How to choose the right tape for you?

Tape consists of two main components: a backing (typically film or paper) and an adhesive (also known as glue). The overall quality of the tape depends largely on the type and thickness of the backing used. Film thickness, measured in microns (1/1000 mm), plays a key role in the tape’s strength and durability. A thicker film provides a stronger hold and more reliable adhesion, making it suitable for a wide range of packaging applications.
By using the information in this buying guide, you’ll be able to choose the most suitable tape for your needs, ensuring dependable and long-lasting adhesion.

What are the different types of backing?

Polypropylene: PP

Strong and durable
Withstands harsh conditions
Perfect for heavy loads
Available in recycled materials

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Polyester: PET

Highly durable and long-lasting
Designed to withstand extreme conditions
Recommended for intensive use
Available in 85% recycled materials

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Paper

Paper
Natural
Resistant to temperature variations
Versatile
Can be printed on
Can be cut and torn by hand
Sustainable solution

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Gummed paper

Natural, strong, and reinforced
Unaffected by temperature changes
Perfect choice for heavy packages
An environmentally responsible solution

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Polyvinyl chloride: PVC (Vinyl)

Strong adhesion
Versatile and durable
Weather & moisture resistant
Removes cleanly without leaving a trace
Tears easily by hand

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What are the different types of adhesives?

Acrylic

High-performance adhesive for strong, long-lasting bonds
Crystal clear, easy to apply, and UV-resistant

Compatible backing: polypropylene

Natural rubber (solvent)

Provides strong, fast adhesion to securely seal your packaging
Perfect for products exposed to temperature or humidity changes

Compatible backing: PVC, paper, polypropylene

Synthetic rubber (hot melt)

Strong, instant adhesion
Easy to unwind from the roll
Provides a secure and reliable seal for your packaging.

Compatible backing: polypropylene, polyester, paper.

Vegetable glue

Made from potato starch and activated with water, it provides strong, instant, and tamper-proof adhesion

Compatible backing: Gummed paper

Our expert advice

When choosing the right adhesive, consider the following factors:

Box/package weight:
Make sure you know the weight of your box to help with transport and storage.
External quality of the box (cover):
Check the quality of the cover, such as whether it is made from pure kraft or recycled paper, as not all adhesives provide optimal adhesion on both surfaces.
Storage and transport conditions:
Keep your crate in optimal storage and transport conditions to protect both it and its contents.

Which tape is right for my needs?

Weight of the box
Box material and quality
Usage criteria (export and storage)
Application performance (adhesion and comfort)

Choosing an adhesive based on the weight of the box helps keep the packaging secure, protecting the products inside. This improves overall parcel efficiency, and reduces the risk of damage or loss. Using the right adhesive ensures a strong, and reliable seal, which is essential for safe transport and storage.

		<20kg	< 30 KG	> 30 KG
Paper	Standard
	Heavy duty
	Reinforced
Polypropylene	Standard
	Heavy duty
	Reinforced
Polypropylene low-noise	Standard
Polypropylene low-noise	Heavy duty
Polypropylene low-noise 80% recycled	Heavy duty
Polyester (PET) 85% recycled	Standard
PVC (Vinyl)	Standard
PVC (Vinyl)	Heavy duty
Gummed (WAT)	Standard
Gummed (WAT)	Reinforced

Choosing an adhesive that is compatible with the outer surface of your box, whether pure kraft or recycled board, is essential for strong, long-lasting adhesion. Using the right adhesive ensures a secure seal that's compatible with the box material, providing optimal protection during transport and storage.

		PURE KRAFT BOX	RECYCLED PAPER BOX (testliner)
Paper	Standard
	Heavy duty
	Reinforced
Polypropylene	Standard
	Heavy duty
	Reinforced
Polypropylene low-noise	Standard
Polypropylene low-noise	Heavy duty
Polypropylene low-noise 80% recycled	Heavy duty
Polyester (PET) 85% recycled	Standard
PVC (Vinyl)	Standard
PVC (Vinyl)	Heavy duty
Gummed (WAT)	Standard
Gummed (WAT)	Reinforced

Choosing an adhesive based on how it will be used, such as for export, exposure to moisture or UV rays, low-temperature storage, or long-term storage before and after packing, is essential to maintaining packaging integrity. The right adhesive keeps the carton securely closed and strong, even in challenging conditions. This helps protect the contents, reducing the risk of damage and ensuring safe transport and storage. Selecting an adhesive designed to withstand demanding environments improves the durability and reliability of your packaging.

