Understanding the difference between plastic pressure-sensitive tape and water-activated tape
If your business ships products, there’s one item you can never run out of –– tape. Many business owners assume that one kind of type is just as good as another. As long as a package is fully sealed and doesn’t break open during transit, there’s nothing to worry about, right?
Well … it depends.
Thanks to modern printing and theft-prevention technologies, the type of tape you use can improve efficiency, boost your bottom line and ensure customer loyalty. There are dozens of tapes to choose from, but the two most popular are plastic pressure-sensitive tape and water-activated tape. If you know the pros and cons of both, you can make a decision that aligns with your business’s unique needs.
What is plastic pressure-sensitive tape?
Plastic pressure-sensitive tape is what laymen call packaging tape. It’s clear, made of polyurethane and features a sticky adhesive on only one side. PST is relatively cheap and sticks to most surfaces. It’s susceptible to wear-and-tear, though, and may bubble, warp or lose its adhesive in hot or humid conditions.
What is water-activated tape?
Water-activated tape is made of paper and embedded fiberglass. It comes in a variety of colors and features a starch-based adhesive. When you apply water to the adhesive, it activates and forms a bond with the packaging material itself. WAT is more durable and longer-lasting than PST. It can also withstand all types of weather.
Should I choose PST or WAT?
If you run a small business that doesn’t do much shipping, PST is probably fine. It provides a reasonably strong adhesive and is easy to open. If you only ship within the U.S. and don’t care about branding or inclement weather, it’s also very affordable.
If you operate an e-commerce business that ships packages all over the world, you’re probably better off with WAT. WAT can withstand drops and bumps throughout transit, and it’s also brandable. This means you can apply your logo, brand colors or slogan to packages. Additionally, WAT can protect your packages from all types of weather, including triple-digit temperatures, rain and snow.
To learn more about the difference between PST and WAT, get in touch. We’ll be happy to answer any questions you have!
Communicate important messages with stock print tape
As the foreperson of a warehouse, grocery or storage facility, it’s your job to keep product moving and shelves stocked. With the COVID-19 pandemic, these tasks have become even more important, but the job still requires focus, dedication and care.
You can’t supervise your team members 24 hours a day, but it’s still important you get your message across.
In addition to posting clear, easy-to-interpret signage around your facility, you should also consider investing in stock print tape. Stock print tape communicates important handling instructions while providing a sturdy seal for boxes and other storage containers.
By applying stock print tape to your inventory, you can improve efficiency, prevent accidents and injuries, and get more done on any given day. Consider it a trifecta of productivity. But what type of stock print tape do you need, and what messages are most important?
That depends on your operation and the products you sell. However, we carry a variety of stock print tape to meet almost any application. Some of our most popular stock print tapes include:
- “Stop if seal is broken”
- “Fragile”
- “Do not break pallet”
- “Do not stack”
- “Keep refrigerated”
- “Do not freeze”
- “Keep frozen”
Any of these messages can be applied to printable tape substrates. This means we can apply your instructional messaging on any type of tape you choose.
If you’re still wondering which stock print tape is right for your facility, visit our website and fill out an online contact form or call us at (801) 201-1520. During our initial conversation, we’ll discuss our various stock print tape options and assist you in selecting one or several messages that align with your needs.
Stock print tape is an affordable and efficient way to improve your operation for the better. Don’t wait to take action. Get in touch with our friendly, professional team today!
3 important considerations when selecting packaging tape
Packaging tape plays a critical role in the world of e-commerce and shipping. Every day, millions of packages leave post offices all over the country, making their ways to businesses and individuals around the world. If you’re new to the world of online retail, you might be under the impression that there are only one or two types of packaging tape to choose from, but that’s far from the case.
Thanks to advances in manufacturing, adhesives and flexibility, business owners have dozens of packaging tape options to choose from. But how do you select the right one for your needs? The answer is different for everyone, but there are three areas in particular that we recommend focusing on.
1.) Adhesive strength. In terms of packaging tape, you want a brand that provides long-lasting adhesive. This is especially true if you ship products cross-country or around the world. The stronger the adhesive on your packaging tape, the less likely it is to suffer rips or tears during transit.
