Tape
Choose tape by adhesive, strength, and workflow
Picking tape is about three things: how strong the bond needs to be, how the operator will apply it, and what surfaces it will stick to. The wrong tape causes box failures, returns, and slow packing lines. The right tape pays for itself in fewer re-wraps and faster throughput.
Use this guide to route between carton sealing tape, kraft paper tape, masking, and duct tape.
Carton Sealing Tape
The default for sealing corrugated shipping boxes. Acrylic, hot-melt, or natural rubber adhesive on a clear or tan polypropylene backing. Fast on tape guns.
Kraft Paper Tape
Reinforced or plain water-activated kraft tape. Stronger tamper-evident bond, branded look, recyclable with the box. Slower to apply without an electric dispenser.
Masking, Duct & Filament
Masking for low-tack labeling and paint, duct for repairs and bundling, filament for heavy bundling, palletizing, and reinforcement.
Tape FAQ
What thickness do I need?
1.6 to 2.0 mil works for light parcels under 30 lb. Use 2.5 to 3.0 mil for heavy boxes, double-wall, or rough handling. Reinforced kraft is the strongest tamper-evident option.
Acrylic vs hot-melt vs rubber?
Acrylic holds up across temperature swings (cold storage, hot warehouses). Hot-melt sticks fastest and best on recycled board. Natural rubber gives the highest immediate tack on smooth surfaces.
How wide should the tape be?
Most shipping boxes use 2 in tape. Heavy or oversized boxes can use 3 in. Anything narrower than 2 in is for light retail or display use, not shipping.
Compare tape options
Adhesive, backing, and workflow trade-offs explained side by side.