Shipping & Packing Tape
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Whether you’re shipping a package across the country or just storing office supplies most boxes will require tape that adheres properly and offers a secure hold. Staples carries packing tape made from a variety of materials with different adhesives that work well for securing your items. Learn more about shipping and packaging tape below.
What Is Packing Tape?
Packing tape is a strong adhesive used to seal cardboard shipping boxes and other packages for transport. There are a variety of types of packing tape, including:
- Acrylic Tape - Provides immediate adhesion and strong tear resistance
- Laminate or Film Tape - Uses friction to adhere and is great for short-term use
- Cloth Tapes - This style is heat resistant and hard to tear
- Glass Packing Tape - Use this for boxes exposed to heat up to 300° Fahrenheit
- Vinyl and PVC Tape - These are strong and durable, making them great for packages that may experience chemical exposure or temperature changes
How Wide Is Packing Tape?
The width of the tape is actually a very important factor when it comes to sealing packages. Wide packaging tape is generally two to three inches and offers a good level of protection for packages that may experience a lot of movement while being shipped. You can likely use thinner shipping or packaging tape if you are working with a small package that has no gap between flaps.
Shipping Tape vs. Packing Tape
Although the terms are often used interchangeably, shipping tape is usually thinner than packing tape, but it still works great for boxes that aren’t super heavy. Packing tape should generally be able to handle long-term storage and varying temperatures and conditions without weakening its seal on the boxes.
Adhesive Types for Packing Tape
Packing tape comes with different types of adhesives that keep them secure on boxes and other materials. Acrylic adhesives provide a strong hold that remains sticky in hot and cold temperatures and during long-term storage. Gummed or water-activated adhesives require specific packaging tape dispensers that apply water during application. This type of tape offers instant sealing and can provide proof of tampering for added security. Tapes with hot-melt adhesives ensure a tight bond with corrugated materials for added protection during the shipping process. Look for adhesives made from rubber or silicone for increased flexibility when working with non-paper packaging or bundling products and materials.
How to Use Packing & Shipping Tape
Packing or shipping tape is easy to use in almost any situation. Simply peel back the beginning of the top layer, pull the tape the length you need and cut it where appropriate. One popular option is to place the tape in a packing tape dispenser to make sealing boxes quicker and easier. Hand-held dispensers are also great for quick applications. For warehouses and shipping facilities, there are convenient desk and table-top tape dispensers.
Why Can’t You Use Duct Tape on Packages Instead of Packing Tape?
Generally, adhesives like duct tape and masking tape will not create a strong enough seal to withstand the process of transport. These materials do not stick well to cardboard and are highly reactive to heat. If you are shipping an item, this could mean that your item will not make it to the destination or will arrive with issues. These tapes can also leave a glue residue on your package that makes it permanently sticky or unsightly.