Sticking Together: The Role of Adhesive Tapes In Packaging

Why do we need tapes in our lives?

Adhesive Tapes are also known as sticky tapes that can fix things, hold stuff together. Glue, fabric, animal skins, and strings were used to bind things together when tape was not invented. Once tape came into our lives, the first thing that came in mind of people to fix things was “Tapes”.

In olden days to pack a product string or twine, is used. The process was very time consuming and not perfectly packed. Adhesive Tapes made the process fast and efficient leading to fast packaging, shipping and cost effectiveness.

And that's not all, adhesive tape also plays a crucial role in keeping wounds together, helping with medical care. Nowadays, Adhesive tapes come with different sizes and different adhesive strength(stickiness). They can be gentle to super sticky with more versatility and can be used practically anywhere to bind a product. Adhesive Tapes are used in a variety of industries, in household, in packaging, shipping, construction, decoration, in medical, office, and also safety purposes. Thus Tapes became an integral part of our daily life. Whenever something is broken, the first thing we think of is to fix it by taping it or gluing it. But using Tape is more convenient.

What is the history of tapes?

Below is the table the timeline and details in the history of adhesives and tapes:

Year	Innovation	Details
617-906 A.D.	Chinese Adhesives	Made from fish, ox, and stag horns.
1750	First Adhesive Patent	Issued in Britain for a fish-based glue, leading to the first commercial glue plant in Holland.
1845	Invention of Surgical Tape by Dr. Horace Day	The first tape was made from cotton for medical use, primarily for bandaging.
1845	Paper-based Adhesive Tape by Richard Wolffenstein	Invented a paper-based adhesive tape using gelatin.
1890s	Cellulose-based Tape	Developed from nitrocellulose, offering improved adhesion for sealing envelopes.
1921	Invention of the Band-Aid by Earle Dickson	Created at Johnson & Johnson to keep dressings on small wounds.
1925	Pressure-sensitive Tape by Richard Drew	At 3M, combining rubber with adhesive for a stronger, more versatile product.
1930	Masking Tape	Developed by Richard Drew for painters to achieve clean lines without damaging surfaces.
1946	Filament Tape	Patented by Cyrus W. Bemmels, fiberglass filaments are used to strengthen for increased strength.
1970s	Velcro Tape	first released as a reusable fastening method made up of hook and loop elements.
1980s	Double-sided Tape	which has adhesive on both sides for bonding two surfaces—becomes widely used.
1990s	Foam Tapes	used with single- or double-sided adhesive for gasketing, sealing, and insulation.
2000s	Nano-tape	utilizing nanotechnology in consumer and industrial applications to provide robust, residue-free adherence.

How are Tapes manufactured?

The steps below are involved in the manufacture of tape:

Starting with a tape material (substrate), determine which side of the material (substrate) will contain the adhesive.
On the material's adhesive side (substrate), apply a primer.
On the worktable, apply thin layer rubber-based adhesive. any extra liquid that is extra can be removed by heating it, application of hot air to it, or by laminating with high pressure. This process completely depends on the type of adhesive tape. This process guarantees that the adhesive is good to use, with no impurities.
To make it easier for users, coil the tape onto a cardboard roll at the end. The end of the tape is frequently kept accessible with the help of certain ingenious solutions that add an edge separator—which could be made of colored paper.

Why are tapes sticky?

The fundamental component required to create the basis of adhesive tapes is adhesive. Adhesives are that give materials (substrate) their stickiness. These adhesives can be formed of rubber, acrylic, silicon, epoxy resins, synthetic rubber, polyurethane, solvent-based adhesives, or acrylic-based adhesives.

Here's a table summarizing the pros and cons of different types of adhesives:

Type of Adhesive	Pros	Cons
Rubber	Less expensive	Prone to oxidation
	High initial tack	Limited at higher temperatures
	Adheres well to various surfaces	Susceptible to UV light
Acrylic	Stable to oxidation and UV light	More expensive than rubber/resin
	Long-lasting protection against UV light	Not as effective on hard-to-adhere surfaces
Silicone	Long service life	The most expensive
	High flexibility
	Resistant to high temperatures
Epoxy Resins	High strength and low shrinkage	Not as flexible
	Tough and resistant to chemicals
Synthetic Rubber	High adhesion and shear resistance	More expensive than natural rubber-based
	Suitable for sealing packages and cartons	adhesives
Polyurethane	Provides flexibility, impact resistance,	Generally more expensive
Isocyanate	and durability	Generally more expensive

Features of Acrylic Tapes and Solvent Tapes?

