3M performance you can trust – strong, secure sealing without the disruptive noise
3M 313 tape is a 40 micron polypropylene box sealing tape for warehouses sealing heavy outer cartons, offering high resistance to tearing and breakage where a standard hot melt grade splits under load. The acrylic adhesive bonds slowly under pressure and unwinds smoothly and silently without the high-pitched snap of synthetic rubber tape, holding cartons weighing up to 30kg. Available in brown and transparent, both measuring 48mm in width and 100m in roll length. 3M Scotch 313 carries 3M's branded specification and an 18 month shelf life from manufacture.
Sold in packs of 36. Priced per roll.
Where does 3M 313 box sealing tape work best?
It is the right choice for sealing heavier cartons up to 30kg where the loud unwinding of tape is disruptive to the working environment.
- Heavy outer cartons up to 30kg where a 28 or 32 micron tape risks splitting along the seal in transit.
- Environments where loud noise is disruptive and causes operator ear fatigue, such as offices, customer-facing areas, and packing bays.
- Despatch areas storing rolls outdoors or in unconditioned bays, the UV-stable acrylic does not yellow or lose tack on exposure.
Not suitable for
- Operations sealing cartons below 5°C, acrylic tack drops in cold and the rated application range is not supplied for this grade.
- Buyers under 100 cartons per shift on hand application, 3M 309 is the lighter and lower-cost option for cartons under 20kg.
- Recyclability focused business goals through the removal of plastic from packaging for despatch, switch to self-adhesive paper tape which is kerbside recyclable with the corrugated board.
How to use
Acrylic box sealing tape needs even pressure on a clean surface to develop full bond, applying it like hot melt tape gives a weaker seal that can lift in transit.
- Check the surface: wipe dust, packing foam, and condensation off the carton flaps before sealing. Acrylic bonds to fibres directly, anything in between reduces seal strength.
- Use a dispenser for volume: a pistol-grip dispenser applies pressure consistently along the strip and lets operators close cartons at speed. Hand application is workable for low volume but inconsistent at scale.
- Apply pressure along the full strip: run the dispenser brush or a gloved hand firmly along the tape immediately after application. The bond is slow-tack and continues to build over the first few minutes.
- Leave 12 hours before stacking heavy loads: bond strength continues to develop after application. Pallet-stacking immediately can lift the centre of the seal under load.
- Store rolls at 15 to 25°C: optimal storage is 15 to 25°C at maximum 65% humidity. Rolls left in cold or damp storage lose tack and can curl at the edges.
Specifications:
- Brand: 3M
- Backing: Polypropylene
- Adhesive: Acrylic
- Film thickness: 40 micron
- Total thickness: 65 micron
- Width: 48mm
- Length per roll: 100m
- Core size: 76mm
- Weight capacity: <30kg
- UV resistance: Yes
- Shelf life: 18 months from manufacture
- Storage: 15 to 25°C, maximum 65% humidity
- Tearability: Hand and dispenser
- Colour: Brown, transparent
Choose the right tape
Product FAQs
What is 3M 313 tape used for?
3M 313 tape is a heavy-duty box sealing tape for cartons up to 30kg with silent unwinding. The 40 micron polypropylene film and acrylic adhesive are specified for outer despatch cartons, palletised loads, and bulk export packaging where standard 28 micron grades risk splitting at the seal.
What is the difference between 3M 313 box sealing tape and 3M Scotch 309?
3M 313 box sealing tape is 40 micron and rated for cartons up to 30kg. 3M Scotch 309 is 28 micron and suits cartons under 20kg. Both use the same acrylic adhesive with silent unwinding; the difference is film thickness and load capacity.
Does 3M 313 tape need a dispenser?
3M 313 tape can be torn by hand, but a dispenser is recommended for any volume above occasional use. The acrylic adhesive bonds slowly under pressure, a dispenser applies that pressure consistently along the strip where hand application can leave weak spots that lift in transit.
Is 3M 313 tape recyclable with the carton?
No. The polypropylene backing on 3M 313 box sealing tape is not accepted in kerbside paper recycling streams and must go to specialist film collection. If kerbside recyclability with the corrugated carton is required, switch to a paper or a gummed alternative.
What carton weight can 3M 313 tape hold?
3M 313 tape is rated for cartons up to 30kg in a single-strip H-pattern application. A two-strip cross-pattern gives additional security on cartons above 50kg or where the load shifts in transit. Heavy export loads above 70kg typically need a reinforced tape with glass fibres rather than standard PP.
Also useful
- Polypropylene tape: all grades from economy to reinforced filament covering a wide range of package weights.
- Packaging labels: achieve everything from storage and successful item shipment with a comprehensive selection of labels.
- Triple wall cardboard boxes: thicker fluting on these cartons allows the handling of heavier goods, pairs perfectly with this stronger tape.
