BSM Packaging Supplies Ltd

What’s the difference between Gummed Paper Tape and Traditional Packing Tape?

Packing tape, whether its clear or brown, vinyl or polypropylene  accounts for over 95% of tape sales in the UK compared to Gummed Paper Tape. Most people don’t even think about using anything else, most of the time because they don’t know that there is an alternative. I think it is fair to say most people simply carry on using and ordering what they have always bought.

So we thought we’d share with you the Pros and Cons of Gummed Paper tape and the more traditional Packing Tape

Standard Tapes Pros

It’s readily available
Many grades to choose from, i.e. Vinyl, Polypropylene, Low noise tape.
You can use it anywhere (you can carry the tape around with you) and you’re not tied to a packing bench
It's the 'Norm' always used it

Standard Tapes Cons

Not as Environmentally friendly as Gummed Paper Tape
Affected by cold weather which can cause the tape to be less sticky
You invariable use more tape than you need. I’ve seen countless boxes in packing rooms and warehouses covered in brown tape due to overzealous use by the person packing.
Tape splitting issues. Standard tape is actually quite strong, try pulling or splitting the tape by hand yourself its nearly impossible. In 99.9% of cases tape splitting happens when the tape gets dropped on the floor or bench top and gets a tiny nick in the side of the roll. Every time the tape is then unwound to the point of the nick it will split across the width of the roll 


Gummed Paper Tape Pros

It sticks in any temperature, not affected by the cold
It’s generally cheaper
You’ll use less tape if used with the right dispensing machine as you only use the amount of tape needed for the box you’re taping
Environmentally Friendly Green tape and 100% recyclable
Improved Presentation - looks better once applied to a box
Tamper evident, you will see instantly if the tape has been tampered with or cut
Gummed Paper Tape is always quicker and easier to use, so more boxes sealed in less time

Gummed Paper Tape Cons

You can only use this tape from a stationery packing bench - you can’t walk around with it, it's not mobile
The initial outlay of buying a new tape dispenser - although with the money saved it can pay for itself over quite a short time period, not so readily available