MSC Industrial Supply Co. Logo MSC Industrial Supply Co. Logo

Packaging Tape Technical Information

Shop All Packing Tape
Basics of... Carton & Water Activated Box Sealing Tapes & Filament/Strapping Tapes

Carton Sealing Tape

Hot Melt Carton Sealing Tapes

  • Most popular carton sealing tape for general applications
  • Provides the widest range of application flexibility
  • Highest holding power at room temperature
  • Excellent performance in both automated and manual applications
carton sealing tape

Water-Activated Tapes

  • Requires water to activate adhesive
  • Instantly bonds to virgin or recycled corrugate resulting in a tamperevident package
  • Reinforced tapes provide extra strength for heavier cartons and are designed for applications where durability, extra strength and reliability are required.
  • Paper Tapes (non-reinforced) are best suited for sealing lightweight or standard sized packages or cartons and are the most environmentally preferred method of sealing a box
carton sealing tape

Acrylic Carton Sealing Tapes

  • Recommended for cold temperature, lower humidity applications
  • Ages well even if exposed to fluorescent or UV light
  • Tape will not yellow over time; works well for storage
  • Good initial adhesion, but requires 24 to 48 hours to achieve maximum bond
carton sealing tape
Adhesive TypeHot Melt (Synthetic)AcrylicWater Activated Vegetable Based Adhesive
Backing OptionsPolypropylene, PolyesterPolypropylene, PolyesterPaper
Dispensing OptionsHand or MachineHand or MachineDispenser & Water Source Required
Popular ColorsClear, TanClear, TanNatural 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°F0°F to +120°F
 Adhesion to Surfaces 
Rough or Recycled CorrugatedFairGoodExcellent
Printed CartonsGoodGoodExcellent
Over- stuffed CartonsExcellentGoodExcellent
Under- stuffed CartonsGoodGoodExcellent
 Performance Properties 
Resistance to MoistureFairPoorExcellent
Resistance to AgingGoodExcellentExcellent
ClarityGoodExcellentNot Applicable
Resistance to UV LightGoodExcellentExcellent


Filament/Strapping Tape

  • Filament tapes are available with Uni- or Bi-directional filament reinforcements for added strength. Strapping tapes do not contain filament reinforcements
  • Used for box closure, splicing and sealing. It's high strength, excellent quick-stick and adhesion properties make it ideal for use on a variety of surfaces and perfect for use on difficult long or short-term bundling applications
  • Moisture and abrasion resistant
Adhesive TypeHot Melt (Synthetic) or Natural Rubber
Backing OptionsPolyester, Polypropylene, Paper
Filament OptionsFiberglass, Nylon, Polyester
Dispensing OptionsHand
ColorsClear, White

filament strapping tape
Back to Index