Solve Cold-Temperature Tape Failure
Solve Cold-Temperature Tape Failure
Hot-melt carton tape fails below 20°F. For refrigerated shipments, use acrylic tape (rated to 0°F). For frozen or deep-cold, use water-activated kraft tape — it bonds into the corrugated fiber and holds.
Quick facts
| In-stock SKUs | 12 |
|---|---|
| Total options | 12 |
| Price from | $8.49 |
| Price to | $115.23 |
| Average price | $53.64 |
| Materials | kraft, clear, corrugated, plastic |
| Strengths | ECT-32 |
| Mil thicknesses | 1.8 |
| Pack quantities | 8, 12, 25, 36, 100 |
In-stock options
-
2" x 55 yds Clear Acrylic Carton Sealing Tape - 1.8 Mil, Case of 36
-
2" x 55 yds Clear Acrylic Carton Sealing Tape #400 - 36 Roll Case
-
2" x 55 yds Clear Acrylic Carton Sealing Tape - Case of 36
-
12.5 x 18.5" Kraft Jumbo Envelopes 28lb - Reusable Ungummed, Case of 100
-
72mm x 375' Reinforced Water Activated Kraft Tape - Case of 8
-
70mm x 375' Kraft Fiberglass Reinforced Water Activated Tape - Case of 8
-
6x6x6 ECT-32 Kraft Corrugated Cube Box - Ideal for Round Items, Bundle of 25
-
8x6x6 ECT-32 Kraft Corrugated Boxes - Durable Shipping, Bundle of 25
-
7x6x6 ECT-32 Kraft Corrugated Boxes - Reliable Shipping, 25-Pack Bundle
When to use
- Fixing a recurring damage, cost, or throughput issue.
- Spec'ing corrective materials before peak season.
The problem
Standard hot-melt carton tape stiffens below 20°F and peels off cold corrugated. The box ships sealed, the tape fails mid-transit, and the box opens.
The fix
Switch to acrylic carton tape (rated to 0°F) for refrigerated shipments. For frozen or deep-cold, use water-activated kraft tape — it bonds into the corrugated fiber and holds through temperature cycling.
Alternatives to consider
-
2" x 110 yds Clear Acrylic Carton Sealing Tape #160 - 1.6 Mil, Case of 36
-
2" x 110 yds Clear Acrylic Carton Sealing Tape - 1.8 Mil, Case of 36
-
3" x 110 Yds Clear Acrylic Carton Sealing Tape - Strong Adhesion, Case of 24
-
2" x 110 yds Clear Acrylic Industrial Tape #400 - 36 Roll Case
-
3" x 55 yds Clear Acrylic Carton Sealing Tape - 2.6 Mil, Case of 24
-
2" x 110 yds Clear Acrylic Carton Sealing Tape - 2.2 Mil, Case of 36
Also stocked
-
2" Gray Plastic Strapping Tape Dispenser - Fast Hand-Held Carton Sealing, 1 Each
-
3" x 60 yd Clear Strapping Tape 180 lb - Case of 12 Rolls
-
1" x 60 yds Clear Strapping Tape 110 lb - Case of 36 Rolls
Frequently asked
What's the cold-rated temp range for acrylic tape?
Most acrylic carton tapes are rated from 0°F to 150°F — suitable for refrigerated shipments but not deep-freeze.
Will hot-melt ever work in cold?
Above 20°F — yes, marginally. Below 20°F it's unreliable. Don't rely on hot-melt for winter shipments.
Does water-activated tape need wetting equipment?
Yes — a tape dispenser with a water reservoir. It's a small upfront investment ($200-$500 range) that pays off in cold-chain reliability.