Reliable sealing for everyday packaging tasks
3M™ 371 tape is the economy grade in the 3M™ Scotch polypropylene range, for general carton sealing where the 3M™ product standard is required and cost per roll is a factor. The 28 micron BOPP film and hot melt rubber adhesive handle cartons under 20kg and bond firmly on contact with paper and board. 3M™ parcel tape is available in brown and transparent across two widths: 25mm and 48mm, on 66m, 100m and 132m length rolls. Tears by hand or runs from a dispenser. Shelf life is 18 months from manufacture.
Sold in packs, priced per roll.
Where does 3M 371 tape work best?
This 3M™ packing tape covers everyday carton sealing under 20kg where the 3M™ product specification and supply consistency matter, but the heavier film grades aren’t required for the load.
- General fulfilment, despatch and post-room sealing where a branded polypropylene backed tape is preferred over a lower-cost generic grade for consistent performance across a site.
- Operations requiring multiple widths from a single tape grade: 25mm for small bags or cartons and 48mm for standard sized cartons.
- Sites standardised on the 3M™ Scotch® range that need a lower-cost option alongside the 3739 heavy duty grade for lighter-load cartons.
Not suitable for
How to use
The 28 micron film of this 3M™ packing tape is the thinnest in the 3M™ Scotch® range; application technique follows the same principles as all hot melt rubber polypropylene offerings but full contact at the flap edge matters more at this film weight.
- Clean the surface: wipe dust and moisture from the carton flap; hot melt rubber adhesive grips on first contact and contamination reduces the usable bond area at the flap edge.
- Cut to length: the 28 micron BOPP cuts cleanly with the use of scissors at a sharp angle; a pistol grip dispenser with a 76mm core gives more consistent lengths on higher-volume lines.
- Apply across the seam: seal with at least 50mm overlap onto each carton face; at 28 micron film weight, precise flap-edge coverage is more important than on heavier grades.
- Press firmly along the full length: run a thumb or roller along the tape; partial contact at the flap edge is the most common cause of seal failure on lighter film tapes under transit load.
- Store correctly: store at 15–25°C, maximum 65% relative humidity. Shelf life is 18 months from manufacture.
Specifications
- Backing: polypropylene (BOPP)
- Adhesive: hot melt rubber
- Film thickness: 28 micron
- Width options: 25mm and 48mm
- Length per roll: 66m, 100m and 132m
- Core size: 76mm
- Weight capacity: <20kg
- UV resistance: no
- Shelf life: 18 months from manufacture
- Storage: 15–25°C, max 65% relative humidity
- Colour options: brown, transparent
- Tearability: dispenser
- Recyclability: not recyclable at kerbside
Choose the right tape
- Choose this 3M™ 371 tape for general carton sealing under 20kg where a 3M™Scotch® branded polypropylene tape is required and the economy grade is appropriate for the load.
- Choose 3M Scotch 3739 machine tape for automated case-sealing machines
- Choose 3M Scotch 309 low noise tape, 28 micron at the same film weight when quieter unwind and UV-stable acrylic adhesive are the priority.
Product FAQs
What makes the 3M™ 371 an economy tape if the film and adhesive are the same type as the 3739?
The 371 uses a thinner 28 micron film versus the 35 micron film on the 3739; thinner film uses less raw material per roll, which reduces cost. The hot melt rubber adhesive type is the same, but the lighter film has lower tensile strength and is more susceptible to splitting under heavy or rough loads, which is why the 371 is rated for lighter loads than the 3739.
Does 3M™ 371 tape work on recycled board?
Hot melt rubber adhesive grips well on recycled board on first contact. However, at 28 micron film thickness the tape is more susceptible to splitting along rough fibre edges than heavier grades; if recycled board cartons approach or exceed the weight capacity, the 35 micron 3M™ 3739 grade provides more reliable performance.
Also useful
- Polypropylene packaging tape range: all polypropylene tape grades including RAJA and 3M™ Scotch® options by micron and adhesive type.
- Cardboard boxes: robust corrugated cardboard, available in all grades, providing reliable protection across a variety of goods.
- Packaging tape and adhesives: full tape range including paper, gummed, masking and specialist grades.
- Void fill: ensure the safety of products during transit with effective cushioning and protection.