When choosing acrylic tape and solvent tape, the foremost question will be which one is better suited for our product.

Below is the table explaining the features of acrylic tapes vs solvent tapes:

Feature	Acrylic Tape	Solvent Tape
Weather Resistance	Excellent; UV resistant, good for outdoor use	Varies; some types may degrade under UV light
Longevity	Maintains adhesion and appearance over time; does not yellow	May weaken under extreme temperatures; potential yellowing over time
Environmental Impact	More environmentally friendly with fewer VOCs	Emits more VOCs; potential health and environmental concerns
Adhesion to Surfaces	Good on a variety of materials, including plastics and metals	Strong on diverse surfaces; might have issues with specific materials
Clarity	Remains clear over time	Can vary; some types may yellow with UV exposure
Initial Tack	Strong but may take time to reach full strength	Very strong and immediate
Temperature Sensitivity (Application)	Less effective in cold conditions during application	Performs well in a broader range of temperatures during application
Chemical Resistance	Less resistant to certain chemicals and solvents	Better resistance to chemicals and solvents
Cost	Generally more cost-effective	Typically more expensive

This table provides a quick comparison, but the choice between acrylic and solvent tape should be based on the specific needs of the application, including environmental conditions, bonding surfaces, and any health or environmental concerns.

What are the usual layers and components of sticky tape, and how is tape-dispensing process waste reduced and made simpler?

In general, adhesive tape consists of up to two or three layers. Various materials (substrate) such plastic, foam, cloth, foil, even paper can be applied to create the initial layer. The adhesive, which can be built of polymers like silicone, isocyanate, acrylics, epoxy, rubber, or polyurethane, makes up the second layer. The release liners, which frequently consist of paper, is the third layer, which may or may not be present. It protects the adhesive until it is removed and discarded away once the tape is dispensed. Release agents should not transfer into the adhesive. They should ensure consistent release and unwinding. Moreover, these agents must preserve their properties and stability over time, even in diverse climatic conditions. Some tapes also have an edge separator at the outer side of the tape roll which is made of colored paper to stop the edge of the tape from sticking to the roll.

Tapes are commonly supplied in circular roll form for easy dispensing. There are various tape dispensers available in the market that simplify the tape dispensing process and reduce tape waste. This is particularly important as dispensed tape can sometimes stick to itself rather than the intended surface so use of dispenser helps to reduce wastage.

What advantages does tape have over glue?

Advantages of Tapes Over Glue	Explanation
Cleaner and Less Messy	Tapes provide a mess-free application.
Immediate Bonding	Tapes bond instantly without drying time.
Consistent and Uniform	Tapes offer a uniform thickness of adhesive.
Easily Automated	Tapes can be automated for efficient assembly.
Bonds to Various Surfaces	Tapes adhere to a wide range of materials.
Weather and UV-Resistant	Tapes resist weather and UV exposure.
Clean Application	Tapes can be applied cleanly, unlike glue.
Precision and Control	Tapes allow precise and controlled placement.
Repositioning Flexibility	Some tapes permit repositioning before bonding becomes permanent.
No clamps or Extra Tools Required	Tapes typically don't need clamps or additional tools.
Moisture and Humidity Resistance	Many tapes are resistant to moisture.
High Durability in Challenging Conditions	Tapes provide strong bonds, especially in challenging environments.

Which kinds of tapes are available based on their composition?

There are several tape categories as listed down below, each with a distinct description to prevent any two categories from being repeated:

Acrylic Tapes: Acrylic compounds are used to make adhesive, which is used in acrylic tape and comes in solvent- or water-based forms. Solvent based acrylic adhesive tapes have strong bonding and it is resistant to chemicals and adverse temperatures. While water based acrylic adhesive tapes are cheaper as well as environmentally friendly than solvent based acrylic tapes.
Solvent Tapes: Solvent tape is made of adhesive that is made of synthetic polymers which are dissolved in organic solvents. It gives very strong adhesion and durability, although it is more costly and less environmentally friendly compared to water-based alternatives.
Non-adhesive Tapes: Non-adhesive tapes do not need any kind of adhesive, as they are self adhering. Some of the examples would be stretch wraps, protective films, hook and loop, PTFE thread sealing tapes.
Heat-Activated Tapes: Heat-activated tape employs a thermoplastic adhesive that becomes adhesive when exposed to heat. Heat activated tapes are mainly used for binding fabrics, metals and plastics.
Water-Activated Tapes (Gummed Paper Tape): Water-activated tape is made of a starch-based adhesive applied on a kraft paper backing. Water activated tapes when moistened become sticky and ready to use. It is mostly used in packaging for security. Tamper evident tape is a classic example of water activated tapes.
Reinforced Gummed Tapes (RGT): Reinforced gummed has a backing of two layers of paper and laminated fiberglass filaments. It is a special form of water-activated tape. It is strong, durable.

