Custom printed tape is more than just a way to seal boxes, it’s a branding tool, a security feature, and an opportunity to elevate your packaging. But with so many options available, choosing the right tape for your needs can feel overwhelming.
In this guide, we break down the key types of printed tape and how to decide which is best for your business, based on insights from our in-house expert Hadleigh Salisbury.
Custom Packaging Tape Is More Than Just Tape
Custom printed tape is one of those things that quietly pulls more weight than people expect.
Every box you send out is moving through depots, trucks, sorting facilities, and eventually landing on someone’s doorstep. That’s a lot of eyes on your packaging for something that costs very little per metre.
It also doubles as a basic security feature. If a box has been opened and resealed, printed tape makes it obvious. For eCommerce businesses especially, that visible reassurance goes a long way.
Understanding Your Custom Printed Tape Options
There’s no single “best” tape—it really depends on what you’re sending, where it’s going, and what matters most to you.
Here’s a straightforward breakdown:
This is where most businesses begin.
It’s affordable, does the job well, and gives you clean print (up to four colours). You can go as narrow as 12mm or as wide as 288mm—which is handy if you want to do things like wrap pallets and turn them into branded surfaces.
One thing to be aware of: if you go with a flood coat (that full-colour background look), adhesion can drop slightly. It’s not usually a dealbreaker, but it’s worth testing on your cartons—especially if your boxes get knocked around in transit.
PVC is basically the next step up.
It uses a rubber-based adhesive instead of hot melt, which makes a noticeable difference—especially in colder conditions. If you’re dealing with refrigerated goods or a warehouse that gets pretty cold in winter, this matters.
It also just holds better overall, which makes it a safer option for heavier cartons.
Another plus: flood coating on PVC doesn’t affect adhesion the way it can with PP. So, you get the strong branding and the performance.
This one flies under the radar a bit.
It’s essentially PVC tape with tear-off sections built in (anywhere from 50mm to 300mm). That means you can use it like a label as well as tape.
If your team is sealing boxes and then applying labels separately, this can actually speed things up quite a bit. Less handling, fewer steps.
There’s a lot of “eco” packaging out there that’s more about marketing than substance.
Paper tape is one of the options that actually does what it claims.
Because it’s 100% paper, it goes straight into recycling with the box—no need to separate materials. If sustainability is something your brand talks about, this helps you back that up properly.
You can print up to three colours, and it comes in a decent range of widths. It won’t suit every application, but when it fits, it fits well.
If you want a strong seal, this is it.
Once water activates the adhesive, it bonds directly to the carton surface. You can’t peel it off cleanly, which means any tampering is obvious straight away.
It does require a dispenser (manual or automated), so there’s a bit of setup involved. But for high-value goods, or if you’ve had issues with cartons opening, it’s usually worth it.
Not all printed tape is for sealing.
Barrier tape has no adhesive—it’s used for marking areas, flagging hazards, or blocking off sections. Warehouses and councils use it all the time.
Worth knowing it exists, even if it’s not part of your packaging setup.
If you’re unsure, it usually comes down to a few simple questions:
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What’s the main job?
Sealing cartons → PP or PVC
Extra security → Gummed tape
Safety or marking → Barrier tape
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What’s the environment like?
Cold → PVC
Standard conditions → PP
Sustainability focus → Paper
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How heavy are your shipments?
Lighter cartons → PP is fine
Heavier loads → PVC or gummed tape
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What’s your budget?
PP is the most cost-effective starting point
PVC sits in the middle
Paper and gummed are more premium
Most businesses land on PP or PVC to begin with and adjust from there.
Test Before You Commit – Ask for samples!
This is one thing people skip—and it’s where mistakes happen.
Always get samples and we can definitely help with that – just ask us and we’ll send you some samples out!
Tape can behave differently depending on your cartons, your environment, and how your goods are handled. Something that works perfectly for one business might not hold up the same way for another.
It’s a small step that can save you a lot of frustration.
Final Thoughts
The right tape isn’t going to completely transform your operation overnight—but it does make a difference over time.
Better presentation. Fewer issues in transit. Stronger brand visibility.
If you’re just getting started, a simple PP tape with your logo is a solid first move. From there, you can tweak things as your needs become clearer.
