Packing Tape Guide – Choosing the right packing tape

When buying tape online, there are a wide range of options we stock at Proton Packaging. When purchasing in bulk, making a hasty decision can be costly or even affect business operations. That’s why we created this comprehensive packing tape guide – to help ensure you choose the right tape for your specific task, environment, and industry.

Part 1: Quick Reference Guide

Tape Type	Use Case	Industries / Applications
Polyprop Tape	General packaging and sealing	Retail, E-commerce, Warehousing
Low Noise Tape	Quiet sealing, less disruptive	Retail, Offices, Warehousing
Vinyl Adhesive Tape	Heavy-duty sealing and waterproofing	Logistics, Manufacturing, Outdoor Use
Custom Shipping Tape	Branded and secure packaging	E-commerce, Branding, Retail
Cloth Duct Tape	General repairs, heavy-duty bonding	Construction, Automotive, DIY
Electrical Insulating Tape	Insulation for electrical components	Electrical, Manufacturing
Paper Adhesive Tape (Self Seal)	Eco-friendly sealing	Environmentally conscious businesses
Gummed Kraft Paper Tape	Eco-friendly, tamper-evident sealing	E-commerce, Moving
Tissue Tape	Lightweight, non-damaging	Retail, Art & Craft, Office
Masking Tape	Temporary bonding and protection	Painting, Automotive, Electronics
Aluminium Adhesive Tape	Heat-resistant applications	Industrial, HVAC
Adhesive Copper Tape	Electrical conductivity	Electronics
Foam Tape	Cushioning and sealing	Furniture, Electronics
Crossweave Reinforced Tape	Heavy-duty strength	Construction, Industrial
Double Sided Tape	Invisible bonding	Offices, Retail
Hot Melt Adhesive Tape	Fast bonding	Packaging, Manufacturing
Acrylic Adhesive Tape	UV and weather resistance	Outdoor Use
Solvent Adhesive Tape	Strong bonding in tough conditions	Industrial, Automotive

Download a PDF version of this cheat sheet for your packing room.

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Part 2: Tape Options

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Part 3: Tips & Best Practice

In addition to choosing the right tape, there are important considerations around storage, application, and environmental conditions. Ignoring these can lead to poor adhesion, wasted materials, and unnecessary costs.

Storage Considerations

• Store low noise and vinyl tapes in a cool, dry place to preserve adhesive performance
• Gummed kraft paper tape must be kept in a moisture-controlled environment, as its adhesive is water-activated

When Not to Use Specific Tapes

• Do not use paper adhesive tape for heavy-duty packaging
• Avoid electrical insulating tape for sealing cartons – it is not designed for packaging applications

Tips for Choosing the Right Tape

• For heavy-duty shipping, use crossweave reinforced tape or vinyl adhesive tape
• For environmentally conscious packaging, choose self-seal paper tape or gummed kraft paper tape
• For branding and security, custom printed tape enhances visibility and tamper resistance

Industry-Specific Recommendations

• Retail environments benefit from low noise and tissue tapes
• Electronics manufacturers commonly use aluminium or copper adhesive tapes for protection and conductivity

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Part 4: How Packing Tape Works

Pressure-Sensitive Adhesives Explained

Most common packing tapes – including polyprop (PP), low noise, and vinyl – are classed as pressure-sensitive adhesives.

This means the tape will not bond correctly unless pressure is applied during application.

When sealing a carton:

• The tape must be smoothed firmly onto the surface
• Pressure should be applied using your hand or the flap on a tape gun

Tape guns include pressure flaps for a reason – they activate the adhesive by forcing it into the cardboard fibres.

Many reports of “tape not sticking” are caused by incorrect application rather than faulty tape.

Temperature and Adhesive Performance

Temperature has a major impact on how well tape performs. Using the wrong adhesive for the conditions is one of the most common causes of seal failure.