2.) Durability. Your packaging tape is just as important as the bubble wrap, styrofoam and other protective packaging measures inside. If your tape can withstand conveyer belts, speed bumps and drops during the delivery process, then your products are likely to stay intact. If your packaging tape is weak and susceptible to any type of stress, you may end up with more refunds than happy customers.
3.) Support of artwork, logos or other forms of branding. Traditional packaging tape is clear, making it ideal for printing purposes. If you don’t already use packaging tape that features your brand, company logo or slogan, now is a great time to take action. Visible branding plays an important role in customer memory and retention. Plus, if anyone else sees your package in transit, they may be inclined to check out your website.
If you’re interested in purchasing a better type of packaging tape, we can help. With more than 30 years of experience in the shipping sector, we know exactly what it takes to get the job done. Get in touch today by calling 801-201-1520 or fill out an online contact form.
Your go-to destination for tape
A recent survey by Optinmonster found that by 2023, 91% of American consumers will shop for at least one household product online. The same survey found that currently, 69% of Americans shop online, with 25% participating in online commerce at least once a month.
As you can see, the numbers are only going up. And if your business doesn’t already offer online purchase options, it’s time to act — sooner rather than later. E-commerce presents exciting opportunities. You don’t have to worry about paying rent for a warehouse or racks to hang your product on, and you can connect with customers all over the world! Additionally, an online store can remain open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, allowing you to make sales while you sleep.
However, to really get the most out of the online selling experience, you need to have a reliable partner for packing supplies. Making the transition to digital retail requires you to send purchases to your prospective customers. You know your product is sturdy and well made, but without adequate packaging, it may end up damaged in transit. Don’t take the risk. Keep your customers happy by partnering with Specialized Tape.
Three decades of experience. Our owner and founder, Kelly King, has more than 30 years of experience in the packaging and tape industry. Before launching Specialized Tape, he merged with another longtime tape expert, Pro Packaging. Kelly’s knowledge and expertise ensure you receive the best possible products for the most affordable prices.
In-house printing and converting. We own all of our printing and converting facilities. As a result, we can collaborate with you on packaging design to incorporate your logo, company colors and other brand information. Because we do everything in-house, we’re able to respond to your needs immediately. This allows for flexibility that many big packaging companies don’t have.
Personalized customer service. Here at Specialized Tape, we treat all of our clients like family. We make it our mission to understand your business and the products you sell so that we can create packaging solutions that meet your needs while staying on budget.
To learn more about the benefits of collaborating, contact us today by calling 1-800-201-1520.
In these uncertain times, transparency matters
The coronavirus pandemic continues to spread across the United States. Some experts say states like New York and Louisiana are nearing their peak, while others are just beginning to see the effects. Although no one knows how long we’ll need to “shelter in place” many scientists and health experts say we won’t be out of the woods until summertime and maybe even later.
Considering this is the new normal (at least for the time being), it’s crucial your e-commerce business takes steps to protect your clientele. Here are three steps we recommend.
1.) Update your website. Consumers are becoming increasingly conscious of where their packages are coming from. If you haven’t already, it’s important to dedicate a page of your website to your business’s coronavirus response. You don’t need to go overboard, but you should educate your customers on where you get the materials you use in your products and what steps you’re taking to clean and sanitize them. If you sell t-shirts or other clothing, this might mean washing them prior to shipping. If you sell food, it might mean wiping everything down with Lysol or Clorox wipes before heading to the post office.
2.) Wear proper safety gear while packaging. Your home and office are your sacred spaces, but that doesn’t mean you should continue packaging everything as normal. Go the extra mile during these challenging times. Consider wearing gloves and maybe even a face covering. Since coronavirus has been shown to spread through respiratory droplets, it’s important to take these measures.
3.) Respond to customer inquiries. Many people are using their social media channels to interact with businesses. You may have noticed an increase in questions and comments on you social media accounts. Make sure you respond in a timely fashion. If you choose to go radio silent, it may give off the wrong impression.
By taking these additional safety precautions, you can do your part to slow the spread while providing your customers with peace of mind.
We have all your tape needs covered
Many of us think of tape as an afterthought. A plastic piece of trash used to hold boxes together and prevent damage to whatever is inside. But it’s so much more than that!
