Why Do Packaging Tape Grades Matter?

Packaging tape grades indicate different construction and uses.

In packaging tape, grade refers to the construction of the tape. Grades are made with varying levels of film and adhesive thickness to deliver a range of different holding power and tensile strength.

Packaging tapes are available in a variety of grades, from general purpose to heavy-duty. All of them are engineered to deliver case-sealing performance that can withstand the rigors of the supply chain based on shipping needs.

Tape Construction

Tape grades are in part impacted by construction. Tapes have three elements:

Release Coating – Makes it easier to unwind the tape, especially in automated case-sealing environments.
Adhesive – Provides the “stick” needed to create a secure carton seal.
Fun Fact: Hot melt adhesive tapes offer the highest holding power to fiberboard in the industry.
Backing – Gives the tape the strength to resist the rigors of the supply chain.
Tape Grades
When looking at tape grading, the thing to keep in mind is simple: the higher the grade, the more heavy-duty the tape. Higher grades of tape are thicker due to their more durable backing and greater amount of adhesive.

Tapes with a total thickness of 1.6 and 1.9 mils, respectively, are designed to be cost-efficient without sacrificing performance.

Tapes that range in thickness from 2.5 mils to 3.4 mils are a great choice for e-commerce or single-parcel shipments, while some thicker tape grades are recommended for use for higher-value items like computer equipment and electronics, as well as for ammunition.

Choosing the Right Grade

When deciding which tape to use, it’s important to factor in grading. Understanding your packaging needs such as type of cartons used, the contents of your cartons, as well as environmental requirements can help you eliminate costly errors such as failure that damages product, leads to downtime, or leaves cartons prone to theft.