An ecological alternative to vinyl
Fragile paper tape is a pressure-sensitive Kraft paper backed tape printed with FRAGILE in red text, for customer-facing parcels that need both a visible handling instruction and a recyclable, paper-backed seal in one. The 57gsm Kraft paper has a natural rubber adhesive that bonds on contact without water activation and allows for recycling with the carton at kerbside. Available in brown (48mm) and white (50mm) on 50m rolls, 76mm core, for cartons under 20kg between 10°C and 60°C.
Can be torn by hand or used with a dispenser. Sold in packs, priced per roll.
Where does RAJA fragile paper tape work best?
Paper fragile tape provides a handling instruction that should be used on cartons where the contents risk damage and you need the FRAGILE message to be visible to handlers.
- E-commerce despatch of fragile items (ceramics, glass, electronics) where the outer carton needs a clear handling instruction visible to couriers and recipients.
- Operations where packaging sustainability is a requirement: the tape and natural rubber adhesive recycle with the corrugated carton at kerbside.
- Operations that need FRAGILE Kraft tape to bond and seal in one application without switching to a water-activated dispenser or separate tape.
Not for
- Cartons over 20kg: the FRAGILE marking only acts as a printed warning, stronger tape is required for a secure seal on heavier loads, such as a reinforced gummed paper tape.
- Below 10°C: natural rubber adhesive loses tack in cold conditions; for chilled or cold-store despatch a specialist low-temperature tape is required.
- Tamper-evident sealing: paper fragile tape doesn't leave a permanent mark on removal; for shipments where proof of interference is required use the tamper evident solution instead.
- Automated logistics systems: the FRAGILE message is visible to human handlers only and isn't detected by automated parcel sorting systems.
How to use
The FRAGILE print is most effective when the tape is fully visible on the sealed carton face; position the tape so the text isn't obscured by overlapping flaps or address labels.
- Protect the contents first: Pack fragile items with adequate inner cushioning from our void fill range before sealing; this tape communicates a handling instruction to people; it doesn't absorb impact or prevent breakage.
- Clean and close the carton: Ensure flaps are fully closed and the board surface is dry before applying; natural rubber adhesive bonds on contact and holds well on dry board but loses grip on damp or dusty surfaces.
- Apply at 10°C or above: Natural rubber holds tack down to 10°C; applying in a cold room or on cartons from a chilled environment risks partial adhesion, so allow cartons to reach ambient temperature before sealing.
- Position for visibility: Apply the tape across the top closure seam and allow the FRAGILE text to run along the most visible face; consider applying a second strip to the side panel for multi-face visibility on larger cartons.
- Store correctly: Store at 15–25°C below 65% humidity; shelf life is 6 months from manufacture, so order on a rotation that avoids stock expiring before use.
Specifications
- Backing: Kraft paper, printed FRAGILE in red
- Adhesive: Natural rubber (pressure-sensitive, no water activation)
- Film thickness: 57gsm
- Width: 48mm/50mm
- Length per roll: 50m
- Core size: 76mm
- Min application temperature: 10°C
- Max application temperature: 60°C
- Weight capacity: <20kg
- UV resistance: No
- Shelf life: 6 months from manufacture
- Storage: 15–25°C, max 65% relative humidity
- Colour options: Brown (48mm), white (50mm)
- Tearability: Hand and dispenser
- Recyclability: 100% recyclable with corrugated carton in kerbside paper stream
Choose the right tape
- Choose this fragile paper tape when a pressure-sensitive FRAGILE tape that recycles with the carton is needed on parcels under 20kg from 10°C upward.
- Choose printed FRAGILE gummed paper tape when maximum handling instruction visibility on high-recycled-content board is required and a water-activated dispenser is available.
- Choose tamper evident tape when proof of interference in transit is required rather than a handling instruction.
Frequently asked questions
Does FRAGILE tape actually reduce breakage in transit?
No, FRAGILE tape is a handling instruction directed at human handlers. It doesn't absorb impact, prevent stacking or protect contents. Inner cushioning, such as bubble, foam or paper protective solutions, is what prevents breakage; the tape makes the instruction visible.
Is this eco fragile tape recyclable with the cardboard box?
Yes, the 57gsm Kraft paper backing and natural rubber adhesive are both paper-fibre compatible, so sealed cartons can go directly into the kerbside paper and cardboard stream without removing the tape first.
Will FRAGILE tape be noticed by courier or parcel sorting systems?
The FRAGILE message is visible to human handlers only; automated parcel sorting systems process packages by barcode, weight and dimension and don't read printed tape. For critical fragile shipments, declare fragile handling to the carrier at booking as well as marking the outer carton.
Why choose paper fragile tape over vinyl FRAGILE tape?
The paper backing and natural rubber adhesive recycle with the corrugated carton at kerbside, making it a sustainable switch; vinyl alternative isn't recyclable and cannot go into the cardboard recycling stream with the box.
Also useful
- Warning and printed tape range: all printed tape grades including gummed FRAGILE and tamper evident options.
- Bubble wrap: provides perfect cushioning and protection to keep goods safe during transit.
- Cardboard boxes: robust corrugated cardboard, available in all grades, providing reliable protection across a variety of goods.
