When choosing the best packing tape for cardboard boxes, it depends on what you’re packing, how heavy the box is, and the conditions it will face during storage and transportation.
For most everyday cardboard boxes, standard polypropylene packing tape is usually the most versatile and cost-effective choice. However, businesses packing particularly heavy boxes, working in busy packing environments, or looking for a paper-based alternative will likely benefit from a more specialised type of packing tape or adhesive.
In this article, we’ll look at the best packing tape for different needs.
What makes a good packing tape for cardboard boxes?
Good tape for boxes needs to be reliable. It needs to keep the box securely closed throughout handling and transportation, whether it’s stacked, dropped, or stored for an extended period.
Before choosing a tape, it’s important to consider:
- The weight of the box: Heavier boxes put more pressure on the seals, so you’ll need stronger or reinforced tape.
- Where the box is being packed: Businesses that tape parcels throughout the day will likely need to prioritise ease of use and speed, while businesses taping parcels in quiet offices will need to prioritise noise levels.
- The amount of boxes being packed: Businesses sending hundreds of parcels will have very different requirements from somebody sealing the occasional parcel to send a gift to a friend or family member.
- Storage and transport conditions: Boxes stored for long periods, or travelling through more demanding environments such as cold or warm locations, will benefit from tape with stronger adhesion.
Once you take these factors into account, it’s much easier to ensure you have the right tape to support your box throughout transport.
Which type of packing tape is the best?
Polypropylene packing tape
Polypropylene packing tape (or clear packing tape) is usually considered the best and most straightforward option for everyday, general packing for most lightweight to medium-weight parcels.
Polypropylene tape offers a simple, unobtrusive finish that suits both business and home use, while also being one of the most economical options on the market.
Most polypropylene tape also works with industry-standard tape dispensers, making it practical for packing benches, warehouses, and busy e-commerce sites that regularly prepare orders.
Hot melt packing tape
For businesses that need a particularly strong grip when sealing cardboard boxes, hot melt tape is a suitable option that provides stronger adhesion than polypropylene packing tape.
Its adhesive creates an instant bond with the box, making it especially useful in busy packing areas where boxes need to be sealed quickly and effectively, as well as for heavier boxes.
Hot melt packing tape is also great for dustier or colder packing environments, as these conditions can sometimes prevent standard tape from creating a secure bond.
For any businesses looking for the best packing tape for regular warehouse or dispatch use, hot melt tape can provide a useful, stronger alternative to standard polypropylene.
You can use hot melt tape with or without a tape dispenser.
Paper and water-activated tape
For businesses or individuals looking to reduce plastic use, paper and water-activated tape is recommended.
Paper packing tape provides a neat, tidy finish on cardboard packaging and allows recipients to recycle the packaging after opening. It’s ideal for smaller e-commerce businesses shipping small to medium-sized parcels.
On the other hand, water-activated tape (also known as gummed tape) creates a strong seal suitable for both light and heavy packages. Made from kraft paper with a starch-based adhesive, it melts into the cardboard fibres when wet to form a permanent, tamper-evident seal that is fully recyclable with the box.
Crossweave reinforced tape
For particularly heavy boxes, valuable goods, or packages that need extra support and reinforcement, crossweave tape offers a much stronger option that keeps boxes protected throughout transit.
Crossweave tape contains reinforcing glass fibres that run through the tape, making it resistant to tearing and splitting. This makes it particularly suitable for demanding packaging jobs, as well as for when you need to reinforce specific areas of a box rather than sealing just the top and bottom.
For an ordinary, lightweight e-commerce parcel, it’s highly unlikely that this level of reinforcement is necessary. However, heavy boxes will definitely benefit from this additional protection.
Low-noise packing tape
Repeatedly pulling tape from a roll can become very loud, very quickly – especially in busy packing areas, quiet office spaces or home-based e-commerce businesses.
This is where low-noise packing tape comes in. Designed to reduce the noise created when the tape is pulled, low-noise packing tape suits all types of cardboard boxes. It offers a quieter, easier, and more comfortable packing experience while still providing a high level of tack.
What is the best tape for different types of boxes?
Lightweight parcels and everyday cardboard boxes
For small to medium-sized cardboard boxes carrying relatively lightweight or medium-weight items, polypropylene packing tape (clear packing tape) will be the most suitable and practical starting point.
It provides a simple, easy way to seal everyday parcels without unnecessary reinforcement, making it suitable for home use, general e-commerce, warehouses, and distribution centres.
Heavy or valuable packages
Heavy contents put significant pressure on a cardboard box’s seams, so reinforced crossweave tape or water-activated tape is recommended.
However, tape is only one part of the packaging. A heavy item should also be packed in a strong cardboard box designed to support its weight, as large amounts of tape won’t fully protect the item if the box is unsuitable.
Boxes packed in cold or dusty environments
Businesses operating from warehouses, storage areas or other similar environments should consider opting for hot melt tape.
Because of its stronger initial grip, it’s particularly useful in more challenging environments where some tapes may struggle to form a secure bond immediately.
Boxes that are going to be stored
Packages stored for an extended period may also benefit from hot melt tape, as its bond resists colder temperatures.
High-volume packing environments
Businesses shipping large quantities of orders should think carefully about their overall packing process, as well as each parcel.
Standard polypropylene, hot melt, and low-noise tapes can all suit packing in these environments, depending on the nature of the business and the type of boxes being sealed.
Businesses manually sending large numbers of boxes will likely also benefit from a compatible tape dispenser. This can make the process quicker and easier, and can help the tape apply more evenly.
How to tape a cardboard box securely
Beyond using suitable tape, make sure you tape the box securely and efficiently.
Our top tips for taping a cardboard box securely:
- Ensure that the cardboard box surface is dry and relatively clean.
- Close the box flaps so that they sit flat.
- Run the tape along the main seam, using a tape dispenser for a more uniform application. Allow the tape to extend beyond the seam at either end, giving it enough area to grip.
- If your parcel is heavier, seal the side seams as well to create an H-shaped seal and add extra security.
Never re-use cardboard boxes for fragile or important items. If you reuse a cardboard box, check the bottom and sides for weakened seams, and always replace old tape.
So, which packing tape should you choose?
For most everyday cardboard boxes, polypropylene packing tape (clear packing tape) is the most reliable and cost-effective option.
For boxes being packed in more demanding conditions, hot melt tape can provide a strong initial grip, while low-noise tape can make continuous packing less disruptive.
Heavier or higher value packages will likely benefit from crossweave reinforced tape or water-activated tape. For a more eco-friendly option for smaller packages, consider paper tape.
Here at Schott Packaging, we stock a wide range of packing tapes and adhesives, suitable for everything from home use and everyday sealing to heavy-duty business packing and dispatch requirements.
Check out our extensive selection of parcel tape, cardboard boxes, and postal packaging now, or contact us today to speak with our friendly customer service team.