With more and more businesses looking to reduce the amount of plastic in their packaging, kraft tape has become a fantastic alternative to traditional plastic tape. Kraft tape is a paper-based packaging tape which is now commonly used for sealing cardboard boxes and cartons, all while helping sustainability efforts. There are different forms of kraft tape, including self-adhesive and water-activated tape (WAT), both of which we supply here at SR Mailing.
This is our guide on why you should choose kraft tape over plastic, as well as the different types available to suit your packaging applications.
What Is Kraft Tape?
Kraft paper tape is made from kraft paper which is a more durable type of paper that’s perfect for packaging thanks to its strength. It’s named after the German word kraft, which translates to strength.
Kraft paper is made through the kraft process, where wood pulp is cooked in a mix of chemicals, which break down the lignin holding the wood fibres together. The fibres are then washed, screened and formed into paper. Because the process preserves relatively long, strong fibres, kraft paper is particularly tough and tear-resistant.
Kraft paper tape is then made by taking rolls of kraft paper and coating one side with an adhesive. Depending on the product, this may be a pressure-sensitive adhesive that sticks when pressed down, or a water-activated adhesive that becomes tacky when moistened. The coated paper is dried or cured as required, wound into large rolls and cut into individual tape widths.
The brown colouring of kraft tape means it blends naturally with cardboard packaging, and is fully recyclable compared to plastic tape.
What Are the Different Types of Kraft Tape?
Self-Adhesive Kraft Tape
The first type of kraft tape uses a pressure-sensitive adhesive, allowing it to stick directly to cardboard without needing water. This makes it quick and straightforward to apply, making self-adhesive kraft tape a practical choice for everyday packaging and carton sealing. The adhesive itself is typically made from rubber or acrylic, with natural rubber being more common. This means the tape can be recycled alongside the cardboard packaging.
Water-Activated Kraft Tape
Water-activated kraft tape uses an adhesive that becomes tacky when moistened. Once applied, it bonds with the fibres of corrugated cardboard to create a strong, tamper-evident seal. It can be applied either using manual or automatic dispensers, depending on the volume of packaging required. Again, the adhesive is highly sustainable, being made from potato starch, making it fully recyclable, biodegradable and compostable.
Kraft Tape vs Plastic Tape: What's the Difference?
Beyond being made from different materials, there are several key differences between kraft paper and plastic tape, with each being chosen depending on packaging requirements, shipping conditions and sustainability priority.
Materials
Kraft Paper Tape:
Kraft tape uses a paper backing, giving it a more natural appearance that blends well with cardboard cartons. This makes it a very good choice for businesses looking to create a more consistent paper-based packaging finish.
Plastic Tape:
Plastic packing tape is typically made using polypropylene or a simpler plastic material. It has a different look and feel to kraft paper, with a smoother finish that tends to stand out more against cardboard packaging.
Sustainability & Recycling
Kraft Paper Tape:
Kraft tape can help reduce the amount of plastic used in packaging. Certain non-reinforced paper tapes may also be suitable for recycling alongside cardboard, but this depends on the adhesive, coating and any reinforcement used.
Plastic Tape:
Plastic packing tape introduces an additional plastic material into the packaging. This may need to be separated from cardboard or other packaging materials before recycling, depending on the type of tape used and the requirements of the relevant recycling process.
Strength & Durability
Kraft Paper Tape:
It’s literally named after the German word for strength. Kraft paper tape is very strong, with reinforced and water-activated kraft tapes providing additional strength over plastic. This makes it great for heavier packaging, but you should always choose the right kraft tape depending on the parcel weight, storage conditions and shipping demands.
Plastic Tape:
Plastic packaging tape is also available in a range of grades and strengths. Its suitability will depend on the weight of the carton, how it will be stored and the conditions it may encounter during transport. Plastic tape is more suited for light to medium-weight loads, while still offering a strong seal for packaging.
