Reducing noise levels in the workplace
3M™ 309 tape is a 28 micron 3M™ low noise tape with polypropylene backing for carton sealing in offices, customer-facing areas and shared environments where the noise of standard tape unwind is disruptive. The acrylic adhesive produces a quiet unwind, bonds well on recycled fibreboard, and is UV-stable. Available in brown and transparent, 50mm wide on 66m rolls, 76mm core. Requires a dispenser to cut. Shelf life is 18 months from manufacture.
Sold in packs of 36, priced per roll.
Where does 3M™ 309 tape work best?
This 3M™ low noise tape covers standard carton sealing under 20kg where reduced noise is the priority and the UV stability of acrylic adhesive adds confidence in exposed environments.
- Open-plan offices, call centres, retail back-of-house and customer-facing despatch areas where standard hot melt polypropylene alternatives unwind noise impacts the work environment.
- Lines sealing on recycled or variable-quality fibreboard; acrylic adhesive bonds reliably on porous and uncoated board surfaces without the immediate high-tack of hot melt rubber.
- UV-exposed staging areas and loading bays where the UV-stable acrylic adhesive maintains bond strength and appearance without yellowing.
- Operations standardised on the 3M™ Scotch® range that need a low noise option at 28 micron alongside the heavier grades for lighter-load cartons.
Not suitable for
How to use
Acrylic adhesive on a 28 micron film requires firm contact across the full seal length; the lower initial tack compared to hot melt means pressing properly matters more, especially on cartons that are loaded or moved quickly after sealing.
- Clean the surface: wipe dust and moisture from the carton flap; acrylic adhesive bonds well on clean board but contamination reduces effective contact area, particularly at the flap edge.
- Use a dispenser: load the 76mm core roll into a pistol grip tape dispenser.
- Apply with a 50mm overlap: seal across the closure seam with at least 50mm overlap onto each carton face, edge to edge without gaps or lifted sections.
- Press firmly along the full length: run a thumb or roller along the tape; acrylic builds full bond strength over the first minutes after contact, so firm initial pressure is especially important if cartons are moved immediately after sealing.
- Store correctly: store at 15–25°C, maximum 65% relative humidity. Shelf life is 18 months from manufacture.
Specifications
- Backing: polypropylene (BOPP)
- Adhesive: acrylic
- Film thickness: 28 micron
- Total thickness: 48 micron
- Width: 50mm
- Length per roll: 66m
- Core size: 76mm
- Weight capacity: <20kg
- UV resistance: yes
- Shelf life: 18 months from manufacture
- Storage: 15–25°C, max 65% relative humidity
- Colour options: brown, transparent
- Tearability: dispenser required
- Recyclability: not recyclable at kerbside
Choose the right tape
- Choose this 3M™ 309 low noise tape for quiet carton sealing under 20kg with UV-stable acrylic adhesive in noise-sensitive environments.
- Choose 3M Scotch 371 economy polypropylene tape, 28 micron at the same film weight when hot melt rubber adhesion and multiple width options are needed instead of quiet unwind.
Product FAQs
How does acrylic adhesive produce a quieter unwind than hot melt rubber?
Hot melt rubber adhesive has a higher peel resistance from the roll backing than acrylic; it’s that higher resistance that generates the characteristic noise when the tape unwinds at speed. Acrylic adhesive releases from the backing at lower force, producing a quieter unwind without reducing the final bond strength on the sealed carton.
Does 3M™ 309 tape work on recycled fibreboard?
Yes, acrylic adhesive bonds reliably on recycled and uncoated board, which is often more porous and irregular than virgin fibreboard. The existing product description specifically notes recycled fibreboard suitability; this is consistent with acrylic adhesive behaviour across porous surfaces.
Also useful
- Polypropylene tape: all grades from economy to reinforced filament covering a wide range of package weights, including RAJA and 3M™ Scotch® options.
- Cardboard boxes: robust corrugated cardboard, available in all grades, providing reliable protection across a variety of goods.
- Void fill: ensure the safety of products during transit with effective cushioning and protection.
