Custom printed tape is more than just a way to seal boxes,ย itโs 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 fromย our in-houseย expert Hadleigh Salisbury.ย ย
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Custom Packaging Tape Is More Than Just Tapeย
Custom printed tape is one of those things that quietly pulls more weight than people expect.ย
Every box you send out is moving through depots, trucks, sorting facilities, and eventually landing on someoneโs doorstep. Thatโs a lot of eyes on your packaging for something that costs very little per metre.ย
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.ย
Understanding Yourย Custom Printed Tapeย Optionsย
Thereโs no single โbestโ tapeโit really depends on what youโre sending, where itโs going, and what matters most to you.ย
Hereโs a straightforward breakdown:
This is where most businesses begin.ย
Itโs 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 288mmโwhich is handy if you want to do things like wrap pallets and turn them into branded surfaces.ย
One thing to be aware of: if you go with a floodย coat (that full-colour background look), adhesion can drop slightly. Itโs not usually a dealbreaker, but itโs worth testing on your cartonsโespecially if your boxes get knocked around in transit.ย
PVC is basically the next step up.ย
It uses a rubber-based adhesive instead of hot melt, which makes a noticeable differenceโespecially in colder conditions. If youโre dealing with refrigerated goods or a warehouse that getsย pretty coldย in winter, this matters.ย
It also just holds better overall, which makes it a safer option for heavier cartons.ย
Another plus:ย flood coatingย on PVC doesnโt affect adhesion the way it can with PP.ย So,ย you get the strong brandingย andย the performance.ย
This one flies under the radar a bit.ย
Itโs 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.ย
If your team is sealing boxes and then applying labels separately, this canย actually speedย things up quite a bit. Less handling, fewer steps.ย
Thereโs a lot of โecoโ packaging out there thatโs more about marketing than substance.ย
Paper tape is one of the options thatย actually doesย what it claims.ย
Because itโs 100% paper, it goes straight into recycling with the boxโno need to separate materials. If sustainability is something your brand talks about, this helps you back that up properly.ย
You can print up to three colours, and it comes in a decent range of widths. It wonโt suit every application, but when it fits, it fits well.ย
If you want aย strongย seal, this is it.ย
Once water activates the adhesive, it bonds directly to the carton surface. You canโt peel it off cleanly, which means any tampering is obvious straight away.ย
It does require a dispenser (manual or automated), so thereโs a bit of setup involved. But for high-value goods, or if youโve had issues with cartons opening, itโs usually worth it.ย
Not all printed tape is for sealing.ย
Barrier tape has no adhesiveโitโs used for marking areas, flagging hazards, or blocking off sections. Warehouses and councils use it all the time.ย
Worth knowing it exists, even if itโs not part of your packaging setup.ย
If youโre unsure, it usually comes down to a few simple questions:ย
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Whatโs the main job?ย
Sealing cartons โ PP or PVCย
Extra security โ Gummed tapeย
Safety or marking โ Barrier tapeย
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Whatโs the environment like?ย
Cold โ PVCย
Standard conditions โ PPย
Sustainability focus โ Paperย
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How heavy are your shipments?ย
Lighter cartons โ PP is fineย
Heavier loads โ PVC or gummed tapeย
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Whatโs your budget?ย
PP is the most cost-effective starting pointย
PVC sits in the middleย
Paper and gummed are more premiumย
Most businesses land on PP or PVC to begin with and adjust from there.ย
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Test Before You Commitย โ Ask for samples!ย
This is one thing people skipโand itโs where mistakes happen.ย
Always get samplesย and we canย definitely helpย with that โ just ask us and weโll send you some samples out!ย
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.ย
Itโs a small step that can save you a lot of frustration.ย
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Final Thoughtsย
The right tape isnโt going to completely transform your operation overnightโbut it does make a difference over time.ย
Better presentation. Fewer issues in transit. Stronger brand visibility.ย
If youโre 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.
