A Complete Guide to Packing Tape

Packing tape is a familiar stationery staple. It is a sturdy tape used to seal packages, cardboard boxes, and storage cartons.

Flexible and hard-wearing, it is also known as parcel or packaging tape. Scotch tape is another commonly used term, especially in North America. However, Scotch is actually a brand name, owned by the 3M Corporation.

Parcel tape is usually brown but transparent or coloured tapes are also available. It is a pressure-sensitive product, meaning its self-adhesive properties are activated once pressed into place. Most packaging tape is made from the plastic polymers polyester or polypropylene (sometimes shortened to polyprop).

Multiple lengths, widths and thicknesses are available, but the most common include:

• 100m x 500mm
• 50m x 25mm
• 50m x 500mm

Packaging tape is widely used both by consumers at home and in commercial settings such as warehouses, factories and shops.

Thanks to its strength and durability, packaging tape is undoubtedly the best option for sealing or resealing moving boxes - indeed any cardboard box used for transporting or storing bulky items. It is applied to the cardboard box joints to secure and seal it during transit and delivery.

It is also ideal for sealing parcels and packaging, reinforcing containers, and strapping together multiple boxes, packs or supplies on factory pallets.

While packaging tape can be applied manually, by simply pulling it from the roll and then cutting to the required length, it is easy for the tape to twist and tangle. Tape dispensers and tape guns are commonly used tools to avoid wastage and ensure a smooth stick.

Parcel tape dispensers are plastic cartridges which hold rolls ready for use, with the end extended towards the cutting mechanism or serrated edge where it rests until use. They are simple devices. Users pull the tape forward and then pull down vigorously to cut the tape to the required length.

Hand-held tape dispensers are often called tape guns. These work on the same principle - larger rolls of tape are fixed onto a revolving wheel, with the tape end extended to the cutting edge. Users grip the device using the large, tactile pistol-grip handle and apply the tape directly to the target surface.

This explains how to load and use a parcel tape gun:

1. Fix the tape onto the wheel, making sure it is correctly aligned
2. Extend the tape end to the cutting edge - typically by threading it firmly through a dispensing slot below the cutting mechanism. Make sure the tape is smooth and has not twisted or formed air bubbles
3. If the gun features a pressure-adjusting handle, use that to ensure the tape is taut and ready for use
4. Press the tape to the box or package and pull along the surface
5. Cut the tape

For high volume professional use, tape dispensing machines are deployed on automated packaging lines, often with special low noise tape.

Why is My Packing Tape Not Sticking to Boxes?

There are two reasons why your packing tape may not be sticking to boxes:

1. Your box is made from a significant quantity of recycled cardboard. This often has a rougher surface which resists adhesion by tape
2. Your box is dusty or has oil or grease on its surface. These substances also interfere with adhesion

If it is not possible to clean the surface, try applying additional tape. Failing that, replace the box!

What is the Best Packing Tape Available in the UK?

That depends entirely on the tasks for which you need the tape. The best and most cost-effective tape for one job will not be the best tape for another. 3M Scotch packing tape is amongst the biggest selling brands in the UK.

How to Get Parcel Tape Off Glass and Plastic

Packing tape can leave sticky residue on household items. To remove this, apply any household oil (e.g. mineral, olive, or lemon oil) to a cloth with a strong but not abrasive texture - for example, terry cloth - and rub. Even penetrating oils like WD-40 will do the trick.

Packaged glue residue removers are also available.