With a huge array of carton sealing tapes available, it gets tough to choose the right one. Not only can the wrong choice cost you a lot of money but it can also be a very flustering process. These 8 amazing tips for choosing the right carton sealing tapes will help.
The best carton sealing tapes are Kraft paper tape and BOPP water-activated tape. They fit our checklist. Considering the following factors will help too.
- Environment
- Adhesion
- Eco-friendliness
- Grade
- Method of application
- Safety
- Visual Presentation
- Quality
Here are the 8 points you have to keep in mind when choosing the right carton sealing tape. Remember, it all depends on your set up and needs. Let us break it down for you.
1. Environment
The kind of environment that your tape will have to endure is quite important to understand. There can be a difference in temperature which can cause the adhesive on the tape to freeze off for example. The humidity levels in the air may also affect the performance of a carton sealing tape. So always think about where your products will be stored. Also, keep in mind what will their temperature condition be and what tape would suit that best.
2. Adhesion Surface
Something that might affect the stickiness of your tape is also the kind of surface you are using. It is a well-known fact that recycled cardboard takes a stronger adhesive to stick. So for corrugated, waxed, printed, or even double-walled cardboard, you should think about the surface your tape will adhere to.
3. Eco-friendliness
It is quite a neglected aspect of the packaging industry. If you take pride in the eco-friendliness of your carton sealing, you might want to go for a tape that is made with natural components. For example, the Kraft paper tape is made with natural paper. Moreover, many adhesives are derived from starch so they are more sustainable for the environment. So if you are one of the environmentally conscious businesses. Although this is a great thing, this can be one of the deciding factors in your tape selection.
4. Grade
No, this isn’t the educational grade. Grade in the tape industry refers to how thick the tape is and how much adhesive is applied to it. A lower grade tape is usually one where the tape is thinner with weaker adhesive. Such tapes are great for lightweight carton packaging. But for some really heavy-duty sealing, you require a thicker tape with a lot of adhesive. Picking out the right kind of grade for your packaging needs is a lifesaver. It not only saves you a lot of money but also helps eliminate the extra cost that comes with resealing cartons.
5. Method Of Application
There are three methods of application:
- Manual by hand
- Manual by tape dispenser
- With a carton sealer
It is understood that a carton sealer saves time, energy, and money. But in some cases, cartons are still manually sealed. The kind of pressure a machine applies to the tape and the kind that a human being does is quite different. A weak tape might break very easily with the stretch and pull off a machine. Make sure that the tape that you are using fits best with whatever kind of method you use to apply tape.
6. Safety
An easily peeled-off tape can cost you a lot of money! Safety really matters when the contents of your boxes are at a risk. It is imperative to understand that the type of tape you use can directly affect the safety of your carton. With a misfit tape for a heavy-duty box, the contents might be lost or subjected to breakage. Similarly, the theft must also be kept in mind when selecting a tape for your sealing business.
7. Visual Presentation
The aesthetic beauty of a tape is of importance in some cases as well. With a lot of online businesses in play and Instagram live unboxings in full swing, the package you send might have to look pretty! The tidiness of the package, overall look and finish of the tape becomes very important. So you must consider the visual presentation of the tape you have chosen as well.
8. Quality
Whenever you select a tape for the carton sealing business, you must keep quality in mind. A good quality tape can be easily distinguishable from a cheap quality one. Cheap quality tape might seem like a good bargain but it will not keep up for long. It will tear away and have less quantity of adhesive. It might seem heavy on your pocket in comparison but a good quality tape is a way to go. It is great for the long run and will eliminate the cost of reapplication of tape. Your packages will not be broken or damaged which will add to the profits overall.
Now we hope you can find a tape that best suits your needs. Just keep in mind that the climate of the area you’re in, the type of carton, the application, grade, and quality will greatly affect whatever tape you choose. Good luck with your next tape shopping.