Both Flatback Paper Tapes and Plastic Packaging Tapes are commonly used for packaging purposes, and each has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. The choice between the two depends on various factors, including the specific needs of the business, the type of products being packaged, and the desired branding and environmental considerations.

Flatback Paper Tape

Flatback Tape is a type of specialty adhesive tape that features a flat and smooth kraft paper backing that is not creped like standard crepe paper masking tapes.

Advantages

✔️Aesthetics

Brown Flatback Paper Tape provides a natural and minimalist look to packaging, giving it a rustic or eco-friendly appeal. It is often used for products that align with sustainable or organic branding, enhancing the overall presentation.

✔️Easy to Tear

Paper tape is easy to tear by hand, therefore, It can be quickly and efficiently applied which can speed up the packaging process without requiring additional tools.

✔️Strength and Durability

Brown Flatback Paper Tape is made from a strong, thick paper backing that provides excellent tensile strength and tear resistance. It is designed to withstand the rigors of packaging and shipping, offering reliable sealing and secure closure for boxes and cartons.

✔️Printability

Paper tape is often offered in various colors and can be easily printed on, allowing businesses to add their branding, logos, or important information to the tape itself. This can contribute to a more professional and consistent packaging appearance.

✔️Permanent Adhesion

When it comes time to open the package, Brown Flatback Paper Tape is not easy to remove without leaving residue or damaging the surface of the packaging. It is a good solution for providing a general level of tamper resistance to your product.

Disadvantages

✔️Less Water-Resistant

While some Flatback Paper Tapes are water-resistant to some extent, they are not as resilient as plastic tape when it comes to protecting packages from moisture or damp conditions.

✔️Less Eco-Friendly

Flatback Paper Tape is perceived to be more environmentally friendly than plastic tape. It is made from natural materials which aligns with the growing consumer demand for sustainable packaging options. The recyclability of Flatback Tape, however, depends on the specific materials used in its construction. The paper backing of Flatback Tape is coated with a solvent-based release coating on the topside and filled with solvent-based chemical saturants which stabilize the surface for adhesive coating. These types of backings and adhesives can hinder the recycling process. To determine the recyclability of Flatback Tape, it’s best to check with your local recycling facility or waste management guidelines.

In cases where Flatback Tape is not recyclable in your local recycling system, it’s still possible to choose eco-friendly options, such as repulpable tape or other recyclable alternatives, that are specifically designed for easy recycling or repulping with paper waste.

Plastic Tape

Plastic tapes come in many forms. Most popular for packaging include BOPP Tape, UPVC Tape, MOPP Tape and Filament Tape.

➡️ BOPP Tape stands for “Biaxially Oriented Polypropylene Tape,” a type of packaging tape commonly used for carton sealing and various other packaging applications. BOPP Tape is made from a specific type of polypropylene plastic that has undergone a process called biaxial orientation, which is a dual stretching process in both directions that increases its strength, clarity, and durability.
➡️ UPVC Packaging Tape refers to a type of adhesive tape that is made from Unplasticized Polyvinyl Chloride (UPVC) material. UPVC is a rigid and durable form of PVC (polyvinyl chloride) that is not plasticized or softened with additives like phthalates.
➡️ MOPP Tape (Mono-Oriented Polypropylene Tape) is a type of adhesive tape made from mono-oriented polypropylene film that has undergone a process called mono orientation, which is a single direction stretching process in that increases its strength, clarity, and durability.
➡️ Filament Tape, also known as Strapping Tape or filament-reinforced tape, is a type of adhesive tape that has fiberglass filaments embedded within the tape’s backing material.

Advantages

✔️Strength and Durability

Plastic tapes are known for their strength and durability. They can securely hold packages together, even those that are heavy or have irregular shapes. Filament Tape is known for its exceptional tensile strength, which makes it resistant to stretching and breaking even when under tension. UPVC tape is rigid and durable, providing resistance to tearing, abrasion, and damage from exposure to moisture, UV light, and temperature changes.

✔️Water-Resistant

Plastic tape is highly resistant to water and moisture, which makes it suitable for packages that might be exposed to wet conditions during transit or storage.

✔️Clear or Custom Printing

Some plastic tapes, like UPVC or some BOPP Tapes, can be printed with custom designs, logos, and branding. This enhances the packaging’s aesthetic and helps with brand recognition. BOPP Tape is usually transparent or semi-transparent, allowing printed information or labels on packages to remain visible.

✔️Versatility

Plastic tapes can be used on a wide range of surfaces and materials, making them versatile for various packaging applications.

✔️Temperature Resistance

Plastic tapes can generally withstand a wide range of temperatures without losing their adhesive properties or becoming brittle.

✔️Ease of Dispensing

Carton Sealing Tape often comes in dispenser-friendly rolls, making it easy to apply quickly and efficiently.

✔️Environmental Considerations

BOPP Tape is recyclable, which can be considered an environmentally friendly option compared to some other packaging tapes. Bopp films are made using a single polymer, making them less complex for our domestic recycling infrastructures to process and easier for consumers to recycle.

Disadvantages

✔️Environmental Concerns

Some plastic tapes are made from petroleum-based materials and, therefore, are not biodegradable, which may not align with the sustainability goals of some businesses.

In conclusion, the choice between Flatback Paper Tape and Plastic Packaging Tapes depends on factors such as the desired level of environmental friendliness, packaging requirements (strength, water resistance), branding needs, and cost considerations. It’s important for businesses to carefully consider their priorities and packaging needs when making this decision.