What is the tape chemistry, characteristics and uses of different packaging tapes?

Below is the table for different types of tapes with its chemistry, characteristics and uses:

Tape Type	Tape Chemistry	Characteristics and Uses
Masking Tape	Paper and adhesive	Used for masking off areas during painting and crafting
Filament Tape	Fiberglass-reinforced backing and adhesive	Provides strength for bundling and packaging
PVC Tape	Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) backing and adhesive	Resistant to moisture, used for electrical insulation
Copper Tape	Copper backing with adhesive	Used in electronics and for electromagnetic shielding
Water Activated Tape	Kraft paper backing with starch-based adhesive	Used for secure packaging with tamper-evident seal
Duct Tape	Polyethylene backing with rubber adhesive	Known for its versatility in repairs and sealing
Heat Activated Tape	Thermoplastic adhesive activated by heat	Bonds various materials under heat and pressure
Double Sided Tape	Adhesive on both sides of a backing material	Used for mounting, bonding, and attaching items
Foam Tape	Foam backing with adhesive	Provides cushioning and insulation in various applications
Paper Tape	Paper backing with adhesive	Commonly used for sealing and packaging
Cloth Tapes	Cloth backing with adhesive	Offers durability and flexibility for repairs and binding
Printed Tapes	Various backings with printed designs	Used for labeling, branding, and decorative purposes
Pressure Sensitive Tapes	Adhesive-coated backing material	Bonds upon application of pressure, versatile use
Non Adhesive Tapes	Self-adhering tapes without traditional adhesives	Includes protective films, stretch wraps, etc.
Tamper Evident Tapes	Designed to show evidence of tampering	Used for security and sealing sensitive packages
Strapping Tape	Reinforced backing with adhesive	Provides strength for bundling and securing items
Stretchable Tapes	Stretchable materials with adhesive	Used for wrapping and securing irregular shapes
Nano Tapes	May refer to tapes using nanotechnology	Potential uses in advanced applications
Flatback Paper Tapes	Flatback paper backing with adhesive	Used for splicing, sealing, and packaging
Safety Tapes	High-visibility colors and adhesive	Marking hazards and enhancing safety in various settings
PVC Foam Tapes	PVC foam backing with adhesive	Offers cushioning and sealing properties
Anti-Slip Tapes	Textured surface for grip and adhesive	Used to prevent slipping on stairs and surfaces
Reflective Tapes	Reflective material with adhesive	Enhances visibility in low-light conditions
Packaging Tape	Various backings with adhesive	Primary tape for sealing and securing packages
Adhesive Transfer Tape	Adhesive layer on a release liner	Used for bonding and mounting applications
Security Tape	Designed for tamper evidence	Used for sealing and securing sensitive items
Label Protection Tape	Clear or translucent backing with adhesive	Protects labels and markings on packages
Poly Strapping Tape	Polypropylene backing with adhesive	Provides strength for bundling and securing items
Carrying Handle Tape	Reinforced backing with handle cutouts	Facilitates carrying of packaged items
Office Tape	General-purpose tape for office use	Commonly used for everyday tasks and office needs
Surface Protection Tape	Protective film with adhesive	Shields surfaces from damage during construction and painting
Invisible Tape	Clear backing with adhesive	Virtually disappears when applied, ideal for documents
Mounting Tape	Double-sided adhesive for mounting items	Used for mounting photos, artwork, and decorations
Cellophane Tape	Cellulose backing with adhesive	Transparent tape used for various household tasks
Hook and Loop Tape (VHB Tape)	Two interlocking fabric strips	Offers resealable and repositionable fastening
Glue Dot Tape	Double-sided adhesive dots on a backing	Provides quick and mess-free bonding in various crafts
Flagging Tape	Non-adhesive colored tape	Used for marking and flagging purposes in various industries
Decorative Tape	Various designs and colors on backing with adhesive	Adds decorative elements to crafts and projects
Magnetic Tape	Magnetic backing with adhesive	Ideal for magnetic displays, closures, and attachments
Copper Tape	Copper backing with adhesive	Used in electronics and for electromagnetic shielding

Under what circumstances do packaging tapes can't perform well?