Ideal Operating Temperatures by Adhesive Type

Economy / Acrylic Adhesive

• +15°C to +65°C
• Water-based and environmentally friendly
• Includes standard polyprop tape and premium acrylic low-noise tapes
• Not suitable for winter or cold storage

General Purpose / Hot Melt Adhesive

• +15°C to +50°C
• Solvent-free synthetic rubber adhesive
• High initial tack
• Not recommended for cold environments

Low Noise Tape

• +15°C to +65°C
• Quiet off the roll
• Combines the strength of polyprop with the quiet unwind of vinyl
• Temperature-sensitive

Solvent Adhesive (Vinyl Tape)

• -20°C to +50°C
• Slow-release, long-term adhesive
• Performs reliably in cold conditions
• Stores better and lasts longer than acrylic or hot melt
• Best pressure-sensitive option for winter use

Premium PVC Tape

• -25°C to +50°C
• Hand-tearable
• Extremely durable for demanding environments

The Best Tape for Cold Conditions

Cold air increases moisture in cartons, which weakens standard pressure-sensitive adhesives. For cold warehouses, unheated units, or winter shipping, the most reliable options are:

• Solvent adhesive vinyl tape
• Gummed kraft paper tape

Why Gummed Kraft Paper Tape Is So Effective

Gummed paper tape works differently to standard packing tape:

• The adhesive is activated by moisture
• Once applied, it bonds directly into the cardboard fibres
• The bond becomes so strong that removing the tape often tears the carton itself

Instead of being affected by damp cartons, gummed tape uses moisture to strengthen the seal.

This is why major fulfilment operations rely on gummed paper tape for cold and high-volume shipping – it delivers consistent, tamper-evident results.

Practical Takeaways

• Always apply firm pressure when sealing cartons
• Avoid acrylic and hot melt adhesives in winter
• Recommend solvent vinyl tape for cold conditions
• For maximum strength, security, and reliability, gummed kraft paper tape remains unmatched

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Frequently Asked Questions About Packing Tape

What is the best packing tape for boxes?

The best packing tape depends on the weight of the box, storage conditions, and temperature. For general use, polyprop or low noise tape works well. For heavy or cold conditions, solvent adhesive or gummed kraft paper tape is more reliable.

Why does packing tape sometimes not stick properly?

Packing tape may fail if insufficient pressure is applied during sealing or if the tape is used outside its recommended temperature range. Cold conditions and damp cartons can significantly reduce adhesion for some tape types.

What is pressure-sensitive packing tape?

Pressure-sensitive packing tape relies on applied pressure to activate the adhesive bond. Without firm pressure during application, the tape may not adhere correctly to cardboard surfaces.

Which packing tape works best in cold weather?

Solvent adhesive vinyl tape performs best in cold conditions, remaining effective at temperatures as low as -20°C. Gummed kraft paper tape is also highly effective in cold environments due to its moisture-activated adhesive.

Is acrylic packing tape suitable for winter use?

Acrylic packing tape is water-based and performs best in temperatures above 15°C. It is not recommended for winter use or cold storage environments.

What is the strongest type of packing tape?

Gummed kraft paper tape is considered one of the strongest options, as it bonds directly to cardboard fibres. For pressure-sensitive tapes, solvent adhesive vinyl tape offers the highest long-term strength.

What is the difference between acrylic, hot melt, and solvent adhesives?

Acrylic adhesives are water-based and environmentally friendly, hot melt adhesives provide quick initial tack, and solvent adhesives offer superior performance in cold and demanding conditions.

Is paper packing tape strong enough for shipping?

Paper packing tape is suitable for light to medium-duty shipping. For heavier cartons or cold environments, reinforced paper tape or gummed kraft paper tape is recommended.

Is gummed paper tape better than plastic packing tape?

Gummed paper tape provides stronger adhesion, tamper evidence, and improved performance in cold or damp conditions. Plastic tapes are quicker to apply and suitable for general-purpose use.

What packing tape is best for ecommerce businesses?

Ecommerce businesses often use low noise tape for quiet operation, custom printed tape for branding, and gummed paper tape for secure, tamper-evident shipping.

Can packing tape be recycled?

Paper-based packing tapes are widely recyclable with cardboard. Plastic packing tapes may need to be removed before recycling, depending on local waste guidelines.