Guide / Shipping & protection / Chapter 7.8
Packaging tape and sealing.
A strong box is only as good as the tape holding it shut. Here's how the main types of packaging tape compare, how to tape a box properly, and when custom printed tape is worth it.
The short answer
Plastic packaging tape is the everyday choice: light to medium duty for most parcels, and heavy duty for heavier cartons. Kraft paper tape is a paper option that tears by hand. Water-activated gummed tape bonds into the cardboard itself, which makes a very secure seal on cartons and shows if it's been tampered with (tamper-evident, not tamper-proof). Tape the centre seam and the edges, use a tape strong enough for the weight, and consider custom printed tape, available from 10 rolls, to brand every parcel.
The main types of tape
Plastic packaging tape
Polypropylene film with a pressure-sensitive adhesive that sticks as soon as you press it. Our packaging tape range includes a light to medium duty tape with an acrylic adhesive for everyday parcels, and a heavy duty tape with a natural rubber adhesive for heavier cartons. Printed warning tapes such as "Fragile", "Handle with care" and "Urgent" are also available.
Kraft paper tape
Kraft paper with an adhesive, designed to tear easily by hand. It suits light to medium cartons and gives a paper finish that matches kraft boxes. See our kraft paper tape.
Water-activated gummed tape
Paper tape with a dry adhesive that's activated with water, usually from a dispenser. It bonds with the surface fibres of the cardboard, so it's very hard to remove without visible damage. Our gummed tape comes in standard and reinforced options, with manual and electronic dispensers.
Which tape suits what
General guide only. Test with your own boxes and weights.
| Tape | Best for | Strength | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light to medium plastic tape | Everyday parcels and mailers | Medium | Quick and economical |
| Heavy duty plastic tape | Heavier cartons and storage | High | Stronger adhesive for heavier loads |
| Kraft paper tape | Light to medium cartons | Medium | Tears by hand, paper finish |
| Gummed paper tape | Cartons that need a secure, tamper-evident seal | High, especially reinforced | Needs a water-activated dispenser |
| Custom printed tape | Branding every parcel | Depends on the tape | From 10 rolls |
How to tape a box properly
The basic seal
Run one strip of tape along the centre seam where the flaps meet, overlapping down each end of the box by about 50–70 mm, or as your tape maker recommends.
The H seal
For heavier cartons, add a strip across each edge seam as well, so the tape forms an H shape. This stops the flap edges lifting.
Bottom and top
Tape the bottom of the carton the same way as the top. The bottom carries the weight of the contents.
Use a dispenser
A tape dispenser applies tape faster and more evenly, with firmer pressure, than taping by hand.
What it means for you
The same question, answered for where your business is today.
Choose your stage at the top of the page to open the advice for you.
Start-up · under 100 units
One good everyday tape and a hand dispenser cover most small businesses. Use heavy duty tape for any heavier cartons.
Press the tape down firmly along its whole length. Pressure helps the adhesive grip.
Growing · 100 to 2,499 units
As volumes grow, a better dispenser saves time on every order. If presentation matters, custom printed tape brands every parcel from 10 rolls.
Try this: time how long it takes to seal ten boxes by hand and with a dispenser.
Enterprise · 2,500 units and more
Specify the tape type, width and sealing pattern for each carton. For cartons that need a tamper-evident seal, consider gummed tape with an electronic dispenser.
Choose tape that suits your carton board and the temperatures it will travel in.
Common mistakes
- 1Too little tape. One short strip on a heavy carton isn't enough. Overlap the ends and tape the edges.
- 2Light tape on heavy cartons. Use heavy duty tape or reinforced gummed tape for heavier loads.
- 3Taping over old tape. New tape doesn't grip well on old tape. Remove it or tape onto clean board.
- 4Not pressing it down. Tape needs firm pressure to bond. A dispenser or a firm hand along the strip helps.
Packaging tape questions
What's the strongest packaging tape?
What is gummed tape?
Is kraft paper tape strong enough?
How should I tape a box?
What's the minimum order for custom printed tape?
Keep reading
Shop tape
Not sure which tape you need?
Tell us what you're sealing and how heavy it is. Our Melbourne packaging team will recommend the tape and dispenser, usually within 1 business day.