	Paper			Polypropylene			Polypropylene low-noise		Polypropylene low-noise 80% recycled	Polyester (PET) 85% recycled	PVC (vinyl)		Gummed (WAT)
	Standard	Heavy duty	Reinforced	Standard	Heavy duty	Reinforced	Standard	Heavy duty	Heavy duty	Standard	Standard	Heavy duty	Standard	Reinforced

EXPORT
Hot environment (>25°C)
Cold environment (<10°C)

ONCE APPLIED
Exposure to high humidity levels
UV exposure
Low temperature storage
Long-term storage

BEFORE USE
Storage period	6 months	6 months	6 months	6 months	12 months	12 months	12 months	12 months	12 months	6 months	12 months	9 months	6 months	6 months

Storage conditions: best practice
We recommend storing your tapes for no more than 6 months, or up to 12 months for acrylic adhesives, depending on the product, so please check the product information when purchasing. They should be stored at temperatures between 18°C and 21°C, with a maximum humidity of 65%.
If these conditions cannot be met, place the adhesives in a heated room for 24 hours before use.

Choosing an adhesive based on its bonding strength and ease of application is key to achieving reliable results. Strong adhesion provides a secure, long-lasting seal that helps protect your products. The ease of application also supports everyday use, making the packing process quicker and more efficient. Selecting a high-quality adhesive ensures both safety and practicality, reducing the risk of damage and improving transport and storage operations.

		ADHESION	EASE OF APPLICATION
Paper	Standard	Strong fast bond	Tears easily by hand and can be written on.
	Heavy duty	Strong fast bond
	Reinforced	Strong and instant tack
Polypropylene	Standard	Strong and instant tack	Instant peel, and effortless application
	Heavy duty	Strong and instant tack
	Reinforced	Strong and long-lasting
Polypropylene low-noise	Standard	Strengthens over time and long-lasting	Smooth operation and silent application.
Polypropylene low-noise	Heavy duty	Strengthens over time and long-lasting	Smooth operation and silent application.
Polypropylene low-noise 80% recycled	Heavy duty	Strengthens over time and long-lasting	Smooth operation and silent application.
Polyester (PET) 85% recycled	Standard	Strong and instant tack	Firm unfolding. Long length.
PVC (vinyl)	Standard	Strong fast bond	Smooth operation and silent application.
PVC (vinyl)	Heavy duty	Strong fast bond	Smooth operation and silent application.
Gummed (WAT)	Standard	Strong, instant and reliable	Effortless wetting, and seamless adhesion.
Gummed (WAT)	Reinforced	Strong, instant and reliable	Effortless wetting, and seamless adhesion.

Why customise your tapes?

Customising your tapes transforms ordinary packaging into a powerful branding tool. By showcasing your logo, colours, and core messages or values, you enhance your brand image and create a memorable experience for your customers with every order. It's a simple yet effective way to stand out in a competitive market.
You'll get personalised support to design packaging that perfectly meets your needs. From concept to production, we help bring your ideas to life with fully tailor-made solutions.

Tel : 0800 630 06 21 specials@rajapack.co.uk

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Which tape applicator should you use to apply your adhesives correctly?

Why the right dispenser matters

Efficiency: Using the right dispenser for sealing cartons is essential for efficiency, accuracy, and long-lasting results. A heavy duty tape gun dispenser is durable and shock-resistant, making it ideal for industrial environments and demanding workflows.
Reduced fatigue: For faster, more consistent application, an auto tape dispenser delivers precise lengths every time, reducing strain and fatigue and improving productivity.
Improved results: Selecting the correct dispenser ensures every parcel is sealed securely while keeping your workflow smooth and professional.

Tape dispensers

Discover our wide range of dispensers: pistol grip, noise-reducing dispensers, wider dispensers, options for intensive use, and heavy-duty dispensers.

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Gummed tape (WAT) dispenser

The dispenser, whether electronic or manual, moistens the tape, activating its water-based adhesive to ensure it sticks securely to cartons during sealing.

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