Security
Kraft Paper Tape:
Water-activated kraft tape bonds with the surface fibres of corrugated cardboard, creating a seal that can show visible signs if the packaging has been opened or tampered with. This makes it ideal for businesses looking for an added layer of security for their packaging, with reinforced kraft tape offering the highest strength.
Plastic Tape:
Plastic tape can provide a secure carton seal, but its tamper-evident properties vary between products. The level of security should therefore be assessed according to the particular tape, adhesive and packaging application being used.
Packaging Appearance
Kraft Paper Tape:
Kraft tape blends naturally with cardboard cartons, helping to create a consistent paper-based appearance. You can also print branding or messages onto kraft tape, helping to add that extra touch to your packaging and enhance the reputation of your business.
Plastic Tape:
Plastic tape creates a more distinct contrast against cardboard packaging, particularly when clear or coloured varieties are used. It may suit businesses where matching the natural appearance of cardboard is less important.
Why Are Businesses Switching to Kraft Tape?
Reduce Plastic Packaging
Kraft paper tape is an incredibly popular choice because it supports businesses looking to hit sustainability targets with their packaging. Choose kraft tape to reduce single-use plastic, and thanks to it being more durable, you won’t need to use as much tape for heavier parcels like you would with traditional plastic.
Easier-to-Recycle Packaging
Helping you meet your sustainability goals is the fact that kraft paper tape, along with the natural rubber adhesive, can be 100% recycled. This makes it easier for customers receiving packaging to recycle all contents without having to worry about separating different materials. However, not all kraft tape is fully recyclable, so always check individual product details and follow your local recycling requirements.
If you’re looking for 100% recyclable kraft paper tape, SR Mailing has got what you need. Plus, the tape is also fully biodegradable and compostable, making it the ideal packaging product for eco-conscious businesses.
Secure Carton Sealing
More businesses are choosing kraft tape because it can offer far stronger sealing than plastic. The strong and secure adhesion to cardboard and other types of packaging means businesses can rely on the tape for heavy-duty shipping and storage applications. Plus, with water-activated options, e-commerce businesses, dispatch depots and courier services can benefit from the tamper-evident seal.
Better Packaging Presentation
Kraft paper is often chosen due to the way it looks. The kraft paper finish complements cardboard cartons and offers a cleaner, brown paper-based appearance. You can also print your branding where available, helping to provide a more bespoke look and feel to your packaging.
Is Kraft Tape Strong Enough for Shipping?
Kraft tape can be strong enough for shipping, but its performance depends on the type and grade selected. Standard kraft tape may be suitable for lighter cartons and everyday packaging, while reinforced kraft tape can provide additional strength for heavier or more demanding applications.
When choosing a tape, consider the weight of the carton, its contents and the conditions it may face during storage and transit. Water-activated kraft tape can also provide a particularly strong seal by bonding directly with the fibres of corrugated cardboard. The key is to choose tape designed for the intended packaging and shipping requirements.
Available at SR Mailing is both standard and reinforced kraft paper tape, providing you with the best of both worlds.
When Should You Choose Kraft Tape Over Plastic Tape?
We recommend choosing kraft paper tape over plastic tape when:
-
Your business wants to prioritise paper-based packaging and support sustainability
-
Packages need a strong seal during long-term storage and extensive shipping
-
Your brand wants to reduce single-use plastic waste
-
You want a more natural-looking packaging appearance
-
Implementation of your brand and printed packaging is desired
Always consider your parcel and carton weight and the environments where packaging will be stored and in transit.
Is Kraft Tape Right for Your Business?
Choosing the right packaging tape comes down to the types of goods and parcels you store and ship, your sustainability goals, how you want your packaging to look and your application methods. At SR Mailing, we supply plastic tape, and both self-adhesive and water-activated kraft tape, with options for reinforced varieties, supporting all types of businesses and their packaging requirements.
For any help on your order or for leading advice on which type of tape is best for your requirements, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our friendly team.
