Gummed tape creates a natural bond with cartons. The gummed adhesives absorbs dust, etc. and still bonds to the fibers. Gummed tape can also be used to cover old labels and markings to minimize confusing shipping companies. Gummed tape will flex with a carton during shipping and handling. Gummed tape is also the best method to seal a carton that is over stuffed or under packed.

When compared with plastic tapes, gummed tape only requires one strip on the top and bottom flaps. Standard plastic tape is only 2" wide and packers will generally use two or more strips on each the top and bottom flaps causing a doubling of the cost of labor, and an increase in overall tape expenditures.

Plastic tape is affected by dust, temperature, and time. Dust particles will cause the adhesive on the tape to become ineffective. Extreme cold and/or hot temperatures will cause the tape to deteriorate and sometimes fall off the carton. With time, some PVC tapes will actually dry out and cause the top layer of the tape to separate from the adhesives.

Gummed Tape is Recyclable!!!

Interested in conducting your own test? Try taking a standard type hair dryer. Aim it at the pressure sensitive tape. Once the tape is warmed a little, it will peal right off the carton. If you save the tape, you can even re-use it to reseal the carton!

Plastic tape can also be removed from a carton with very little destruction to the carton fibers and in some cases can be used to reseal carton after merchandise is removed. (A good test is to take a carton sealed with plastic tape and "Pop" the carton flap next to the seal and see if the tape separates from the carton.)

2" and especially the 3" tape guns are heavy. Wrist injuries are a real possibility with repeated use. Injuries are also possible with the exposed blade of the tape gun.

Another advantage of gummed tape is the overall appearance of the carton when received by your customer. Cartons sealed with gummed tape look better after shipping. Plastic tape when overused gives the impression product may be damaged or missing. Visit your own receiving department and view the packages being received. Which packages look the best after shipping?

Another advantage with gummed tape is the ability to print as it is dispensed.

Key Benefits Gummed tape over Plastic:

• Natural bond to cartons with a very long shelf life.
• Weight of tape gun can cause wrist injuries.
• Ability to code print on the tape as it is dispensed.
• Single strip sealing top and bottom saving labor and material.

Benefits of Gummed Tape over Staples:

Staples are very difficult to use properly. Most operators do not use enough staples to properly seal a carton. Staples require more a full over flap for stapling (higher carton expense). If not used properly staples may damage the products being shipped if the operator allows the staples to dig in.

The biggest area of concern lay in the actual opening of the carton by your customer. As most people pry open carton flaps, staples are exposed creating a hazard to your customers arms with scratches and cuts.

Key Benefits of Gummed Tape over Staples:

• No sharp edges from staples
• Lower carton expense
• Simple to use

Benefits of Gummed tape over Glue:

When a carton is sealed with glue, the carton becomes very rigid. When shipping via parcel services, a carton is bounced and dropped a lot during transit. Cartons sealed with glue loose their ability to absorb the shock without incurring damage.

Glue is also messy. Cold glues take too long to set up. Hot melt glues subject your packers to injuries caused by handling the hot guns.

Key Benefits of Gummed Tape over Glue:

• Cleaner to use
• Operators are safer
• Gummed tape is flexible