Warning and Fragile Tape

Keep Instructions Clear with Warning Printed Tape

Fragile tape, warning tape, and tamper evident tape are pre-printed carton sealing tapes that combine secure closure with either high-visibility handling instructions or interference detection in a single application. Also referred to as fragile packing tape, printed warning tape, security tape, and anti tamper tape, they are used in ecommerce fulfilment, distribution centres, export packing, and quality-controlled environments where standard clear sealing tape provides no handling or security signal. The RAJAPACK range covers pre-printed polypropylene fragile tape, vinyl fragile tape, recyclable paper fragile tape, tamper evident security tape, quarantine tape, and quality control printed tape.

Seven pre-printed and security tape options covering fragile handling, tamper evidence, quarantine marking, and quality control. RAJAPACK is Europe's No.1 packaging supplier, holding ISO 9001:2015 accreditation for consistent product quality and reliable supply. Bulk discounts available on all lines.

How to choose the right printed tape

Select by function first: fragile handling instruction, tamper evidence, or operational marking. Then select by backing material based on recyclability and carton weight.

Fragile handling instruction, standard cartons up to 20kg: Pre-printed polypropylene fragile tape (PDT01607). Hand-tearable, three message options, available in FRAGILE, FRAGILE DO NOT CRUSH, and CONTENTS CHECKED AND SECURITY SEALED. Does not provide tamper evidence.
Fragile handling instruction, recyclable packaging: Pre-printed paper fragile tape (PDT80578). 57gsm kraft paper, natural rubber adhesive, kerbside recyclable with the carton. For operations removing plastic from their despatch chain.
Fragile handling instruction, vinyl backing: Pre-printed vinyl fragile tape (PDT03590). 32 micron vinyl, moisture-resistant, hand-tearable, four message options. For environments with temperature variation or humidity.
Tamper evidence: Tamper evident security tape (PDT466583). Leaves a permanent VOID or OPENED message on the carton surface if removed. For high-value goods, confidential shipments, and regulated distribution environments where evidence of interference must be visible.
Quarantine and area marking: Quarantine tape. High-visibility printed tape for segregating areas, stock, or pallets. For warehouse management, quality holds, and hazard demarcation.
Quality control and workflow marking: Printed quality control tape. HOLD, REJECTED, and INSPECTED message options for line-side checks, returns triage, and controlled stock zones.

Fragile, warning, and tamper evident tape types

Pre-printed polypropylene fragile tape (PDT01607)

The standard fragile packing tape for ecommerce and despatch operations. White polypropylene film with red printed text, hand-tearable, rated for cartons up to 20kg. Three message options: FRAGILE, FRAGILE DO NOT CRUSH, and CONTENTS CHECKED AND SECURITY SEALED. Compatible with standard 76mm core pistol grip and bench dispensers. Provides a handling instruction only and does not leave a tamper-evident mark on removal.

Pre-printed paper fragile tape (PDT80578)

57gsm kraft paper fragile tape printed FRAGILE in red text. Natural rubber adhesive, hand-tearable, and kerbside recyclable with the corrugated carton in the paper stream. The recyclable alternative to polypropylene fragile tape for operations with a plastic-free or recyclability requirement. Rated for cartons up to 20kg.

Pre-printed vinyl fragile tape (PDT03590)

32 micron vinyl tape with red printed text on a white backing, hand-tearable and moisture-resistant. Four message options: FRAGILE, FRAGILE DO NOT CRUSH, GLASS HANDLE WITH CARE, and CONTENTS CHECKED AND SECURITY SEALED. For environments with humidity or temperature variation where polypropylene tape performance can be affected. Compatible with pistol grip and bench dispensers.

Tamper evident security tape (PDT466583)

80 micron polypropylene tape with acrylic adhesive that leaves a permanent VOID or OPENED message on the carton surface if the tape is removed. Available in red and blue. The correct choice for high-value goods, confidential documents, pharmaceuticals, and regulated distribution environments where visible evidence of interference is required. Temperature and UV resistant from -30°C to +80°C. Compatible with standard 76mm core pistol grip dispensers. Not for use as a general fragile tape: it provides tamper evidence, not a handling instruction.

