Barry Kronhaus
Barry is a dynamic senior sales and operations executive with 20+ years of experience in the packaging industry
Here’s the scenario: you taped a bunch of boxes but the boxes didn’t stay closed since the tape’s not sticking and now you’ve got a ton of rework. When your packaging tape doesn’t stick, it’s annoying and can be costly. Understanding how tape sticks and why it may not stick in certain scenarios is the first step toward fixing the problem.
What is Packaging Tape?
Packaging tape, shipping tape, or box-sealing tape is commonly used to close or seal corrugated boxes. It’s made up of a strip of plastic, usually polypropylene or polyester, that’s coated on one side with a pressure-sensitive adhesive.
Packaging Tape or Scotch Tape was invented in the 1920’s by an engineer working for what is now known as 3M. The first handheld tape dispenser or “tape gun” came along in 1932. It was made from cast iron and weighed almost 7 lbs. In 1937, the “snail,” Scotch’s iconic tape dispenser was created and the rest is history.
How Does Tape Stick:
How does pressure-sensitive tape “stick?” When tape is applied to a cardboard box, over time the adhesive “flows” into the fibers of the corrugated paper. This is what creates the tape’s characteristic “bite” or “stickiness.”
To ensure safety of your products during transit, it is crucial to match the right adhesive with the proper backer at the correct width. Understanding tape adhesives helps us understand the importance of tape size and material selection.
Different tape adhesives possess distinct adhesive properties and strengths. Choosing a tape that is specifically designed for your intended application, such as packaging, will provide the best chance of achieving reliable adhesion. Here are some popular tapes used today:
- Acrylic Tape: Tapes like 3M 311+ has an acrylic adhesive that can withstand a wide range of temperatures, has a long shelf life, holds up well under UV exposure, and remains strong in moist and cold environments, and ensures that your packages stay securely sealed during transit.
- Hot Melt Tape: 3M 371+ is an excellent choice for shipping boxes. It has a hot melt synthetic rubber adhesive that is preferred for corrugated boxes that may have a thin layer of dust, ensuring a secure seal.
- Water-Activated Tape: Water-activated or gummed tape is another option for sealing corrugated surfaces. It features a kraft paper backer, a water-activated adhesive, and reinforcing filaments, making it exceptionally strong and durable. This type of tape can also be customized with a logo imprint, enhancing your brand’s visibility.
Why is my tape not sticking?
There are a few factors that may contribute to tape failure. One common culprit is poor surface preparation.
If the surface of the boxes or items being taped is dirty, dusty, or greasy, it can hinder the adhesive’s ability to bond securely. Ensuring a clean and dry surface before applying the tape is vital for optimal adhesion.
Additionally, temperature and humidity play significant roles in tape performance. Extreme cold or heat, along with high humidity, can compromise the tape’s adhesive properties, resulting in weakened or failed adhesion. It’s crucial to store and apply tape within the recommended temperature and humidity ranges provided by the manufacturer.
Furthermore, improper tape application techniques may also contribute to inadequate adhesion. Insufficient pressure during tape application or not properly aligning and overlapping the tape edges can compromise its bonding capability. Applying firm and consistent pressure along the entire length of the tape, ensuring complete coverage, will enhance its adhesive properties.
Fixing Tape Not Sticking:
In cases where tape doesn’t adhere as expected, there are potential solutions to mitigate the issue:
- Reevaluate the surface preparation and ensure it is clean, dry, and free from contaminants.
- If temperature or humidity is a concern, consider adjusting the storage or application conditions within the recommended range.
- Selecting a different type or brand of tape better suited for your specific packaging needs may also yield improved results.
- Double-check your tape application technique, ensuring adequate pressure and proper alignment to maximize adhesion.
Size Plays a Key Role:
When it comes to packaging tape, size is a crucial component. Most packaging tapes come with a standard width and are available in various lengths. The thickness of the tape includes the plastic or paper backer and the adhesive. It is typically measured in thousandths of an inch, such as 1.6 mil (equivalent to .0016″) or 3 mil (equivalent to .003″). To put it into perspective, a typical zip-lock bag is 2 mil or .002″ thick.
Thinner tapes are recommended for packages weighing under 40 pounds, while thicker tapes are better suited for packages exceeding 40 pounds. The size of the tape plays a vital role to ensure that your package is not being held by “dental floss” by the time it reaches the consumer.
Final Thoughts:
By identifying the reasons behind tape failure and implementing appropriate measures, you can minimize the frustration, costs, and rework associated with tape that doesn’t stick. With these insights and the Sun Packaging team of experienced packaging specialists, you can confidently tackle your packaging tasks, ensuring secure and reliable closures that withstand the rigors of handling and transportation.
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