Toggle Nav 
Search
Same Day Dispatch
Same Day Dispatch
What is packaging tape?
Packaging tape is an industrial-grade tape intended to close and seal a box for shipment. Sounds pretty simple right? Well, once you think of how many different sizes, weights and shapes of boxes there are out there, you quickly realize that packaging tape has to perform for an extremely wide variety of applications.
Next we can take a look at adhesive, because, after all, tape is pretty useless without the sticky stuff. And, believe it or not, the presence of an adhesive doesn't necessarily ensure that it will stick. It's all about matching the right adhesive to the right box and under the right conditions. There are three major types of adhesive out there:
- Natural Rubber - an aggressive adhesive used for problematic boxes with high recycled content (corrugated dust), irregular surfaces in normal and/or cold temperatures.
- Hot Melt - A common packaging tape adhesive, used for sealing boxes with low recycled content around room temperature.
- Acrylic - A common and economical packaging tape adhesive, used for sealing boxes with low recycled content in cold temperatures.
As you can see, each type of adhesive is designed to fit a particular need - whether it be cold temperatures or problematic corrugated. Natural Rubber is the most widely used here in Australia due to its ability to adhere to almost anything. Whilst it is slightly more expensive it is easier to use and you can have peace of mind that it will stick every time. Hot melt is also a good adhesive and has a high initial tack. One problem with this product is it doesn't perform as good in our hot sun as Natural Rubber. Acrylic adhesive is generally used as a cost cutter. If you use kilometers of packaging tape you may want to consider this option.
Now that we've covered adhesive, an equally-important factor of thickness. Tape thickness is usually measured in microns,. There are sometime two measurements of thickness - both of the adhesive and the backing. The adhesive thickness will give you an idea, based on the quality and tack of the adhesive, of how much adhesion force the tape will exert on the box. The backing thickness will give you an idea on the break / shear strength of the tape (in other words, how much weight the tape can hold). Usually, packaging tape is expressing as a "backing thickness," so you may wish to inquire further to find out the adhesive thickness.
Since a certain micron (um) thickness of backing will only hold a certain amount of weight per lineal mm, there is an optimum amount of adhesive to put on the tape that will accompany the adhesion force needed for that amount of weight. So, simply put, usually the um thickness of the packaging tape adhesive is proportional to the backing thickness, since the two have to work together to keep the box properly sealed.
So when selecting the appropriate thickness, think about weight. The thicker the tape, the more box weight it can support. Most backings are polypropylene, due to its flexibility and strength that allows it to unwind easily and uniformly. Thankfully, it usually is about that simple. Several manufacturers combine a series of additives to the polypropylene to make it stronger, each with their own recipe, but overall the strengths are pretty similar.
Our range is grouped as follows:
Natural Rubber Packaging Tape
Hot Melt Adhesive
Acrylic Adhesive
What stretch film should I use?
There are many types of stretch wrap film. Each has qualities that are particularly suitable in addressing the specific needs of your stretch wrapping application, such as load size and type, performance requirements as well as budget. The following lists some of the most important types of stretch film, their attributes and applications.
Below are some of the most common types of stretch wrap film:
|
|
|
Cast Stretch Film
Cast stretch film also called cast film or cast wrap, is manufactured using the cast extrusion process. Typical characteristics of cast stretch films are: excellent optics, clear, glossy, superior tear resistance, quiet unwind, consistent cling and consistent film thickness.
Powerwrap Hand Stretch Film
Stretch film designed specifically to be applied manually is referred to as hand stretch film. It is also referred to as hand film, hand stretch wrap, hand wrap or pallet wrap. It is typically used in lower volume packaging operations. Powerwrap is a high quality film that will provide high stretchability and cling. Its excellent memory keeps holding grip on the load for stability. Other properties are tear & puncture resistant, high clarity for see through packaging and low noise application.
Powerwrap Machine Stretch Film
Stretch film designed to be applied with a stretch wrap machine is referred as machine stretch film. It provides many advantages over hand film including: faster and more efficient packaging, reduced packaging material costs, safer application, more secure and consistent loads and more. Powerwrap machine film is of the highest quality and consistency.
Black Stretch Films
Black stretch films are used in many applications where theft or privacy is an issue. Conceal valuable goods to deter theft and protect your goods from harmful UV light. Prevents fading.
White Stretch Film (UVI)
White stretch film is available in both hand and machine rolls and is of premium quality. Suitable for use on goods to be stored outdoors and this film has a UV inhibitor additive which prevents it breaking down in the suns rays. The pallet wrap is opaque white so is idea for use on valuable goods or where you don't want the light to fade the packaging of your products.
UV Resistant Stretch Film
Extra heavy duty stretch film specifically designed for wrapping heavy products such as building materials etc. Great for wrapping products to be stored outside and offers great clarity and stretchability. Available in both hand rolls and machine rolls.
Macro Perforated Stretch Film
Available in hand and machine grade rolls. Easy to apply - just like normal stretch film. Ideal for palletizing products which need ventilation. Reinforced, macro perforated stretch film allows better cooling, quicker freezing and avoids overheating of your goods.
Bundling Films
A mini stretchwrap system which strongly binds your products together. Doesn't stick to products. Quick and easy to use with dispenser. Great for use on long items such as broom handles or lengths of pipe. Available in clear and black film.