11% of all goods arrive at distribution centers damaged. (Packaging Digest)
Are you looking for more intelligent packaging solutions for greater reliability and lower total packaging costs?
When a product is damaged during storage, shipping, or delivery, the costs to the business can be substantial and can accumulate over time.
According to Supply Chain Brain, filing a freight claim results in an average of two hours of lost productivity. Damaged items must also be inspected, stored and may incur reshipping costs.
We’re not just talking about the time and resources spent on rework, scrap, additional shipping costs, warranty costs, penalties, and lost opportunities. These failures add up to canceled contracts, diminished customer trust, and lost profits over time.
Damaged packaging and products commonly result from using:
1. Cheap materials
2. Packaging that is too big or too small
3. Inadequate packaging protection (packaging tape, void fill, corner protection)
Fortunately, this costly problem is preventable — with the right packaging materials.
Shipped items must fit well inside their package, withstand environmental conditions and survive handling in each transport phase. However, an often-overlooked packaging component is how well the package is sealed. Selecting the wrong tape or improperly applying it can result in poor adhesion, causing cartons to become unsealed and putting your packaged items at risk.
On the flip side, if you are overwrapping the package, such as using multiple tape strips to seal the flaps, you are not using a sufficiently strong tape. If you are taping in an “H pattern” on your boxes, your tape needs to be a stronger type. If you are using a 3” tape on a box in which the flaps meet, you can switch to a strong 2” tape and save money. Selecting the right tape for the right application can save your operation thousands of dollars a year.
Let’s fix these issues.
Need help selecting the right packaging tape for your needs? Call 800-513-9918 today.
Types of Packaging Tapes and What to Use
Not all packaging tapes are created equally, and what may work for one application may not be ideal for another. Let’s explore the different types and uses of packaging tape and how to choose the right ones for your packaging needs.
Acrylic Packaging Tape
Acrylic packaging tape is a pressure-sensitive tape with an adhesive made from acrylic resin for a quick tack. This tape is ideal for manual applications and has benefits that include:
> UV-resistant and will not fade in the sun
> Clear for visibility requirements
> High-temperature resistance for hot storage locations
Hot Melt Packaging Tape
Hot melt packaging tape is pressure-sensitive and made from synthetic rubber. Hot melt tape can be used in the highest range of applications compared to other tape varieties and has better-holding power than acrylic tape. Other benefits include:
> Better seal on highly recycled corrugate
> High shear strength for resistance to force
Water Activated Packaging Tape
Water-activated packaging tape is a pressure-sensitive paper tape that clearly shows signs of tampering and is considered the industry standard for carton closure. Other benefits include:
> Secure and tamper-evident sealing
> High shear strength for resistance to force
Note: Water-activated packaging tape does NOT stick to dusty or dirty containers.
Natural Rubber Packaging Tape
Natural rubber tape is pressure-sensitive and made from natural rubber. Natural rubber tape has the highest level of tack and uses the most aggressive adhesive, making it ideal for use in extremely cold or dusty applications. Other benefits include:
> Water-resistant
> Humidity-resistant
> Low-temperature applications
> High-shear strength for resistance to force
Strapping Packaging Tape
Strapping packaging tape has reinforced polyester, polypropylene, or glass filaments built-in to add more strength and sealing power. Strapping packaging tape, or filament tape, is ideal for bundling, carton closing, unitizing loads and providing reinforced security during shipping.
Look at the variety of tapes LINC Systems carries! Packaging Tape Products
6 Things to Consider When Choosing Industrial Packaging Tape
Not all packaging requires the same level of consideration. Your industry may have specific requirements and regulations for packaging. For example:
> Industries that deal with heavy or bulky items need packaging tapes that can withstand rigorous handling and transport.
> Industries that deal with perishable goods or sensitive materials need packaging tapes that are resistant to moisture, temperature fluctuations or exposure to contaminants.
> High-volume operations may require packaging tapes that are easy to apply manually or with automated equipment.
> Some organizations may opt for eco-friendly packaging tapes made from recyclable or biodegradable materials.
We recommend evaluating your industry’s operational needs and balancing these factors to achieve the highest efficiency, safety and sustainability.
