Many types of packaging tape are available. Let’s dive into the most popular options.

Masking Tape

Masking tape, also known as painter’s tape, is one of the most versatile, pressure-sensitive packing tapes available. It’s a paper tape commonly used in painting, crafting, labeling and lightweight packaging. It’s a great choice to avoid leaving marks or residue on your packaging materials.

Masking tape comes in various colors, widths and thicknesses for many different purposes. It’s also available in specialization varieties, such as heat-resistant masking tape safe for baking or color-coded masking tape to help you organize.

Filament Tape

Filament tape is a heavy-duty, secure packing tape. Also known as strapping tape, filament tape contains thousands of fibers intertwined and ingrained into an adhesive backing. This construction makes filament tape a durable option with a high tensile strength that avoids tearing, splitting and abrasion.

In addition to versatility, fiberglass-reinforced strength and durability, filament tape is popular for its clean removal. Industries such as automotive, electronics, food and beverage, and general manufacturing use it to:

• Seal containers.
• Bundle and secure items.
• Reinforce protective packaging.

You can choose filament tape in various colors, strengths, widths and thicknesses to suit your needs.

PVC Tape

PVC tape consists of a flexible polyvinyl chloride film coated with a natural rubber adhesive. It can stretch without breaking due to its elastic properties.

PVC tape is ideal for heavy-duty applications, such as shipping large parts or bulky supplies. Workers enjoy using it because it releases from the roll quietly, doesn’t stick to itself and readjusts easily if needed.

Additional features of PVC tape include:

• High strength and durability.
• Water resistance.
• The ability to adhere to multiple sources, including cardboard.

You can purchase PVC tape in various thicknesses, widths, lengths and colors.

Adhesive

You can choose packaging tape formulated with different adhesives. Here are three adhesive options:

• Acrylic: While a bit more expensive, tapes with acrylic adhesive can hold up in extreme hot and cold temperatures, so you can safely ship products regardless of the climate or weather. It’s a top choice for plastic materials, but it’s useful for other materials, too. Acrylic tape is suitable for packages that stay at warehouses or a single location for an extended period.
• Hot melt: Hot melt adhesive tape is made of thermoplastic polymers. While it cannot perform at the same extreme temperatures as acrylic tape, hot melt tape is stronger. It’s appropriate for shipping products in relatively steady temperatures.
• Solvent: Solvent adhesive packing tape is ideal for heavy-duty packages and can perform well in high temperatures and humidity levels.

Temperature

Temperature can play a significant role in the effectiveness of your tape. For example, in colder environments, tape can lose its adhesion and break the seal you created.

You can avoid this problem by using specialized tape. As discussed, many tape varieties can accommodate hot or cold weather.