How to choose adhesive packing tape? Buyer's guide
Adhesive tape shouldn't be chosen randomly... Extreme temperatures, humidity, risks of cracking, transport or stock conditions, but also the weight of the transported goods or the characteristics of the cardboard, are criteria that have to be considered when choosing a type of tape!
Summary
1 The adhesive tape rolls
1.1 The adhesive tape rolls in polypropylene (PP)
1.2 The adhesive tape rolls in PVC
2 Everything about packaging
2.1 The characteristics of adhesive tape rolls
2.2 The characteristics of corrugated cardboard boxes
3 Optimize the packaging
3.1 Application method of adhesive tape
3.2 Choose the optimal application method
4 Vocabulary
The adhesive tape roll, also known as magic tape, needs to have a high and constant quality during its use. Adhesive tape is available in different strengths and with different characteristics, from the most traditional models to the most technical uses, to correspond with the needs of all kinds of industries. The performances (adhesive power, resistance, quality) and the characteristics (respect for the environment, conformity) are specified by norms and are narrowly linked with the characteristics of the used material (polypropylene or PVC).
1 - The adhesive tape rolls
1.1 THE ADHESIVE TAPE ROLLS IN POLYPROPYLENE (PP)
Polypropylene adhesive tape is a high quality solution for fast packaging, precise or in bulk. It provides a strong bond on all materials, such as (recycled) cardboard or plastic. It will also easily resist temperature changes and allow transport to hot climate countries. Solid, but thin and economical. Biodegradable and solvent free.
The adhesive tape rolls in polypropylene for boxes with a light or medium weight.
Polypropylene has the advantage of instant adhesive strength and easy unwinding. When applied at ambient temperature, it will show good resistance to cold (up to -30°) and warmth (up to 150°) as well as good resistance to sunlight and ageing. It will equally support the use of acids and diluted alkalis. It is suitable for taping lightweight boxes, for a limited period of time, because of its relatively reduced adhesive qualities and because it is less resistant to temperature changes in the long term. If it is hard to tear by hand, it will also crack less quickly. Solvent free and recyclable, it helps reducing health and environmental risks. Made with a type of glue that is particularly economical, release is more noisy than other models, but it is still the best priced tape around.
The adhesive tape rolls in silent polypropylene: strong, long-term adhesive quality
This is a perfectly polyvalent adhesive because of its solvent free formula and its effectiveness on all types of materials, including recycled cardboard. This type of tape offers an excellent alternative for PVC: moderate cost and similar characteristics, as it uses the same type of glue. Silent and smooth release and particularly resistant to rupture. It is comfortable and simple to use, and will crack less easily than PVC tape. They are also noticeably resistant to temperature variations.
The acrylic adhesive tape rolls: strong adhesive power in just a couple of seconds
Acrylic adhesive tape is highly economical and is particularly appreciated for its low sensitivity to temperature changes and its excellent ultra violet stability. Therefore it is one of the most commonly used adhesives for sealing boxes and parcels. It offers the perfect solution for daily use and can be stored and used over long periods. This adhesive is water based and non-polluting, so it has limited impact on the environment. It is resistant to yellowing and works progressively. It is possible to glue the boxes perfectly and close them in just a couple of minutes. The acrylic adhesive tape exists in two versions: a classic and silent version, so there is no sound at all when you unwind the tape. Its price normally ranges between the hot melt rubber based adhesive tapes and the natural rubber ones.
The reinforced polypropylene adhesive tape roll: reinforcement and resistance on the long term
The reinforced adhesive tape, with a strong adhesive power, corresponds the best with the requirement for sealing heavy boxes and crates that need to be put on a pallet, for reinforcing packages and for wrapping dangerous goods, that need to be send. Thanks to the crossed glass fibres, that are appplied in the length and the width, these adhesive tape rolls are extremely strong and almost tear resistant, ideal for the closure and the security of the boxes during the transport, for the storage in a stockroom, for the treatment outside or for export related activities. They have enhanced adhesive properties for reliable long-term sealing. That's why they are considered as the most reliable products on the market. Also exceptionally resistant to friction, tearing and humidity.
The adhesive in PVC
, classic and polyvalent, is used to seal and secure boxes and crates. It is particularly effective and user-friendly. This high quality tape offers strong adhesion on all surfaces, is regular and silent, suited for confined packaging areas, smooth and easy to tear by hand. Natural rubber based glue for increased, instant and long-term adhesion. Impermeable and acid resistant. It can be removed without leaving traces on most surfaces (glass, wood, plastic…). However, PVC tape remains particularly sensitive to temperature changes and cold weather conditions and, unlike polypropylene tape, it is not biodegradable.
In order to meet the packaging requirements of professionals, the level of performance is indicated for each roll of tape, determined by standard tests and linked to the methods of use.
