Packaging Reference Library · Wall Charts

Tape Selection Chart

How hot melt, acrylic, natural rubber and water-activated carton sealing tapes compare for temperature, surface and load, to help match tape to the job.

Ref PK-0206ASTM D5486

Draft, open for review. Check every value against the governing standard and the manufacturer’s data before use.

What it is

Carton sealing tape is a backing film coated with adhesive. The adhesive type does most of the work in deciding where a tape performs well. The main choices are hot melt, acrylic and natural rubber pressure-sensitive tapes, and water-activated (gummed) paper tape. ASTM D5486 is the specification for pressure-sensitive tape used to close and seal boxes.

How to use it

Note the temperature where the tape is applied and where the box will be stored.
Note the board: virgin, recycled, dusty, or coated.
Note the load: weight of the box and whether it will be stacked or handled roughly.
Note special needs: tamper evidence, clear labels, long storage.
Match these to the chart and confirm with a trial.

Adhesive comparison

Tape type	Strengths	Weaknesses	Best for
Hot melt (synthetic rubber)	Fast, strong initial grab; good holding on most board	Weak in cold application; can age in heat or sun	General shipping; machine and hand taping
Acrylic	Clear; resists UV and yellowing; wide service temperature range	Slower initial grab; needs firm pressure	Long storage; clear label covering; warm or cold storage
Natural rubber	Grips in cold, dusty or humid conditions	Higher cost; less clear	Cold rooms, freezers, recycled or dusty board
Water-activated (gummed)	Bonds into the board fibers; tamper evident	Needs a dispenser and water	Heavy boxes, high-value goods, e-commerce
Reinforced water-activated	Fiberglass strands add strength	Higher cost	Heavy or dense loads; rough handling
Filament (strapping) tape	High tensile strength	Not for general sealing	Bundling, reinforcing, securing

Key points

Apply firm pressure. Pressure-sensitive tape needs pressure to wet out the board.
Cold board and cold tape reduce adhesion. Let both warm up when possible, or use a cold-rated tape.
Recycled and dusty board needs an adhesive that grips the surface, such as natural rubber or water-activated tape.
Tape width and thickness matter. Wider and thicker tape for heavier boxes.
Use the tape maker's data for temperature limits. Ranges vary by product.

Common mistakes

Using standard hot melt tape in a freezer or an unheated dock in winter.
Applying tape without pressing it down.
Using thin economy tape on heavy boxes.
Picking tape on price per roll instead of cost per box sealed securely.
Taping over printed labels with tape that yellows.

Governing standards: ASTM D5486 (pressure-sensitive tape for packaging, box closure and sealing); tape maker's data sheets.

Reference only. Verify against the current governing code or standard, the manufacturer's data and the project documents before use. Apps for Distributors disclaims liability arising from reliance on this reference.

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