Better Packages
Section 3
Sealing with Gummed Tape
21
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT ADHESIVE FORMULAS:
• Almost all adhesives today are starch-based and therefore very friendly to users and the environment.
• Open time is the length of time (in seconds) that it takes the adhesive to begin to bond to the
corrugated.
- Adhesive formulas that are quick to set have a short “open time”.
- Adhesives that take longer to set have a longer open time.
• As long as the adhesive has not yet set, the moistened piece of tape may be straightened or moved to
another location.
• If there is stress on the carton seal, as in the case of an over-stuffed carton, then it is desirable to have
a shorter (quicker) open time.
• If the carton is large, then it is desirable to have a longer open time.
THE DIFFERENT GRADES (WEIGHTS) OF SEALING TAPE
(LISTED IN ORDER OF INCREASING STRENGTH):
• Paper tape
• Economy grade reinforced tape
• Light weight reinforced tape
• Medium weight reinforced tape
• Heavy weight reinforced tape
• Extra heavy weight reinforced tape
• Boxmakers tape
SELECTING TAPE:
• Use the lightest and thinnest tapes for cartons:
- Of low value
- Shipped a short distance
- Stacked on a pallet and wrapped in shrink wrap
• Use the heavier and thicker tapes for cartons that:
- Are heavy
- Have great value
- Are shipped long distances
- Are shipped individually and are not shrink wrapped