tapes, but they deserve their own spotlight. They aren't regular old paper tapes, these are perfect for any eco conscious retailer looking to make their despatches a little more sustainable. Fully bidoegradable and recyclable, and are great for helping eliminate harmful plastic from your retail operation. So, what's so special about these? Well, 1% of each and every sale goes to environmental charities in need worldwide.
Fragile Tape
If you’re sending easily breakable items, have specific handling requirements or need your parcels to arrive urgently, then why not seal your consignments with Printed Packing Tape? We stock 4 different types of printed tape to suit your needs; ‘Fragile’, ‘Fragile’ low noise, ‘Urgent’ and ‘Knifeless Opening’ tape. All printed in a bold red and white, these tapes are the perfect addition to your packing operation. Tapes can also be printed bespoke with your message and graphics – contact us for more information.
Ask The Experts
We hope the above advice gives you all the help you need to choose the right type of packing tape for your needs. eCommerce despatch operations are our speciality so if you have any unanswered questions or require further assistance then please get in touch – we’ll be more than happy to help.