Strapping Tape & Packing Tapes: Seal, Secure, Ship
From carton sealing tape to heavy-duty strapping tape, learn about the best box tape for reliable packaging, bundling, and shipping.
Types of Carton & Packing Tapes
Hot Melt Carton Sealing Tape
- Most popular carton sealing tape for everyday use.
- Provides the widest range of application flexibility.
- Delivers strong holding power at room temperature.
- Excellent performance in both automated and manual applications.
Water-Activated Tape
- Requires water to activate the adhesive.
- Instantly bonds to virgin or recycled corrugate to create a tamper-evident seal.
- Reinforced options for heavy cartons; non-reinforced paper tapes are ecofriendly for lighter loads.
Acrylic Carton Sealing Tape
- Recommended for cold temperature, long-term storage, and lower humidity applications.
- Ages well without yellowing under UV or fluorescent light.
- Good initial adhesion but requires 24 to 48 hours to achieve maximum bond.
Choosing the Right Carton Sealing Tape
When shopping for strapping or carton sealing tape, consider the following:
Adhesive Type | Hot Melt Tape (Synthetic) | Acrylic Tape | Water-Activated Tape |
|---|---|---|---|
Backing Options | Polypropylene, Polyester | Polypropylene, Polyester | Paper |
Dispensing Options | Hand or Machine | Hand or Machine | Dispenser & Water Source Required |
Popular Colors | Clear or Tan | Clear or Tan | Natural or White |
Temperature Range:
Application Conditions | +45°F to +140°F | +32°F to +120°F | 33°F to +120°F |
|---|---|---|---|
Post Application Conditions | -10°F to +140°F | -30°F to +200°F | 0°F to +120°F |
Adhesion to Surfaces:
Rough or Recycled Corrugated | Fair | Good | Excellent |
|---|---|---|---|
Printed Cartons | Good | Good | Excellent |
Over-stuffed Cartons | Excellent | Good | Excellent |
Under-stuffed Cartons | Good | Good | Excellent |
Performance Properties:
Resistance to Moisture | Fair | Poor | Excellent |
|---|---|---|---|
Resistance to Aging | Good | Excellent | Excellent |
Clarity | Good | Excellent | Not Applicable |
Resistance to UV Light | Good | Excellent | Excellent |
Filament & Strapping Tape
Strapping Tape
Strapping tape is a high-strength packaging solution for box closure, splicing, and sealing. Unlike standard packing tape or carton sealing tape, strapping tape delivers superior tensile strength and resistance to moisture and abrasion.
Filament Tape
Filament versions include uni-directional or bi-directional reinforcements (fiberglass, nylon, or polyester) for added strength, while standard strapping tape provides reliable holding power without filament. Its quick-stick adhesive and long-term load security make it ideal for use on a variety of surfaces and for shipping, palletizing, and demanding box sealing applications.
Adhesive Type | Hot Melt (Synthetic) or Natural Rubber |
|---|---|
Backing Options | Polyester, Polypropylene, Paper |
Filament Options | Fiberglass, Nylon, Polyester |
Dispensing Options | Hand-applied |
Colors | Clear, White |