Environmental goals are often hard to reach when plastic is the standard packing tape material. Plastic tapes made from polypropylene are not biodegradable and cause significant greenhouse gas emissions when burned. In addition, plastic tapes can disguise damage and make tampering easier to hide. Paper PSA and water-activated tapes are just as effective as plastic tapes while also being biodegradable. Masking PSA tapes are ideal for paint masking, bundling, and sealing, and flatback paper tapes are durable enough for heavy-duty shipping. Their printable surfaces can also be used for branding. Water-activated paper tapes make product tampering obvious as they strongly bond with corrugated surfaces, tearing the package if the tape is removed.

Water-Activated Paper Tapes:

Water-activated paper tapes are durable and bond inseparably to corrugated packaging for a strong, tamper-proof seal. These tapes are recommended for light- and medium-duty applications. After the tape is applied, its removal will damage the packaging, clearly indicating any potential tampering. Adherex’s water-activated paper tapes are available in masking and kraft paper backing and in a variety of sizes. Water-activated paper tapes are easily recyclable.

Masking PSA Paper Tapes:

Masking PSA paper tapes use pressure-sensitive adhesive for a reliable hold during packaging and paint masking. These tapes are available for general, utility, and industrial use. Adherex offers high-temperature and UV-resistant masking tapes for specialty applications, as well. Masking tapes are strong, eco-friendly alternatives to traditional packing tapes.

Flatback Tapes:

Flatback tapes are heavy-duty paper tapes that use an aggressive pressure-sensitive rubber adhesive for both general and heavy-duty use. The rigid kraft paper backing protects the tape from tearing and damage. Flatback paper tapes are useful in carton sealing, shipping, and paint masking. While they are more difficult to recycle than other paper tapes, they offer a stronger and more secure hold.

Manufacturers and distributors often struggle to find tape strong enough for heavy-duty work that is also cost-effective and sustainable. Adherex’s affordable paper tapes are both eco-friendly and effective, in addition to being versatile and useful in shipping and masking jobs of all sizes. Both the water-activated and pressure-sensitive adhesives form strong bonds, ensuring the safety of your product. Flatback tapes bring the benefits of PSA paper tapes to heavy-duty applications. Along with package sealing, our masking tape’s durability makes paint masking jobs easy and consistent. Adherex’s experienced package specialists can help you find the right paper tape for your environmental, efficiency, and economic goals.

Where should I use paper tapes instead of plastic tapes?

Paper tapes are useful in standard packaging. Additionally, masking paper tapes are used to cover and protect surfaces during painting and water-activated paper tapes bond strongly to corrugated materials and prevent product tampering.

Are paper tapes eco-friendly?

Yes, paper tapes are eco-friendly. Paper masking, flatback, and water-activated tapes are all biodegradable and recyclable.

What is the difference between water-activated and pressure sensitive adhesive paper tapes?

Water-activated tapes bond when exposed to water; whereas, pressure sensitive adhesive tapes bond when force is applied.

Understanding the shelf life of adhesive tapes requires some consideration and management on the part of distributors, shippers, and manufacturers. Industrial buyers may purchase dozens or even hundreds of rolls of tape at once and must think about how to best manage shelf life. Custom tapes and other specialty packaging products can have long lead times due to the manufacturing process, which further complicates the shelf life of adhesive tapes.