Different Types of Packing Tape and When to Use Them

Choosing packing tape is not simply a matter of grabbing the widest or strongest-looking roll. Tape performance depends on the carton surface, package weight, storage and shipping conditions, application method, production volume, and how long the seal needs to remain secure.

For corrugated packaging, the most common choices include pressure-sensitive carton sealing tape, water-activated tape, and reinforced or filament tapes. Each solves a different packaging problem.

If you already know your carton and operating conditions, our Packaging Tape Selector provides a more detailed path to choosing the right tape.

1. Pressure-Sensitive Carton Sealing Tape

Pressure-sensitive tape bonds to the carton when application pressure brings the adhesive into contact with the corrugated surface. It does not require water, heat, or another activation step, making it one of the most common options for manual and automated carton sealing.

Two major adhesive types used for carton sealing are hot melt and acrylic.

Hot Melt Carton Sealing Tape

Hot melt tape typically uses a synthetic-rubber-based pressure-sensitive adhesive designed to provide fast initial grab and strong holding power on corrugated cartons. Hot melt formulations are commonly used in high-speed carton sealing and general shipping applications. 3M also identifies strong quick-stick performance and compatibility with recycled corrugate as common characteristics of its hot-melt packaging tapes.

Hot melt can be a good option when:

• Fast initial adhesion is important.
• Cartons move quickly through packing or sealing operations.
• The tape is being applied manually or through compatible case-sealing equipment.
• The corrugated surface and operating temperature fall within the tape manufacturer's specifications.

Do not choose hot melt based only on carton weight. Adhesive formulation, backing strength, recycled content, surface condition, temperature, and closure method all affect performance.

Acrylic Carton Sealing Tape

Acrylic tape uses a pressure-sensitive acrylic adhesive. Depending on the formulation, acrylic carton sealing tapes may provide broad temperature performance, aging resistance, clarity, and resistance to yellowing. Specific performance varies by product.

Acrylic tape may be worth considering when:

• Packages will experience a wider range of storage temperatures.
• Longer-term seal appearance or aging performance matters.
• Clear tape is being used on printed or white cartons.
• The application calls for the performance characteristics of a specific acrylic formulation.

2. Water-Activated Tape

Water-activated tape, often called WAT or gummed tape, uses an adhesive that becomes tacky when moistened. It is commonly applied with a dispenser that wets the adhesive as the tape is dispensed.

When applied to corrugated cartons, water-activated tape forms a bond with the paper surface. This can create a visibly tamper-evident closure because removing the tape may damage the carton fibers or tape.

Water-activated tape can be useful for:

• E-commerce and parcel shipping.
• Cartons where a tamper-evident closure is desirable.
• Operations using compatible manual or electronic WAT dispensers.
• Applications where paper-based carton sealing is preferred.

Water-activated tapes are available in both non-reinforced and reinforced constructions. Reinforced grades incorporate reinforcing fibers for applications requiring additional strength.

Explore reinforced water-activated tape for heavier or more demanding carton-sealing applications.

3. Filament and Strapping Tape

Filament and strapping tapes are high-strength pressure-sensitive tapes reinforced with filaments or other high-strength materials. Unlike ordinary carton sealing tape, they are commonly used when the tape needs to reinforce, bundle, unitize, or resist higher tensile loads.

Typical applications include:

• Bundling products or components.
• Reinforcing cartons.
• Securing appliance parts or other components during shipment.
• Unitizing products where tape is appropriate for the load.
• Closing or reinforcing demanding packages.

Not every filament tape has the same reinforcement pattern or tensile strength. Tape width, backing, adhesive, filament construction, and application requirements should all be considered.

Browse industrial strapping and filament tape for available constructions.

Hot Melt vs. Acrylic vs. Water-Activated Tape

How to Choose the Right Packing Tape

Start with the carton and the conditions surrounding it. The same tape will not perform equally well on every corrugated surface or in every shipping environment.

Consider:

• Carton weight: Heavier or overfilled cartons may require higher-strength tape or a different closure system.
• Corrugated surface: Recycled content, printing, coatings, dust, and surface condition can affect adhesion.
• Temperature: Application and storage temperatures should fall within the tape manufacturer's recommended range.
• Shipping environment: Consider handling, vibration, storage duration, humidity, and temperature changes.
• Application method: Hand dispensers, case sealers, and water-activated tape dispensers require compatible tape.
• Production volume: Higher-volume operations may benefit from tape and equipment selected together as a system.
• Security requirements: Water-activated or specialty security tapes may be useful where visible evidence of package opening is important.

For a guided comparison based on these factors, use the Packaging Tape Selector.

The Bottom Line

Hot melt, acrylic, water-activated, and filament tapes are designed for different packaging applications. Hot melt and acrylic tapes provide pressure-sensitive carton sealing with different adhesive characteristics. Water-activated tape bonds to the corrugated paper surface after activation with water. Filament and strapping tapes provide reinforcement for bundling and higher-strength applications.

The right tape depends on the carton, package weight, shipping environment, application equipment, and the performance required from the closure.

Need Help Choosing Packaging Tape?

Use our Packaging Tape Selector to compare tape types and applications, or Contact Packaging HERO if you need help matching tape to your cartons, equipment, and shipping environment.

Frequently Asked Questions