Deciding what type of packaging tape will serve you best can be difficult. There are numerous sizes, styles and brands of packing tape available. Learning packing tape types and styles will allow you to narrow your search. By discovering the benefits of each type of tape, you will be able to make the best choices in packing tapes.

Packaging tape types and styles are broken down to five categories; hot melt, Teflon, acrylic and paper backed, strapping and custom tape. Each type of tape is available in different sizes and styles. The most commonly used packing tapes are hot melt, acrylic and paper backed. Review the list to discover what type of tape is best for your company.

1. Discover the benefits of hot melt adhesive packaging tape.

2. Locate different types of Teflon packing tape.

3. View options available for acrylic and paper backed colored packing tape.

4. Find the different styles and sizes of strapping tapes.

5. Learn the styles of custom printed packaging tape.

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Find hot melt adhesive packaging tape

Hot melt adhesive tape comes in 1/2-to-three-inch widths. Hot melt adhesive packing tape instantly adheres to boxes, produces tight seals and works in temperatures from 45 to 120 degrees Fahrenheit.

I recommend: Visit PTIPackaging to find different styles and sizes of hot melt packing tape. The Packaging Tape Depot has a wide selection of hot melt packing tapes available.

View the benefits of Teflon packing tape

Teflon packing tape comes in widths of one-to-three inches. This type of packaging tape is highly elastic and water resistant.

I recommend: Packaging Tape allows customers to review and compare clear packing tape made with Teflon. The Tape Depot has colored packing tape and Teflon packing tape in all sizes.

View the various types of acrylic and paper backed colored packing tape

Paper and acrylic packing tape is available in two-to-three-inch widths. The paper backed packing tape is activated by water, where the acrylic tape is self adhering.

I recommend: Find paper and acrylic colored packing tape at Fast-Pack. Rand Materials Handling and Packaging Supplies has paper backed and acrylic printed packing tape in all sizes.

Review the types of strapping tapes

Strapping tape is highly durable and comes in widths of 1/4-to-one-inch. Strapping tape is reinforced with cloth or other materials to give it unparalleled strength.

I recommend: Compare strapping style packaging tapes at Uline Shipping Supplies. Visit Browncor to compare various styles of packing tape including strapping tape.

Find the types of custom printed packaging tape available

Custom packing tapes are available in all types of widths and styles. These tapes are normally hot melt or acrylic tapes. However, the types used are up to the customer.

I recommend: Find custom packing tape that can be printed to your standards at Plus Packaging and Continental Tape Printers. View all types of options available for custom packaging tape at PackagingPrice.

Packaging tapes are vital components of the shipping and handling process as they keep cartons secure and the contents safe. Available in a variety of materials and sizes, choosing the right packing tape for your needs is paramount to ensure safe shipping and affordability.

Whether you need custom packing tape, printed packaging tape or colored packing tape, a reputable packaging tape manufacturer can work with you to meet your needs. While adhesive packaging tape can vary by manufacturer, all distributors of packing tape should offer you personalized service to cater to your unique packaging tape needs. When searching for packaging tapes, you should:

1. Choose custom packaging tape to advertise your business.

2. Pick packaging tape manufacturers who offer a wide variety of packing tapes to meet your needs.

3. Buy packing tape that is cost-effective.

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Choose a packing tape distributor with a wide variety of packaging tapes available

Packaging tape needs change over time. Establish a working relationship with a packing tape distributor who can meet the changing needs of your business.

I recommend: Use ULINE for a large stock of clear packaging tape, printed packing tape and colored packing tape. Available in a variety of sizes to meet your business needs, ULINE works with you to ensure customer satisfaction. Global Industrial carries tapes like utility tapes, strapping tapes and carton sealing tapes at cost-effective prices.

Create custom packaging tape

Custom printed packaging tape offers functionality plus the opportunity to promote the products and services of your business. Custom packing tape is an affordable alternative to custom-printed shipping boxes.

I recommend: Plus Packaging Incorporated offers a large stock of tamper-evident packaging tape and security carton sealing tape that can be customized to your specifications. The experts at PackagingPrice.com offer custom printed packaging tape with no minimum purchase required. Experienced customer services representatives can assist you with your packaging tape design needs, helping you choose from the variety of sizes and print colors they have available.

Pick packaging tapes in different materials to meet your specific needs

Packing tapes made with different materials work better in certain shipping situations and with special packaging cartons. Choose cost-effective packaging tapes made with a variety of materials to ship materials effectively.

I recommend: Can-Do National Tape offers packaging tapes with a PVC or paper backing. Sold in different thicknesses and lengths, receive a free quote to determine if these packing tapes can solve your packaging needs. Use Packaging Tape Depot for your unique packaging needs. They offer specialty packing tapes made from aluminum foil, Velcro and Teflon.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Ask for free samples of packaging tapes to ensure you choose the packing tape that meets your needs.