Temperature: Regular tapes do not work in cold temperatures, therefore special tapes are made which have higher adhesion quality even in cold temperatures. Temperature sensitive tapes are also called “Cold Temperature Tapes”. They can be used at temperatures lower than 15°C.
Surface of the product: A clean and smooth surface of the product gives best results in sticking the tape to the product. A product that has dirt, debris, moisture, or grease needs to be cleaned and made free from contaminants before using the tape so a strong bond is created between the tape and product.
Type of product: Composition of the product also determines which tape needs to be used. Different tapes are used based on what the product is made of metal, wood, plastic or box, painted, laminated or non coated. Failing in selecting and using right tape according to the type of product can lead to weaker bond between tape and product.
Uniformity: It’s important that the product surface is uniform and flat instead of uneven and rough. If the product is rough and uneven the adhesive tape is difficult to stick to its surface. At one point adhesive tape might stick but would definitely not create a strong bond. That concludes the application area is crucial in choosing the right tape.
Moisture: The presence of moisture after tape application can expose the product. Depending on the application, various tapes are available in the market, including drywall tape, anti-slip tape, gaffer tape, flex tape, duct tape, and waterproof tape.
Application of the tape: Application of the tape has to be done properly. A strong bond is formed between the product and the tape when the binding product has seams taped from one end to the other end of the product. If the seams of the product require multiple use of the tape it should be done.
Aging of the tape: The use of old tapes for sealing products or storing sealed tape products for extended periods can result in tape failure. The tape will change the color from clear to yellow when it ages.
UV radiation exposure: Sunlight is another cause of tape failure if tape is exposed to sunlight for longer periods of time. Exposure to sunlight(UV radiation) will make tape brittle and eventually break the tape seal.

How to assess tape suitability for your product and key considerations for your purchase decision?

To determine if a tape is suitable for your product, consider the following factors:

What is the composition and characteristics of your product?
Is the tape durable, versatile, portable, and flexible enough for your needs?
How easy is tape in applicability?
Make sure if dangerous goods are transported the tape used is UN certified.
Will the product be stored for an extended period or subjected to transit?
What is the intended use of the tape?
Is the tape compatible with your product?
What type of surface does your product have?
Seek expert advice from the packaging company regarding the best tape for your product.
Consider ordering a sample for testing.
Determine whether the tape is needed for short-term or long-term use.
Assess if tamper-evident tape is necessary for product safety.
Review the available lab report for the tape's performance and quality.
Is it environmentally friendly, if that's a concern?
Will the tape be used for applications like taping displays, cold temperatures, moisture, UV exposure, heat and pressure, painting, crafting, bundling, decorating, strapping, insulating, shielding, tamper-evident sealing, repairing, mounting, cushioning, packaging, protecting, security, wrapping, splicing, safety, anti-slip properties, visibility, markings, carrying, virtually disappearing, shielding, flagging, or electromagnetic shielding?
Whether the tapes are approved by the Pressure Sensitive Tape Council (PSTC), the American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM), and the International Safe Transit Association (ISTA)?

Considering these factors will help you select the right tape for your specific product and application.

What kind of tape test is best for your product?

Tensile strength of the tape:

Tensile strength of the tape is the measure of the force required to break a piece of tape by pulling it in opposite directions. This test helps determine the tape’s ability to withstand tension, and the result is observed when the tape breaks. Masking tape or painter’s tape has lower tensile strength than acrylic tape or duct tape.

Peel test or Adhesion test of the tape:

Peel strength of the tape is the measure of the force required to separate a piece of tape from the material (substrate) it is adhered to. The force applied to remove tape from the substrate should be at constant speed and perpendicular in direction to the substrate. If the tape peels off easily from the substrate has weaker strength and if tape takes more strength to remove from the substrate it has stronger strength. There are various test methods used to measure the load per unit width of the tape required to separate from the subtract. The most common method of testing is done by measuring the amount of force needed to peel off the tape from the surface of the substrate at both 90° and 180° angles. This load per unit width is an important factor in assessing the tape’s adhesive strength and performance. Painter’s tape has lower adhesion than acrylic tape or duct tape.

