Choosing the right packaging tape is essential for keeping cardboard boxes securely sealed during storage and transit. The wrong tape can lead to boxes opening, product damage, and costly delays. The right tape improves packing efficiency, protects goods, and supports a professional dispatch process.
This guide explains how to choose the best packaging tape for UK businesses, based on box weight, working conditions, and packing volume .
Why Packaging Tape Choice Matters
Packaging tape does far more than simply hold a box shut. It plays a key role in:
Preventing boxes opening during handling and transport
Reducing damage and returns
Improving packing speed and consistency
Supporting safe, professional warehouse operations
Businesses that regularly ship goods benefit from choosing tape that is suited to their boxes, environment, and workflow, rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all solution.
1. Match the Tape to Your Box Weight
The weight of your cardboard boxes is the first factor to consider.
Lightweight boxes can be sealed with standard polypropylene packaging tape
Medium to heavy boxes require stronger adhesive performance
Heavier or bulk shipments benefit from heavy-duty packaging tape to prevent splitting
2. Choose the Right Packaging Tape Adhesive
Different adhesives perform better in different conditions. Understanding this helps avoid seal failure.
Acrylic Packaging Tape
Ideal for general-purpose box sealing
Performs best in stable, indoor environments
Cost-effective for high-volume packing
This is a popular choice for everyday UK warehouse and dispatch operations.
Hot Melt Packaging Tape
Provides a stronger initial bond
Suitable for heavier boxes
Performs well in faster-paced packing environments
TEC Packaging offers hot melt tape options for businesses that need improved holding strength without moving to specialist tapes.
3. Consider the Tape Backing Material
Most UK businesses use polypropylene (PP) packaging tape, which offers an excellent balance of strength, flexibility, and cost efficiency.
Polypropylene tape is:
Lightweight and easy to apply
Suitable for most cardboard boxes
Compatible with manual tape dispensers
TEC Packaging’s adhesive tape range is designed around polypropylene backing, making it suitable for the majority of commercial packing environments.
4. Sustainable Packaging Tape Options
We’ve noticed a clear shift recently, with more businesses moving away from traditional plastic-based tapes and towards paper alternatives.
Improvements in manufacturing mean modern paper tapes are significantly stronger and more reliable than older versions. For many applications, they now provide comparable performance to polypropylene options.
Two popular alternatives include:
The main advantage is environmental. Paper tape can typically be recycled along with the cardboard box, whereas plastic tape usually needs to be removed before recycling. For businesses looking to simplify recycling processes or improve packaging sustainability, this can be a practical step forward.
There are, however, a couple of considerations:
There is no clear or transparent option available
Paper tape is currently slightly more expensive than plastic alternatives
At TEC Packaging, we believe in offering the full range so customers can choose what works best for their operation. Our team is on hand to advise on whether paper or plastic tape is the most suitable option based on your packing process, brand requirements, and sustainability goals.
5. Factor in Your Working Environment
Environmental conditions can affect how well packaging tape performs.
Cold or unheated warehouses may reduce adhesion
Dust and humidity can impact seal strength
Long transit times increase handling stress on boxes
Choosing a stronger adhesive can help maintain reliable sealing in challenging UK warehouse conditions, particularly during winter months.
6. Improve Packing Efficiency With Tape Dispensers
Using the right equipment is just as important as choosing the right tape.
TEC Packaging supplies manual tape dispensers that:
Improve packing speed
Ensure consistent tape tension
Reduce tape waste
Lower strain on packing staff
For businesses sealing boxes regularly, dispensers are a simple way to improve productivity and consistency.
7. Secure, Reliable, Professional Box Sealing
Packaging tape also contributes to:
Reducing boxes opening during transit
Lowering the risk of tampering
Maintaining a professional packing standard
Why Choose TEC Packaging for Packaging Tape?
TEC Packaging supplies a focused range of packaging tape and dispensers designed for UK businesses that value reliability, efficiency, and practical performance.
Whether you’re sealing lightweight boxes or shipping heavier goods, their product range supports:
Warehousing
Manufacturing
Distribution and logistics
Need Help Choosing the Right Packaging Tape?
If you’re unsure which packaging tape best suits your business, TEC Packaging can help you select the right solution based on your boxes, environment, and packing process.