Polypropylene Tape

Polypropylene tape, also sold as polypropylene packing tape, is the plastic film tape most operations reach for when sealing cartons at volume. It is cost-effective, hand-tearable on the lighter grades and fast to apply with a dispenser, which makes it the default for general despatch and busy packing benches. The RAJAPACK range runs from economy to heavy duty, in brown and clear, with acrylic, hot melt and rubber adhesives to suit different cartons, temperatures and noise levels. We supply pack sizes for small businesses right up to large multi-site operations.

Pick a grade by carton weight first, then match the adhesive to your environment and the colour to your process. The sections below cover the decisions that change which roll you should order.

Polypropylene tape grades by carton weight

Film thickness, measured in microns, is the main indicator of strength. Heavier cartons and longer transit need a thicker film.

• 25 micron, economy: light cartons and low-volume post rooms, where cost per roll matters most.
• 28 micron, standard: the general-purpose workhorse for everyday carton sealing up to around 20kg.
• 32 micron, heavy duty: heavier and double-walled cartons, and loads up to around 30kg.
• 35 micron and above, industrial: the heaviest cartons, palletised loads and demanding transit.

For cartons over 30kg, film tape is the wrong tool: use a reinforced filament tape rated for the load. Treat stated weight limits as a guide and confirm the figure for a specific grade against the product data before you commit a heavy line to it.

Acrylic, hot melt and rubber adhesives

The adhesive matters as much as the film. There are three you will choose between.

• Water-based acrylic: the quietest option, with good resistance to UV and temperature change. It holds in cold conditions once applied, down to around minus 20°C, so it suits cold stores and chilled despatch. Most low noise grades use an acrylic adhesive.
• Hot melt synthetic rubber: high initial grab and strong adhesion for general carton sealing, at a competitive cost per roll.
• Natural rubber: strong instant tack, but it needs a warmer carton surface to apply cleanly. If your packing area runs cold, an acrylic grade is the safer choice.

Surface and temperature decide whether any tape holds: dusty, damp or very cold cartons will defeat it. If you seal in a cold or variable environment, confirm the working temperature range of the specific grade against the product data.

Choosing colour, noise level and strength

Brown or clear

Brown and clear polypropylene tape perform the same; the choice is about how the carton looks and how easily a seal can be checked. Clear blends into the carton and suits retail-facing despatch; brown gives a uniform finish over the seam. Both are stocked across the grade range. See brown packing tape and clear packing tape for the full selection in each.

Low noise

Standard tape is loud at two points: the adhesive snapping back as it unwinds and the blade cutting. Low noise grades use an acrylic adhesive that cuts the unwind noise, which matters in open-plan offices and customer-facing areas. Pair a low noise grade with a low noise dispenser for the quietest application. See the tape dispensers range for compatible tools.

Heavy duty

For heavier cartons, double-walled boxes and loads that take a knock in transit, a heavy duty grade gives the film strength and adhesion to hold the seal. See heavy duty packing tape for the strongest grades in the range.

Recycled and recyclable options

Recycled-content polypropylene grades are available where cutting virgin plastic is the priority. One thing to be clear on: polypropylene film tape needs specialist film recycling and cannot go in the kerbside paper stream, even on a cardboard carton. If recycling with the box is the goal, paper tape is the better fit. See paper tape for paper based alternatives or our eco packing tape for a full range of options. Confirm recycled-content percentages and any recyclability claim against product data before relying on them.

Applying polypropylene tape

A dispenser gives a cleaner cut, consistent tension and less waste than tearing by hand. A pistol grip suits general benches, a heavy duty metal dispenser stands up to high throughput, and machine grades on longer rolls feed case sealers on automated lines. For a strong seal on heavier cartons, run tape across the centre join and down both edges in an H pattern. For the full tape range, including paper, gummed, vinyl, masking and printed grades, see our full packing tape range.

Polypropylene tape FAQs

Is polypropylene tape recyclable?

It can be recycled through specialist film collection, but not in the kerbside paper stream with the carton. For tape that recycles with the cardboard, use paper or gummed tape or see our eco tape range. 

What thickness of polypropylene tape do I need?

28 micron covers most everyday carton sealing. Step up to 32 micron or heavier for cartons over 20kg, or for longer and rougher transit.

What is the difference between acrylic and hot melt adhesive?

Acrylic is quieter and holds better in cold and UV conditions; hot melt rubber gives higher initial grab for general use. Match the adhesive to your packing environment.

With seven grades covering every carton weight, adhesive type and noise requirement, the RAJAPACK polypropylene tape range is the standard for small businesses right up to large international despatch operations. All grades are stocked for next day delivery, with bulk discounts available on every product page.

For the full grade-by-grade comparison including adhesive types, roll lengths and operation-type recommendations, see our polypropylene tape buying guide. For bespoke advice on high-volume or non-standard applications, contact the RAJAPACK team or call 0800 542 44 28.