Choosing Packaging Tape - Which Backing and Adhesion?
The right packaging tape decides whether a carton survives shipping or splits open on the way. This guide covers the backing materials PP, PVC and paper, the adhesive systems hot melt, acrylic and natural rubber, and the right adhesion for carton weight and temperature.
View packaging tapesInhalt
Which backing material suits my carton?
The backing sets tensile strength, unwind behaviour and noise. The three most common are polypropylene (PP), PVC and paper. PP is the low-cost standard for light to medium cartons, PVC is stronger and quieter, and paper tape is the recycling-friendly choice.
PP tape tends to split lengthwise under overload and works well on hand dispensers and simple shipments. PVC withstands higher pull forces, unwinds quietly and evenly and stays supple at cooler temperatures. Paper tape with natural-rubber adhesive can be disposed of together with the carton.
Hot melt, acrylic or natural rubber - which adhesive?
The adhesive layer decides initial tack and long-term hold. Three systems dominate: hot melt (synthetic rubber), acrylic and natural rubber. They differ in instant grab, temperature range and ageing resistance.
- Hot melt: high instant tack, low cost, ideal for fast dispatch at room temperature.
- Acrylic: excellent ageing and UV resistance, holds through storage and temperature swings, but grabs more slowly.
- Natural rubber: highest initial adhesion even on dusty or recycled cartons and in the cold, usually on paper and PVC backings.
How much adhesion does each carton weight need?
Adhesion has to match weight and closure method. As a rule of thumb: the heavier the carton and the rougher the surface, the stronger the tape and the more wraps you need. An H-seal (three strips: centre seam plus both edges) spreads the load better than a single strip.
What about cold, heat and moisture?
Temperature during application and transport is decisive. Most tapes need a minimum application temperature of about 5 to 10 °C; below that the adhesive no longer grips properly. For deep-freeze and cold-store logistics there are dedicated low-temperature tapes.
- Cold below 5 °C: natural rubber or a rated low-temperature tape, and the carton must be dry and dust-free.
- Heat above 40 °C with long storage: acrylic instead of hot melt, otherwise the adhesive creeps and the seam opens.
- Damp or dusty surface: natural-rubber adhesive holds best, increase application pressure.
- Always press down firmly - adhesion only builds fully under application pressure.
Frequently asked questions
PP or PVC - which is better?
PP is cheaper and fine for light to medium cartons. PVC is stronger, unwinds more quietly and stays supple in the cold, but costs more. For heavy shipments and quiet workstations, PVC is worth it.
Which packaging tape holds best in the cold?
Natural-rubber adhesive keeps its initial tack even at low temperatures. For chilled and frozen logistics there are dedicated low-temperature tapes that bond below freezing.
What does N/25 mm mean?
It states adhesion as the peel force per 25 mm of tape width on a steel plate. Standard tapes are around 2 N/25 mm, high-tack tapes above 3 N/25 mm.
Is paper packaging tape really strong enough?
Gummed paper tapes bond into the carton and create a very secure, tamper-evident seal. For medium-weight cartons they are a fully recyclable alternative to plastic tape.
The right packaging tape for every carton?
We supply PP, PVC and paper tapes with hot melt, acrylic or natural-rubber adhesive - matched to weight, temperature and closure method.
Full range
PP, PVC and paper in all common widths and thicknesses.
For any temperature
From deep-freeze tape to ageing-stable acrylic.
Verified adhesion
Adhesion values clearly stated in N/25 mm.
Expert advice
We help you choose by weight and application.