Find the right tape with our interactive tape selection tool
3 min read 29 July 2026
The quickest way to find the right tape for packing boxes is our interactive tape selection tool. In just a few clicks, you can find the right tape for your operations and make your purchase from the RAJAPACK range.
How to choose the best tape for packing boxes
The right tape comes down to three things: the weight of the box, the conditions it travels through and the finish you want. Use our interactive tool below to find the tape you need for your operation.
Find the right tape for your business
What tape is right for your operation?
The right tape comes down to three things: the weight of the box, the conditions it travels through and the finish you want.
For light to medium boxes, standard polypropylene tape gives a reliable seal at a low cost per roll.
Heavy or double-walled cartons need a stronger tape for boxes, such as reinforced or filament, applied with the H-taping method.
Cold, damp or hot conditions change the answer: chilled and frozen despatch needs a freezer grade tape, while wet transit needs a waterproof tape that won’t peel.
For a recyclable seal, self-adhesive paper tape peels and sticks like any roll, while water-activated gummed tape bonds into the cardboard for a tamper-evident finish.
For e-commerce, custom printed tape adds a branded finish while still sealing the box.
Use the tape finder above to match a roll to your boxes, or browse the full range of packing tape at RAJAPACK.
FAQ: Choosing packing tape
What’s the best tape for moving boxes?
A strong reinforced polypropylene tape is the safest pick for moving boxes, applied with the H-taping method. It holds heavy cartons of books, crockery and tools without the seam splitting mid-lift.
What tape is waterproof?
Vinyl and cloth-backed tapes resist water well, and water-activated gummed paper tape bonds through the cardboard for a seal that holds in damp conditions. Standard polypropylene tape is water-resistant but can lift if the box gets soaked.
What tape is good for cardboard boxes?
Polypropylene tape is the go-to for cardboard boxes because it’s affordable, quick to apply and seals cleanly.
Is packing tape recyclable?
Paper and water-activated gummed tapes can be recycled with the cardboard box. Plastic tapes such as polypropylene and vinyl aren’t kerbside recyclable and should be removed before recycling the box.
How wide should packing tape be?
For most boxes, 48mm (2 inch) tape is the standard width and seals the majority of seams in one pass. Wider 50mm and 75mm rolls suit large or heavy cartons.
Why won’t my packing tape stick?
Tape usually fails because the box is dusty, damp or cold, or because the adhesive doesn’t suit the surface. Clean, dry board and a tape matched to the conditions fixes most sticking problems.
