Three Types of Packaging Tape
Hot-Melt / Synthetic-Rubber Packaging Tape
Best Use:
Heavy-duty shipping and sealing, and boxes that may be dropped, thrown or tossed.
- Best choice for shipping that could involve rough handling.
- Highly break-resistant tape.
- Superior holding power to corrugated boxes.
- Meets standard U.S. Postal and UPS® requirements.
Acrylic Packaging Tape
Best Use:
Long-term storage in a wide range of temperatures, label protection, and light-duty mailing.
- Best choice for long-term storage in varying temperatures.
- Long aging, doesn't yellow.
- Good holding power to corrugated boxes.
- Excellent clarity.
- Meets standard U.S. Postal and UPS® requirements.
Natural-Rubber Packaging Tape
Best Use:
Rough or printed cartons in variable temperatures.
- Best choice in extreme weather conditions; resists moisture.
- Better holding power to corrugated boxes.
- Ultimate adhesion at room temperature.
- Meets standards U.S. Postal and UPS® requirements.
Helpful Tape Terms
Mil / Thickness
Measured in Millimeters
The total thickness of the tape, which combines the backing and adhesive thicknesses (1 mm = 0.039").
- 1.7 Mil- Best for packages under 20 lbs.
- 2.2 Mil- Best for packages under 40 lbs.
- 2.5 Mil- Best for packages under 50 lbs.
- 3.0 Mil- Best for packages under 65 lbs.
- 3.5 Mil- Best for packages under 90 lbs.
Tensile Strength
Measured in Pounds
The force required to break a piece of tape by pulling on opposite ends of the piece of tape.