Tape comparison
Carton sealing tape vs kraft paper tape
Carton sealing (poly) tape and kraft paper tape both seal shipping boxes, but they pick different tradeoffs: cost, speed, strength, recyclability, and how the package looks when it lands on a customer's desk.
This guide walks through when each one wins, then routes you to the right SKU.
Side-by-side comparison
| Attribute | Carton Sealing Tape (poly) | Kraft Paper Tape |
|---|---|---|
| Backing | Polypropylene or PVC | Kraft paper, often reinforced with fiberglass |
| Adhesive | Acrylic, hot-melt, or natural rubber | Water-activated starch or pressure-sensitive |
| Application | Tape gun, hand dispenser, automated case sealer | Electric water-activated dispenser or manual moistening |
| Speed at the bench | Fastest in most workflows | Slower without an electric dispenser |
| Bond strength | Strong on smooth surfaces; can lift on dusty or recycled board | Bonds into the corrugated fibers and can show visible tape disturbance |
| Tamper evidence | Moderate | High - tearing the tape damages the box |
| Recycling note | Poly tape may need to be removed depending on the recycler | Paper-based tape may stay with corrugated in many programs; confirm local rules |
| Branding | Custom-printed options may be available depending on tape type and quantity | Paper-based look; common on subscription and DTC shipments |
| Cost per box | Lower for high-volume general shipping | Higher per box, but reduces double-taping |
When to choose which
Choose carton sealing tape when: you ship high volumes of standard parcels, want a lower material cost per box, use tape guns or case sealers, and do not need a paper-based closure.
Choose kraft paper tape when: packages need a paper-based closure, visible tape disturbance matters, or your boxes are dusty, recycled-content, or hard for poly tape to grip.
Mixed shops: use kraft on retail-facing or branded shipments and standard carton tape on bulk/wholesale.