When it comes to packing and shipping, tapes play a crucial role. Packing tapes are used for sealing, bundling, reinforcing, labeling, branding, waterproofing, repairing, customizing, and much more. To facilitate large-scale or convenient usage, packing tape dispensers are used in many work settings.
There is a variety of options available in the market such as filament tape, hot-melt packing tape, acrylic packing tape, water-activated tape, clear packing tape, colored packing tape, etc. Therefore, it becomes all the more important to pick the right type of tape that suits your particular business requirements.
If you have to pick one between plastic tape and paper tape, it is important that you know the basic difference between the two. Let's discuss some pros and cons of both.
Plastic Tapes
Pros:
- Strength - Plastic tapes are typically made from polypropylene and offer higher durability as well as resistance to moisture, oil, tears, etc. This makes them a great pick for storage and shipping operations.
- Convenience – These tapes are easy to use and can be used with standard packing tape dispensers.
- Adhesive Properties – They provide strong adhesion to various surfaces, including cardboard, metal, and plastic.
Cons:
- Environmental Impact – Plastic tapes are less environmentally friendly and contribute to plastic waste.
- Temperature Sensitive – They may lose their adhesive properties when used in extreme work settings.
Paper Tapes
Pros:
- Eco-friendly – The biggest advantage of using paper tapes is that they are sustainable. A biodegradable and renewable choice, these tapes help businesses stay environmentally conscious.
- Customizability – They offer a better opportunity to print and, thus, allow brands to add branding information to the packages.
- Sustainable Choice – Paper tapes in general use natural rubber adhesives which are better than synthetic adhesives.
Cons:
Strength – They are less durable than plastic tapes and are not ideal for heavy packaging or for products that demand strong sealing.
Moisture Sensitive – These tapes may not work well in humid or wet work environments which may damage the cargo.
Some factor for you to keep a few factors in mind before choosing between plastic and paper tape are
Applications – Take a good look at your business requirements and the applications that you the tape for. While plastic tapes are best for heavy-duty packages, long-term usage, and packages that may encounter rough handling during transit, paper tapes are a good alternative for lightweight items and offer eco-friendly packaging and sustainability.
Work Environment – You need to pick either plastic tape or paper tape after carefully analyzing the temperature conditions. Foe example, if there are chances of the packages getting exposed to moisture, then plastic tape is a better pick.
Cost Considerations – Plastic tapes are generally less expensive than paper tapes and you may benefit from their use in the longer run. They exhibit great strength and are great for heavy-duty shipping. On the other hand, paper tapes are costlier and can significantly increase the overall packing and shipping charges. However, they are non-negotiable for businesses looking for sustainable packaging and you can look for an affordable option.
So, both tapes have their specific pros and cons that make them ideal for different applications. There are multiple options available and you can pick the ones that suit your demands. If you're looking for extraordinary packing tapes that cater to all your business wishes, visit UCANPACK. They offer a wide range of packaging solutions, which include plastic and paper tapes, ensuring you get the right fit on your delivery and storage necessities