What Is Packaging Tape?
Packaging tape, also known as OPP tape (Oriented Polypropylene Tape), is a transparent adhesive tape used in a variety of packaging applications. Made by applying an adhesive to a film, it’s commonly used in securing boxes and parcels due to its durability and flexibility.
OPP tape is a type of gummed tape, essential for packing with corrugated cardboard. Its transparency allows for the visibility of underlying text or labels, making it a popular choice for packaging needs.
Known for its cost-effectiveness, OPP tape also boasts excellent waterproofing and moisture-proofing properties, useful for protecting outdoor materials.
Uses of Packaging Tape
Commonly used in packaging, it secures products ranging from food to automotive parts in containers like cardboard boxes. It’s also utilized in repairs, for mending books or fabrics, and as an art tool for design and decoration on various surfaces.
Due to its durability, cutting tools like hand cutters or scissors are generally needed. However, its ease of peeling makes it user-friendly compared to other tapes like kraft tape.
Principle of Packaging Tape
Packaging tape adheres to surfaces through its sticky adhesive, while the polypropylene base material provides durability and flexibility. Adhesives vary, including acrylic, rubber, or hot-melt, each with unique strengths like weather resistance or low-temperature performance.
Other Information on Packaging Tape
Manufacturing Method of Packaging Tape
1. OPP Film Molding
Made from polypropylene, OPP film is stretched in two directions to increase strength, making it tear-resistant but not stretchable.
2. Adhesive Coating
Various adhesives are applied, with choices like acrylic adhesives for transparency and weather resistance, and rubber for elasticity and humidity resilience.
The non-adhesive side often has a back treatment to improve unwinding force, which, however, makes it incompatible with oil-based inks.
3. Rewinding and Cutting
The adhesive-coated film is rolled up and cut to different widths and lengths, producing various tape sizes and designs.