Quarantine and warning printed tape

High-visibility printed tape for area segregation, stock quarantine, and hazard demarcation. Used across warehouse, manufacturing, and logistics environments to mark zones, separate rejected stock, and communicate access restrictions. Compatible with standard pistol grip dispensers.

Quality control printed tape

Pre-printed tape with HOLD, REJECTED, and INSPECTED message options for internal workflow management and production control. Applied at line-side checks, returns triage stations, and controlled stock zones to create a visible, consistent process signal without additional labels or paperwork.

Fragile tape vs tamper evident tape: what is the difference?

Fragile tape provides a high-visibility handling instruction. It tells handlers how to treat the parcel but does not detect or record interference. If fragile tape is removed and reapplied, there is no visible evidence of access.

Tamper evident tape is designed to reveal interference. If removed, it leaves a permanent VOID or OPENED message on the carton surface that cannot be concealed. It provides access control and chain of custody evidence, not a handling instruction.

For operations needing both a fragile instruction and tamper evidence, use fragile tape on the top seam and tamper evident tape on side seams, or use a gummed paper tape which inherently damages the board surface visibly on removal.

Frequently asked questions

What is fragile tape?

Fragile tape is a pre-printed carton sealing tape that carries a FRAGILE or HANDLE WITH CARE message to alert handlers along the distribution chain. It replaces standard clear tape on the carton seam, applying both a seal and a handling instruction in a single operation. Available in polypropylene, vinyl, and paper backing in the RAJAPACK range. It does not provide tamper evidence.

What is tamper evident tape?

Tamper evident tape, also called security tape or anti tamper tape, is an adhesive tape designed to leave a permanent visible message on the substrate if it is removed. The RAJAPACK tamper evident security tape (PDT466583) leaves a VOID or OPENED message on the carton surface on removal, providing visible evidence of interference. It is used for high-value goods, pharmaceuticals, regulated distribution, and any application where proof of access is required.

What is the difference between fragile tape and a fragile label?

Fragile tape seals the carton and applies the handling instruction simultaneously, saving a step on the packing line. A fragile label is applied separately to an already-sealed carton and can be placed anywhere on the surface. Tape suits higher-volume packing lines where combining seal and label saves time; labels suit lower-volume operations or cartons already sealed with a different tape grade. Both are available in the RAJAPACK range: fragile tape under this category, fragile labels under handling labels.

Does fragile tape actually prevent breakages?

No. Fragile tape communicates a handling instruction but does not protect the contents. Breakage prevention requires appropriate inner protective packaging: void fill, foam, or cushioning matched to the product weight and fragility. Fragile tape reduces handling risk by increasing handler awareness; it does not replace adequate packing.

What is quarantine tape used for?

Quarantine tape is a high-visibility printed tape used to segregate areas, pallets, or stock from general warehouse flow. Common uses include marking hold zones for quality inspection, isolating damaged or rejected stock, demarcating hazard areas, and flagging non-conforming goods pending disposition. It is applied to racking, pallet wrap, floor areas, and carton stacks depending on the application.

Is fragile tape recyclable?

The pre-printed polypropylene fragile tape (PDT01607) and vinyl fragile tape (PDT03590) are not kerbside recyclable and must be removed before corrugated board recycling. The pre-printed paper fragile tape (PDT80578) is kerbside recyclable with the corrugated carton in the paper stream and does not need to be removed at sorting. For operations with a recyclability requirement, PDT80578 is the correct choice.

Can fragile tape be used without a dispenser?

Yes. The polypropylene (PDT01607), vinyl (PDT03590), and paper (PDT80578) fragile tape grades are all hand-tearable and can be applied without a dispenser. All are also compatible with standard 76mm core pistol grip and bench dispensers for higher-volume packing lines. The tamper evident security tape (PDT466583) is also compatible with standard 76mm core dispensers.

You might also need

Handling labels — fragile, handle with care, and hazard labels for cartons already sealed or where a tape solution is not required.
Gummed tape and dispensers — water-activated paper tape that inherently damages board fibres on removal, providing tamper evidence alongside full recyclability.
Protective packaging — void fill, foam, and cushioning to protect fragile contents in transit; fragile tape alone does not prevent breakage.
Packaging tape and adhesives — full category including polypropylene, paper, gummed, and industrial tape types.

Need help selecting the right printed or security tape for your operation? Contact the RAJAPACK team.