Are you using carton sealing tape for your business? Are you happy with the product(s) you have? Maybe you’ve experienced one of these adhesive problems…
Let’s break down some of the characteristics of carton sealing tapes.
Adhesives
There are two different adhesive families: acrylic and rubber. In each of those families, there are two different sub-categories.
By nature, acrylics are not tacky. Acrylics build in strength over time, which is why acrylic tapes do better in cold temperatures, high temperatures, and long-term UV resistant applications. Whereas rubber based products grab very aggressively initially, but don’t strengthen past that initial bond. With respect to packaging, water-based acrylics are your most economical, low-cost solution for carton sealing tapes. The trade, is the lack of initial tack (i.e. tape popping off boxes). With certain modified acrylics and solvent acrylic adhesives, those do have tackifiers that are added and give a better initial tack. These do well in cold and refrigerated applications, such as food packaging.
A large percentage of tapes are synthetic rubber adhesive, and, while slightly higher in price, serve as the industry preference for carton sealing tape because of the initial tack. Natural rubber adhesives are derived from tree sap, and perform well with highly recycled boxes and hard-to-stick-to surfaces. However, despite the many advantages of rubber adhesives, synthetic rubbers are not intended for extended UV exposure and tend to yellow in color over time.
Films
Selecting the right adhesive will help with bonding to the box, but film strength helps keep the box closed. If you’re not using the right carton sealing tape, you could experience bursting boxes or you end up using multiple strips when one of a more quality product would do. The economical carton sealing tapes have limitations in terms of weight. When you trade for a lower cost per roll, you sacrifice the performance and strength of a stronger film.
So, what kind of carton sealing tape is right for your business?
Light Packaging:
Light duty packaging tapes are best suited for up to 36 pound boxes (based on a 2 IN roll). Ideal for small to light weight shipping boxes.
Medium Packaging:
Heavy Duty Carton Sealing:
Heavy duty packaging tapes are best suited for up to 75 pound boxes (based on a 2 IN roll). This is where price and performance align to give you peace of mind when shipping larger/heavier items.
Heavy duty packaging tapes are best suited for up to 75 pound boxes (based on a 2 IN roll). This is where price and performance align to give you peace of mind when shipping larger/heavier items.
Have a question? Contact a Bron Tapes Application Specialist!