Different Types Of Tapes And Their Uses

A constantly changing market has made tapes one of the most adaptable products with the potential for being used across various industries. Whichever market segment you are in – either a producer or seller, knowing the various types of tapes and their application will help you a lot in your packaging operations. 

This article aims to sort out the various kinds of tapes and to suggest their most suitable uses, thus helping you to select the right one for your business.

What Are Tapes?

Tapes are materials coated with adhesives that are generally used to protect, seal, and bind objects and surfaces. They are composed of backing material like paper, foam, cloth, and plastic, and are available in different forms, sizes, and strengths, which makes them suitable for various applications.

Top 12 Types Of Tapes

Many different kinds of tapes exist in the market, with each serving a particular purpose and application. Here’s a list of the different types of tapes:

1) BOPP acrylic tapes.

BOPP acrylic tapes use a water-based acrylic adhesive and are noted for their high visibility and long-lasting bond, making them good multi-purpose packaging and carton sealing options.

2) BOPP hotmelt tapes.

BOPP hotmelt tapes use a synthetic rubber (Hotmelt) adhesive for superior quick stick and high tack performance for rapid production packaging lines.

3) BOPP solvent tapes.

BOPP Solvent is one of the types of tapes that offers high adhesion performance even under extreme temperature conditions, making them ideal for heavy-duty packaging and/or export shipments.

4) Paper packaging tapes.

Paper packaging tapes are eco-friendly, recyclable tapes made from kraft paper and generally used for sustainable and/or aesthetic packaging. 

5) Recycled PET tapes.

Recycled PET tapes are made from 100% recycled plastic bottles (PET) and are very strong, eco-friendly, and great for “green” packaging. 

6) Cellophane Tapes

Used for office, household, and gift-wrapping purposes, they have a clean and professional appearance. 

7) Flexo Printable Tapes

They are intended for printing and branding packaging and to provide visibility and good branding on sealed cartons.

8) Industrial Tapes

It is a heavy-duty tape used for heavy-weight insulation, binding, or protecting in construction, automotive, and manufacturing settings.

9) Specialty Tapes

These are custom-engineered tapes that are designed for specific applications, such as electrical insulation, thermal resistance, or double-sided adhesive.

10) Carton Tear Tapes

Sometimes called easy-open tape, they are used in packaging to allow opening sealed boxes without damaging the carton or product.

11) FMCG Tear Tapes

These are the most common types of tapes often used in the packaging of fast-moving consumer goods like cigarettes, snacks, and confectionery boxes, to facilitate the unwrapping process.

12) Sustainable Tear Tapes

Environmentally friendly tear tapes, made from either biodegradable or recyclable materials, and therefore, are in line with the green packaging policies.

What Are The Uses Of Tapes?

Different types of tapes have their specific applications based on the materials and the purposes:

• BOPP Acrylic Tapes: These tapes are generally used for packaging and sealing boxes, as well as managing their transit. Apart from being permanently bonded, they also exhibit excellent transparency along with UV and aging resistance, making them suitable for long-term storage and shipping.
• BOPP Hotmelt Tapes: They are utilized in packaging processes that require a rapid tack and strong initial adhesion where the volume of products is high. These tapes are predominantly found in the e-commerce, logistics, and manufacturing sectors.
• BOPP Solvent Tapes: They are the tapes employed in heavy-duty packaging, export shipments, and extreme conditions. They manage to hold even on dirty, rough, recycled cartons.
• Paper Packaging Tapes: An environmentally friendly choice is the paper tape in place of the plastic one for securely closing boxes and parcels. It can still be used by companies and brands that are concerned about the environment by applying recyclable and biodegradable packing materials.
• Recycled PET Tapes: The category for tapes suitable for sealing applications is the one that requires sustainability in your operation. While they are made from recycled materials, they maintain their strength, and consequently, less plastic is consumed.
• Cellophane tapes are widely available in offices, schools, and homes for a variety of purposes, such as wrapping gifts, sealing papers, and making small repairs. Their main attributes are transparency and user-friendliness.
• Flexo Printable Tapes: Applied by manufacturers to make their own logos, messages, or brand printing on the tape. Suitable for advertising and sealing packages in distribution and retail that won’t be easily opened.
• Industrial Tapes: Used in construction, electrical, and automotive industries, they can be insulation, bonding, masking, or protection. They’re made to endure heavy stress and rugged conditions.
• Specialty Tapes: Tapes for specific applications, i.e., double-sided bonding, electrical insulation, heat resistance, or anti-vibration. They are actual users in the electronics, aerospace, and manufacturing industries.
• Carton Tear Tapes: Present on the packages of boxes, where they enable a smooth and simple way of opening without cutting tools. This method is mostly used for electronics, clothes, and the packing of e-commerce items.
• FMCG Tear Tapes: Used in consumer goods packaging such as snacks, cigarettes, and other confectionery. Allows the consumer to open and reseal pouches or boxes for convenience.
• Sustainable Tear Tapes: Same as tear tapes but made with biodegradable or recyclable materials, and support eco-friendly and sustainable packaging solutions.

Choose Bagla For Various Types Of Tapes

Bagla gives the customers great diversity in terms of tapes like BOPP, paper, recycled PET, tear, and even specialty tapes, which are all of premium quality. Below are the reasons why Bagla should be selected for tapes:

• A variety of tape types is available for various applications
• Powerful and durable adhesion
• Environmentally friendly and sustainable choices
• Solutions that are customizable according to branding and industry requirements
• Quality and reliability that are appreciated by businesses all over the world

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