Tack test of the tape:

Tack strength of the tape is the measure of how strongly the tape adheres to the surface of a material (substrate) when minimal pressure is applied during initial contact. The tack test is commonly performed using the rolling ball method, where a metal ball or marble is rolled on the adhesive side of the tape. If the ball rolls a longer distance, it indicates lower tack strength, while a shorter distance suggests higher tack strength of the tape. Painter’s tape is intentionally manufactured with low tack properties, making it easy to remove without leaving behind any residue or causing damage to the surface it was applied to. In contrast, duct tape is designed with high tack properties, allowing it to adhere effectively to a wide range of surfaces and create a strong bond. Duct tape is known for its durability and ability to withstand harsh conditions, including moisture, heat, and cold. It was originally invented during World War II for the purpose of sealing military equipment.

Holding test of the tape:

Holding strength of the tape is the measure of how long the tape can hold a product without sliding it off or breaking off because of the weight. During the test, the distance of displacement is also measured with time as a variable, indicating how long the tape took to slide the product at every point of breakage. Holding strength measures the adhesive strength of the tape. A small strip of tape is hung vertically to a metal board and a weight is hung at the loose end. The time taken by the tape for displacement, either by breaking or peeling, is measured. This determines the holding power of the tape. This experiment can be easily understood by using two different types of tapes to measure the holding power. Masking tape or painter’s tape has lower holding power than duct tape.

Stretch test of the tape:

The stretch test of the tape is measured by how much the tape stretches before it breaks when pulled from both ends. The tape that breaks easily when pulled from opposite ends of the tape is considered weak and has low stretch strength, whereas the tape that does not break easily after stretching from both opposite ends of the tape has stronger stretch strength. It is calculated by dividing the change in length of the tape by the original length of the tape.

Let’s compare the stretching capabilities (strength) of different types of tapes in sequential order from weakest to strongest in below table:

Tape Type	Stretch Capability
Washi Tape	5% of original length
Masking Tape	10% of original length
Painter's Tape	15% of original length
Scotch Tape	20% of original length
Duct Tape	25% of original length

From the above table we can say that the Duct tape has the highest stretching capability and also strongest compared to all other tapes.

Shear test of the tape:

Shear strength of the tape is the measure of how well an adhesive can withstand shear stress, which is the force applied parallel to the surface of the material (substrate). This test evaluates the adhesive’s ability to resist slipping or sliding either vertically (up and down) or horizontally (side to side) when subjected to these shear forces. It is a measure of the adhesive’s strength in maintaining its bond under shear stress. In simpler terms, shear stress occurs when two materials (substrate) slide past each other, and the shear test helps determine how well the adhesive can prevent this sliding or separation. It is crucial in applications where the bonded materials (substrate) are exposed to forces that might cause them to shift or move in a lateral or sliding manner. This test provides valuable information about the adhesive’s performance in real-world scenarios where shear forces may be present. The use of double-sided tape to stick two materials (substrate) and check the shear strength by pulling both materials (substrate) in opposite directions until it breaks.

Which organizations set packaging tape standards?

Packaging tape goes through various evaluations and quality checking by organizations like the Pressure Sensitive Tape Council (PSTC), the American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM), and the International Safe Transit Association (ISTA). These organizations play an important role in making sure that packaging tapes meet the required standards before they are sold in the market.

Packaging tapes are battery tested and assess various aspects of tape performance. These tests include measuring the ability tape has to withstand weight, how strong the tape is during transit, and how long it can maintain its adhesive strength. And also how good the packaging tape is sustainable in different environmental conditions is measured.

While transporting dangerous goods, packaging tapes go through a more stringent testing process. The UN has approved clear guidelines for packaging tapes for safety purposes when it comes to transporting hazardous materials for safety.

Thus these guidelines by the above organizations can guarantee good quality of packaging tapes.

What is the weight-bearing capacity of different mil packaging tapes?

The weight-bearing capacity of various mil tapes varies based on their thickness. As a rough guide, the table below provides estimated weight ranges that different mil tapes can typically seal. It's important to know the general guidelines, specifications and recommendations of the tape manufacturer or supplier so the right tape is selected for your product that needs to be sealed by the tape.

Tape Thickness	Weight-Bearing Capacity
2 mil	Up to 30 lbs
2.2 mil	Up to 40 lbs
2.5 mil	Up to 50 lbs
2.9 mil	Over 50 lbs
3 mil	Up to 55 lbs
3.2 mil	Over 60 lbs
4 mil	Over 55 lbs

Which styles of packaging tape are used to seal corrugated boxes?

The corrugated boxes are sealed in two styles: H style and U style.

H style: 3 tape strips are used to seal horizontally and vertically the seams of the box.

U style: 1 tape strip is used to seal the only one seam of the box.