Brown Paper vs Clear Packing Tape: Here's the Difference

April 7, 2019

Brown Paper vs Clear Packing Tape: Here's the Difference

Brown Paper vs Clear Packing Tape: Which Should I Use?

 

 

Tape carton sealing and brown water activated tape

The best carton sealing tape is subjective, a matter of opinion. Different packaging tapes do different things. What one clear packaging tape is skilled at, the other shipping tape excels in another area. You might have noticed two major types of tapes out there in the industry: brown paper tape and clear packaging tape.

So, what is the difference between them? And which is the right one to use? Do they really have to be pitted against one another: acrylic vs hot melt tape? Not at all. It depends on what you will be doing with the tape and on which type of container.

The Gummed Paper Tape

WATER-ACTIVATED TAPE: A SECURE, PILFER PROOF BOND

  • Just one strip is all you need: Reinforced between two layers of corrugated fibers to be sturdy and sealing enough for the job
  • Securely seals any size carton: Both overfilled and under filled packages
  • Tamper evident seals: Theft prevention of your products
  • Printable surface: A package is a company’s book cover. Make it a good one. Stand out amongst competition.
  • Faster than plastic tape, staples, or glue: Water activated tape seals 40% more cartons
  • Temperature resistant
  • Eco friendly and recyclable

Why should I choose this tape?

  • You work in dusty and dirty environments.

 

 Here's more about water activated tape and how to use a manual tape dispenser like our 13TPD-WA for the first time:


The Clear Packaging Tape: Acrylic vs Hot Melt Tape

BASCO offers two varieties of clear tape that will take care of your carton sealing needs in different ways. It is the grand debate: acrylic tape vs hot melt tape. Either can be the best clear packaging tape for you depending on your particular packaging.

 

HOT MELT ADHESIVE TAPE: A QUICK & SECURE SEAL

What does hot melt tape mean? How does hot melt tape work?

The adhesive on hot melt tape is made with three layers: BOPP film, hot melt adhesive, and a release coating. This spells better unwind and instant adhesion that is the most ideal for machine applications.

Why hot melt tape?

  • Reliable for light to medium weight box sealing, package repair, and bundling applications
  • High shear strength
  • Easy unwind and high flexibility

Why should I choose this tape?

  • You are working with recycled and irregular shaped cartons.
  • You are working with difficult loads that need the strongest holding power.
  • You are working in cold environments.

 

See our hot melt tape TP2002HM in action here:

                                

 

ACRYLIC PACKAGING TAPE: THE GO-TO PACKING TAPE

What is acrylic adhesive tape? How does it work?

Acrylic tape is made with two layers: BOPP film and an emulsion acrylic adhesive that is most ideal for hand applications. This allows them to give good iniitial tack to corrugated boxes.

Why acrylic tape?

  • High shear strength for minimal shipping hazards and stress related applications
  • Deeper adhesion over time to the corrugate fibers of your cartons
  • Long shelf life means long term storage
  • High UV resistance
  • Excellent clarity

What is acrylic tape used for? Why should I choose this acrylic adhesive tape?

  • You are storing packages in a facility for a prolonged period of time and in extreme temperatures, specifically humid environments

 

For those who are more visual, here is a quick breakdown video featuring our acrylic tape TP48101AC: