What to consider before buying packaging tapes?

However cliché it might sound, but the first impression always matters. Whether you are sending out your resume, going for a date or sending packages to your customers—the first impression is crucial on how a customer will perceive your brand.

When it comes to packaging tapes, it might seem insignificant. But it is as critical as your packaging boxes for your products. The use of poor-quality packing tape might result in product damage, theft and a bad look for your company.

Thus, before buying packing tapes for your products, here are some things you need to consider.

Grade of the tapes

Most common types of tapes like brown packing tapes, transparent tapes and fragile packing tapes have a range in grades with varying levels of films and adhesive strength. The grades determine the tensile strength and holding power of the packaging tapes.

Thus, while purchasing the tape, factor in the carton size, weight and shipping temperature. The greater the factors, the more higher-grade tape you should be using.

Technique of application

There are mainly two ways you can apply a packing tape—manually and automatic process.

In the manual technique, as the name suggests, the tape is applied using a hand dispenser. Small businesses usually go for this technique. Factors like good tack for the initial grab, strong film support are necessary to apply the tape smoothly. If you are working in a small setup, go for noiseless tapes.

For automatic operation, the focus on easy unwind is extremely necessary. It helps to prevent the tape from overstretching and breaking. The automatic process is done usually in big businesses using an automated case sealer. It is also a faster method of tape application.

The quality of the container

The type of boxes, especially the surface of the box is critical to make the packing tape stick to the box. Oftentimes, cheap quality boxes have low adhesion properties, which leads to the tape breaking easily.

Recycled boxes are often preferred by businesses and customers due to their eco-friendly nature. But with recycled boxes, smaller fibres and fillers make it difficult for low-grade tapes to stick to the box. In that case, use higher grade tapes to secure the boxes properly. Or you can also opt for custom brown packing tapes to be extra cautious.

The environmental factor

The transportation route of where your items are shipped and delivered becomes a deciding factor for packaging tapes. The materials of the tapes depend on where all your packages will be travelling.

Changes in humidity and temperature have a huge impact on packing tapes, specifically with the adhesion power. Excessive cold or extremely humid environment can damage the adhesion properties of packing tapes. The same goes for water exposure.

So, if your package will be transported overseas or are prone to these environmental changes, choose something like vinyl tapes. This will ensure their adhesion capacity and issues with theft or contamination.

The quality of the tapes

Last, but one of THE important aspects is to consider the quality of your packaging tapes. Look out for companies that send demo products to businesses. If you are ordering from a company for the first time, order a small batch to test out the tapes.

Make a note of their consistency, film thickness, coating, backing, adhesive, elasticity, etc. For businesses, it is always wise to order from reputed wholesale packaging supply distributors. Companies like Wellpack Europe has high-quality packing tapes that are consistent and help your workflow to be efficient. You can also go for customised packaging tapes if you want to improve your branding and marketing game.

Knowing what’s best for you

Packaging tape helps to make your product presentation better. It provides durability and allows the items to stay inside the cartons. Every packaging and shipping got different needs. For some, packing tapes are a last-minute thought. But ignoring these little details can break your product as well as ruin your brand’s reputation in the market.