Adhesive packaging tape is a must-have for any business that ships packages. Whether you ship directly to the customer or send products from the manufacturer to the store, you need a tape that will be certain to keep the contents of the package secure during transit. Examine the different types of packaging tape for features you need, like durability and the capacity to withstand extreme temperatures.

You should consider packaging tape pricing and costs as you determine which type to use for your shipping needs. Packaging tape is fairly inexpensive, and you can save more if you purchase it in bulk as your budget allows. The following types of packaging tape are available:

1. Basic clear packaging tape, made of acrylic, is perfect for smaller shipments.

2. Some Teflon packaging tapes have fiberglass elements for added strength.

3. Among the products offered by packaging tape manufacturers are those that hold up in extreme temperatures.

4. Custom packing tape will help recipients to immediately recognize where the package came from.

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Accomplish general box sealing needs with acrylic packaging tape

Acrylic tape is great for general purposes, like with light weight packages that have limited exposure to damaging shipment situations.

I recommend: Purchase packages of acrylic tape from Staples for $4 to $200, depending on your selection. For crates of 24 or 36 rolls for $70 to $160, visit Packaging Tape Depot.

Obtain maximum durability with PTFE Teflon packing tape

Tape made with polytetrafluoroethylene (also known as PTFE or Teflon) has a hot heat tolerance and release characteristics that make it easier to open packages. Some of these tapes also have fiberglass in them, which provides extra strength and stability.

I recommend: Find 3 MIL Teflon tape through Packaging Tape for $10 to $45 per roll. The website also carries zoned, six MIL and 10 MIL Teflon tapes. Tape Solutions has Teflon tape for $25 to $85 per roll.

Protect your shipments from extreme temperatures with hot melt packaging tapes

Cold temperature tapes can withstand temperatures from negative 20 degrees up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Hot melt tape stands up to extremely hot shipping environments, up to 200 degrees Fahrenheit without melting.

I recommend: Access cold temperature color packing tape from Rand Materials Handling Equipment in clear, blue, red or yellow for less than $4 per roll. Quality Tape Supply has hot melt tapes for less than $1.50 per roll.

Promote your business with custom packaging tape

Manufacturers typically use paper tape, tape with paper on the non-adhesive side, for custom printed packaging tape. You can also purchase blank paper tape or stock printed packing tape displaying words like 'fragile.'

I recommend: Rapid Supplies offers Kraft gummed paper tape for less than $15 for 600 feet, for use manually or in sealing machines. Phoenix-Tape has a variety of stock printed tapes, such as “this side up” or “repack,” for $2 to $4 per roll, depending on how many rolls you order. Hire Stickers4U to print packaging tape with your logo for $100 to $350 per case, with 72 rolls in a case.

Regardless of the type of business that you run, it is inevitable that you or someone in your office will use packaging tape to seal boxes or cartons. So before you call your wholesale supplier and purchase a case of tape, take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with the key words that are associated with sealing adhesives. Understanding the right keywords is sure to assist you in buying the best packaging tape for your company’s needs.

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Tamper evident

Tamper evident tapes are also called security tapes. These types of tapes are more difficult to remove than standard tapes. Some tamper evident tapes also leave behind evidence if someone tries to remove them.

I recommend: Advantage Information Products offers a wide variety of information and facts about tamper evident tapes and security adhesives.

Strapping

Strapping refers to a type of tape. Strapping tapes are used for containers that need strong and dependable sealants. Such tapes are also used for reinforcement and bundling.

I recommend: For more information about strapping tapes, visit 3M.

Mils

Mils are a unit of measurement, not to be confused with a millimeter. Mils are used to measure the thickness of packaging tapes. It is important to know the size and thickness you need, in mils, before a purchase is made.

I recommend: Learn more about the mils and the thickness of packaging tape at Riverside Paper.

Printed

Printed packaging tapes are ideal for different business uses. They can offer advertising, a warning or a request. Some of the best printed packaging tapes offer all three.

I recommend: Learn more about printed packaging tapes at Continental Tape Printers.

Chemical resistant

Chemical resistant tapes offer security and safety for a wide variety of packages. These tapes are resistant to chemicals and moisture. They are often some of the strongest tapes that can be purchased.

I recommend: Educate yourself on the basics of chemical resistant packaging tapes at Fisher Safety.

Waterproof

Waterproof packaging tapes are resistant to moisture and large amounts of water. They are used when packages are shipped in a variety of conditions. Waterproof packaging tapes are also durable and can withstand a variety of high stress conditions.

I recommend: For more information about waterproof packaging tapes, visit Platinum Lighting.