APPLICATIONS
ADHESIVE TYPES AND SURFACE THICKNESS
For packs up to 30 kg
PVC
For light parcels up to 20 kg : Standard use. Recycled cardboard, plastic film
Polypropylene 28 microns
For parcels up to 35 kg : Standard use. Recycled cardboard, plastic film
Polypropylene 35 microns
Heavy and voluminous loads : Standard use. Recycled cardboard, triple wall cardboard, plastic film
Polypropylene 50 microns
Sealing, securing, reinforcement : Heavy loads. Double or triple wall cardboard, recycled cardboard, plastic film
Reinforced polypropylene 28 microns
Sealing of non-recycled kraft boxes with lid, user comfort
Silent polypropylene
Standard use. Environmentally friendly
Ecological acrylic
2.2 THE CHARACTERISTICS OF CORRUGATED CARDBOARD BOXES
Corrugated cardboard is one of the most commonly used shipping tools. It is light, hygienic and inexpensive, and offers a great resistance and security. As it can be recycled for 100%, it contributes to the protection of the environment. The design of the cardboard and the number of corrugations determine the allowed capacity. It is constructed from different layers of corrugated paper, sandwiched between one or differents sheets of cardboard covered paper. .
< 20kg for light weights
The single corrugated cardboard exists of 2 sheets. This cardboard is used for charges under 20 kg. .
< 50kg for medium weights
The double corrugated cardboard exists of 3 sheets. This cardboard is used for packages with a medium weight, but under 40 kg.
< 100kg for heavy charges and valuable goods
The triple corrugated cardboard with 4 sheets is used for heavy charges and valuable goods, with a weight of at least 100 kg.
3 - Optimize the packaging
3.1 APPLICATION METHOD OF ADHESIVE TAPE
Thanks to the multilayer corrugated cardboard cover, the American boxes are perfectly resistant to various external factors: moisture, eruption, temperature fluctuations, vertical compression,... But that's not all! Some other advantages:
Manually or mechanically, with the help of tape dispensers or automated machines, adhesive tape is applied with just some pressure and without any other addition, such as water, glue or warmth.There is a double working with the tape: direct sealing of the box and a perfect maintenance of the package until it is opened.
Tape dispensers allow easier and faster application. They are practical and very secure, without any risk of injury and allow intensive use. They feature an ergonomic grip for enhanced comfort. They are a time-saving accessory in an industrial context or for private use.
Comment changer le ruban adhésif d'un dévidoir professionnel Using an adhesive tape dispenser is not just a piece of cake! When the distributor is completely new, and you have to change the tape, this can quickly become a difficult job. The following video shows you step by step how to do this best.
3.2 CHOOSE THE APPLICATION METHOD
In both automatic and manual use, the tape must always ensure the reinforcement and sealing of the cardboard boxes, until the package is with the end user or in accordance with the period that the box must be kept in the warehouse. The way in which the tape is applied largely determines how long the box will remain intact.
SEALING METHODS
Sealing in L : this closing technique is adapted to light packaging. It is enough to tape the top of the box lengthwise, letting the ends of the tape extend over each edge.
Sealing in U : this closing technique is adapted to light packaging for transport over long distances or to heavier loads. In this technique, both the top and bottom are taped down the full length, letting the ends of the tape extend over each edge.
Combined sealing in U et and in L : this closing technique is adapted to the heaviest loads, for long transport. This is where you tape the tape both top and bottom along the full length of the flaps, and to ensure conservation, also tape the bottom and top edges of the box.
Sealing in H or reinforced in H : this closing technique is used in extreme conditions for transport. Here you apply the tape at the top and bottom over the full length and the 2 widths, to which you can optionally add 2 strips of reinforced adhesive tape crosswise for extra strength.
For a good seal and correct delivery of the products, it is necessary to choose an adjusted width of approximately 5 cm for the adhesive tape rolls. The larger the dimensions, the better the package is insured. In addition, it is also important to apply sufficient pressure to the tape along the full length of the box and to unroll the tape itself a few centimeters over each edge and adhere.
For optimum results, the adhesive tape rolls should be stored and used in a normal ambient temperature (between 15 and 30°C). They should be somewhat flexible, but be careful not to stretch the material too much. In addition, they must also resist sharp, and even cutting edges. Finally, you should also check the shelf life of the material before use. After all, the adhesive strength can decrease sharply over time.
The packaging must be clean and of good quality, free of dust, grease and moisture. After all, the adhesive strength can decrease by 30% when the cardboard is moist.
Finally, we recommend that you always pay close attention when choosing your cardboard boxes and your adhesive tape. The nature of the material is determined by the specific conditions it must meet. In this way you can always be sure that the sealing and integrity of the boxes are maintained for the desired period, even in extreme climatic conditions or in the event of a fall (in that case opt for reinforced adhesive tape).
4 - Vocabulary
Dilute alkalis : Dilute solution of ammonia, used for chores and maintenance.
Dispenser : device to which the tape rolls should be attached, so that the tape can be unrolled faster and easier.
Polypropylene (PP) : plastic material, made of propylene. It can be easily recycled. Adhesive tape in polypropylene has a high insulating effect, is strong and cannot be torn.
Reinforced polypropylene (reinforced PP) : adhesive tape in which the armature consists of crossed glass fibres, for a strong adhesive force. The tape cannot be torn in length or in width.
UV : ultraviolet radiation from both natural and artificial light sources.
