Packaging Tape & Adhesives

How to choose the right packing tape

Start with these four factors, then choose a tape type below.

Packing tape types

Polypropylene tape 

Polyproperene film tape with hot melt or acrylic adhesive: the standard high-volume carton sealing tape, available in standard, low-noise, heavy duty, and recycled grades. For operations sealing cartons at speed where cost per roll and hand-tear convenience are the primary criteria.

Self-adhesive paper tape

Paper tape and Kraft paper tape with natural rubber adhesive, hand-tearable and kerbside recyclable with the corrugated carton, available in three weights from 57gsm to 125gsm reinforced. The recyclable alternative to polypropylene tape for operations removing plastic from their despatch chain.

Gummed tape and dispensers

Water-activated paper tape with starch-based adhesive that penetrates board fibres: inherently tamper-evident and 100% recyclable with the box. For operations prioritising tamper evidence, high-recycled-content corrugated board, or maximum seal integrity. Requires a water-activated dispenser.

Industrial and filament tape

Polypropylene tape reinforced with bi-directional or lengthways glass fibre filaments: untearable by hand, dispenser required, rated for cartons over 30kg. For heavy carton sealing, pallet stabilisation, export load reinforcement, and bundling where standard tape grades are insufficient.

Masking tape

Crepe paper tape with low-tack adhesive that removes cleanly from most surfaces within the specified time: not for carton sealing. For painting, surface masking, bundling, and temporary marking in facilities management and workshop environments.

Vinyl and coloured tape

PVC film tape in multiple colours, moisture-resistant and conformable to irregular surfaces. For colour coding, zone marking, floor marking, and carton sealing in environments with temperature variation or humidity.

Warning and printed tape

Pre-printed FRAGILE tape in polyproperane, vinyl, paper and gummed options, plus tamper evident security tape that leaves a permanent OPENED message on removal. For customer-facing parcels requiring visible handling instructions, and high-value or security-sensitive shipments.

Tape dispensers

Pistol grip, bench clamp, heavy duty metal, low-noise, and water-activated dispensers for all tape types stocked in the range. For operations where consistent cut length, faster application, or reduced tape waste is needed at the packing bench.

Double-sided and transfer tape

Double-sided polypropylene tape and clear adhesive discs for mounting, assembly, and bonding two surfaces. For display fitting, retail packaging assembly, and industrial bonding applications.

3M tape

3M Scotch-branded polypropylene, vinyl, filament, and double-sided tape grades for operations specifying 3M as a quality standard. For procurement requiring 3M brand specification on export documentation or quality management systems.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between polypropylene tape and paper tape?

Polypropylene tape is a plastic film tape: cost-effective, hand-tearable, and suited to high-volume carton sealing. Paper tape is kraft-backed and kerbside recyclable with the corrugated carton, removing plastic from the despatch chain. For grade-level comparisons, see the polypropylene tape and self-adhesive paper tape pages.

Which packing tape is recyclable?

Self-adhesive paper tape and gummed tape are both kerbside recyclable with the corrugated carton. Polypropylene tape requires specialist film recycling collection and cannot go in the paper stream. Filament, vinyl, and double-sided tapes are not recyclable with the carton.

What type of tape is best for heavy cartons over 30kg?

Our Heavy Duty Low Noise Polypropene Tape tape can seal cartons up to 35kg. Filament tape is the correct choice for cartons over 30kg as the glass fibre reinforcement makes it untearable by hand and rated for heavy loads and pallet stabilisation. See the industrial and filament tape range for specific grade options.

Is packing tape the same as parcel tape?

The terms are used interchangeably for standard polypropylene carton sealing tape. "Packing tape" is also used for the broader category including paper, gummed, and specialist grades. All types are available through the RAJA tape range.

What is the difference between self-adhesive tape and gummed tape?

Self-adhesive bonds on contact: peel and apply. Gummed requires water activation to release its starch-based adhesive, which then penetrates board fibres and creates a tamper-evident bond that cannot be removed without visible damage to the carton surface.

Does packing tape work in cold warehouses or refrigerated environments?

Natural rubber adhesive (standard polypropylene and paper tape grades) requires a minimum of 10°C at the carton surface. For cold chain or refrigerated environments, choose a grade with acrylic adhesive. See the individual tape type pages for confirmed minimum application temperatures.

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