Choosing the Right Packaging Tape for Recycled Cardboard

Packaging tape might be a relatively small part of an overall packaging operation, but when it does not adhere properly, the consequences can quickly become noticeable.

Tape lifting from cartons, additional strips being applied, boxes needing to be resealed and inconsistent carton closure can all create unnecessary labour and material costs.

As Australian businesses continue moving towards packaging containing more recycled material, it is worth considering whether the carton sealing tape being used is still the right tape for the job.

APCO continues to work with Australian industry on packaging recovery, recycled content and the transition towards a more circular packaging system. As carton specifications evolve, businesses should also consider how those changes can affect the tapes used to seal them.

Packaging Tape Needs to Match the Carton

Not every packaging tape performs the same way on every cardboard surface.

Corrugated cartons can differ considerably according to their fibre composition, surface treatment, coatings and recycled content.

Research published in the International Journal of Adhesion and Adhesives has examined how factors such as recycled fibre, fillers, surface sizing and coatings can influence adhesive penetration and bonding characteristics in corrugated board.

From a packaging perspective, the important point is simple.

If the carton changes, the performance of the packaging tape may change as well.

That does not mean recycled cardboard is difficult to package. It means businesses should avoid assuming that one carton sealing tape will perform identically across every carton specification.

Is Your Packaging Tape Starting to Lift?

One of the clearest reasons to review packaging tape is a noticeable change in sealing performance.

This can become apparent after changing carton supplier, switching cardboard grades or introducing cartons containing different recycled materials.

Common warning signs can include:

• packaging tape lifting shortly after application
• tape peeling at the ends of cartons
• staff adding extra strips of tape
• cartons requiring manual resealing
• inconsistent tape adhesion between different box sizes
• packaging tape failing during storage or handling.

These problems should not automatically be solved by simply using more tape.

Applying two or three strips where one correctly specified tape could perform the job increases material consumption and slows the packaging process.

Instead, it can be worthwhile reviewing the type of packaging tape and adhesive being used.

Different Packaging Tapes Suit Different Applications

Packaging tapes are available with different adhesive technologies because packing environments and carton surfaces vary.

Cyklop Australia supplies carton sealing tapes using acrylic, hot-melt and natural-rubber adhesives, including products intended for recycled and highly recycled cardboard.

The appropriate packaging tape can depend on factors including:

• the type of cardboard being sealed
• recycled content and carton surface
• package weight
• storage temperatures
• storage duration
• warehouse conditions
• whether tape is applied manually or automatically
• how quickly the adhesive needs to establish its initial bond.

A tape selected primarily because it is inexpensive per roll may therefore not necessarily provide the lowest overall packaging cost.

Packaging Tape Cost Is More Than Price Per Roll

Packaging tape is consumed continuously in many warehouses, factories and distribution centres, making price an understandable purchasing consideration.

However, the real cost of tape includes how much is required to securely seal each carton.

If operators regularly apply additional strips because the first strip does not hold reliably, tape consumption increases.

There is also the labour involved in identifying and resealing cartons where tape has lifted.

Across hundreds or thousands of cartons, seemingly minor differences in packaging tape performance can become significant.

The better objective is to use an appropriate amount of a tape that reliably performs the required job.

Test Packaging Tape on Your Actual Cartons

If you’re considering changing packaging tape, test it using the actual cartons being packed.

This is particularly important if cardboard specifications have recently changed.

A practical packaging tape trial can consider how easily the tape applies, how quickly it bonds, whether the edges lift, how it performs after storage and whether operators feel the need to add additional tape.

Businesses using automated carton sealing equipment should also consider how consistently the tape runs through their machinery.

The aim is not simply to find a tape that sticks to cardboard. It is to find packaging tape suited to the complete packing application.

Could a Different Packaging Tape Improve Your Packing Process?

If your business consumes packaging tape regularly, relatively small improvements can make a meaningful difference.

Reducing unnecessary tape use, eliminating repeated sealing and improving consistency can all contribute to a smoother packaging operation.

If your current tape is lifting, requiring extra strips or no longer performing as expected after a change in cartons, it may be time to review the tape rather than simply continuing to use more of it.

Cyklop Australia supplies a broad range of industrial packaging and carton sealing tapes for different cardboard surfaces, packing environments and applications.

Tell the Cyklop team what you’re packing, the cartons you’re using, how your tape is applied and any sealing problems you’re currently experiencing. They can help identify a packaging tape better matched to your requirements.

Contact Cyklop Australia to discuss your packaging tape requirements and find the right tape for your application.