1. Weight of the Package
A good rule of thumb is the heavier the package, the stronger the tape.
2. Stability Needs of the Package
Are items likely to shift in the container during transport? Use a stronger tape to prevent accidental opening.
3. Expense and Value of Package Contents
Is the packaged item expensive, hard to replace or a critical piece of equipment? Don’t rely on cheap, general-purpose tape.
4. Measurements of Package
Wider, longer packages required thicker and stronger tapes to cover and secure the edges.
5. Type of Packaging Material
What will packaging tape adhere to? Corrugated cardboard may require water-activated or acrylic tape, whereas natural rubber tape may be ideal for packaging that can withstand extremely cold temperatures.
6. Shipping and Storage Methods
Will the item be palletized, stacked, loaded onto a truck, or stored in a warehouse? Consider packaging materials that provide stability and durability and resist environmental conditions.
Be sure to contact a LINC Systems packaging expert for help choosing the right packaging supplies for your industry needs by calling us at 800.252.5894 or via our website.
Glossary of Packaging Tape Selection Terms
> Tensile strength: Pounds of force that can be applied to packaging tape before it breaks.
> Backing material: The material that tape adhesive is applied to — common backing materials include vinyl, paper, cloth and polypropylene.
> Elongation: The measurement of how far tape can stretch before it breaks, ranging from 0-100%.
> Core size: Length of diameter inside the roll of tape.
> Length: Length of tape on roll, typically measured in meters, yards, or feet.
> Width: Width of the tape on a roll, typically measured in millimeters or inches.
> Thickness: The thickness of the tape itself, commonly measured in milli-inches (mils), is equivalent to one-thousandth of an inch.
> Grade: Levels of film and adhesive thickness.
> Substrate: The container or carton to be sealed.
New Packaging Tape Varieties from LINC Systems
No matter your business needs, we can help. We work with top-rated packaging supply brands like Shurtape, 3M and IPG to offer variety and versatility in industries such as:
> Food and beverage manufacturing and processing
> Contract packaging facilities
> Furniture manufacturing
> Shed and fence manufacturing
> Boat and RV manufacturing
> Housing component manufacturing
> Picture framing
> Millwork
LINC Systems offers a variety of packaging tapes to accommodate various applications, from closing lightweight packaging to reinforcing strapping. Browse our Packaging Tapes.
Want to increase production? Case sealers are an economical solution for any packaging line. They create a professional-looking case and seal and can adjust to any size box while providing a consistent seal. Carton sealers also reduce labor, material, and the time it takes to manually seal your cases and ensure the load is sealed securely every time. See our Case and Carton Sealer solutions.
>> 6 Reasons Why It’s Time To Automate Your Packaging Line
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Check out our NEW Branded Tapes...
Machine Grade Hot Melt Packaging Tape
Medium-duty tape for manual and automated industrial sealing of cartons and other packaging materials in everyday manufacturing and shipping environments. This 2-inch, clear Machine Grade Hot Melt Tape from LINC Systems has an aggressive, high-tack adhesive ideal for use on a wide range of surfaces and substrates. Shop.
Hand Grade Hot Melt Packaging Tape
Light-duty hot melt packaging tape for manual or automated sealing of lightweight cartons. This 2-inch, clear Hand Grade Hot Melt Tape from LINC Systems is ideal for general-purpose use. Shop.
Hand Grade Acrylic Packaging Tape
This 2-inch, clear Hand Grade Acrylic Tape from LINC Systems provides dependable sealing of boxes and corrugated cartons, ideal for light to medium-duty sealing and packaging applications. Shop.
We also carry a variety of adhesives and industrial tapes — masking tape, duct tape — that can fit your needs for joining, fastening, or bonding components. We can walk you through the selection process. Connect with a packaging expert today.
>> Did you know we can also help you select the right strapping for your application?
LINC Systems is proud to carry a variety of fasteners, industrial supply and packaging products from top-rated brands. We also have the services you need to manage your operations more efficiently. If you want to consolidate your supply needs and save time and money, contact us today by calling 800.252.5894 or visit LINCsystems.com.