Without tape, the world of commerce and shipping would look entirely different. Can you imagine gluing your holiday presents or cutting through a thick layer of glue to open that new package from Amazon? Even the idea sounds ridiculous.
Tape has made our lives easier and more convenient. Thanks to modern manufacturing techniques and chemical technologies, we’re developing new types of tape all the time, including water-activated tapes and other eco-friendly options. Whether you’re an e-commerce business on Etsy or you’re a publisher who ships books all over the world, one thing’s certain: you’re going to need tape and lots of it.
That’s where we come in. Here at Specialized Tape, we supply businesses of all sizes with all types of tape, including:
- Shurtape
- Stock tape
- Masking tape
- Duct tape
- Packing tape
- Specialty tape
If you have a unique tape-related request, we’re confident we can assist you.
Your business deserves the best possible chance at success, and our tape can play an important role in that process. This is especially true if you own a business that relies on packaging and shipping products. When you have high-quality tape in your packing arsenal, you don’t have to worry about damage or lost product as much as you do if you don’t.
Unsure where to begin? No problem. We’ll be happy to discuss your unique needs. Following our discussion, we can make recommendations that align with your budget and goals for shipping. Ready to get started? So are we. To learn more about our various offerings, call us today at 1-(801) 201-1520.
Boost your efficiency with a high-quality tape dispenser
Whether you own an e-commerce business or operate a moving company, one thing’s for certain: you use tape on a daily basis. Tape is incredibly convenient and it’s come a long way over the years. But we bet you still experience some downsides.
Think about it for a second. Every time you tear off a reasonably sized piece of packaging tape, it quickly starts bending and crinkling or collecting hair and dust particles. Without a high-quality tape dispenser in your tool kit, these issues can compound. In the course of a few hours, you might end up with an entire wastebasket full of wasted tape. That’s just a few hours! Think about how much tape you’ll waste over the course of a few days, weeks or even a month.
Fortunately, waste doesn’t have to be your reality. There’s a simple contraption that can save tape and speed up your packaging process significantly. It’s called a tape dispenser. They don’t look like much, but tape dispensers are the unsung heroes of the packaging industry.
Here at Specialized Tape, we stock several different types of professional tape dispensers, including:
- Folded edge hand dispensers (2″ and 3″ – FE-2, FE-3)
- Professional pistol grip tape dispensers
- Filament tape hand dispensers
- Various other dispensers
To learn more about the benefits of using a tape dispenser, get in touch. You can call us at (801) 201-1520 or you can visit our website and fill out this contact form. We look forward to assisting you and your business.
A brief guide to filament and strapping tape
Strapping and filament tape were invented in 1946 by Johnson & Johnson scientist Cyrus W. Bemmels. Unlike other packaging solutions, strapping and filament tape don’t rely on adhesives. Instead, they use tensilized polypropylene, polyester, and yarn filaments to create a pressure-sensitive packaging material perfect for closing and sealing packaging, bundling products and carton closing.
Are filament and strapping tape the same thing?
The terms filament tape and strapping tape are often used interchangeably, but they’re actually two different things. Filament tape is made of polypropylene film reinforced by glass. There are three different classes of filament tape: low, medium and high-grade.
Strapping tape, on the other hand, features a polypropylene backing with rubber-based adhesives. This unique structure makes strapping tape perfect for wrapping pallets and other heavy loads. It’s also highly durable, meaning you don’t have to worry about your load shifting or snapping.
What are the benefits of filament and strapping tape?
Filament and strapping tape present an array of benefits, including:
- Clean application and removal
- No residue
- Resistant to tears and abrasions
- Stronger than other closures
Filament and strapping tape are also affordable. They’re just as efficient as industrial packaging materials but don’t come with the exorbitant price tag.
Are filament and strapping tape right for my operation?
To determine the best type of tape for your business, contact the team here at Specialized Tape. After a discussion of your goals and needs, we can make recommendations that save you money and improve efficiency. Call (801) 201-1520 today to learn more.
Protect your packages with Specialized Tape
Every time you mail a package from your e-commerce business, there’s the chance your product will arrive at your customers’ doorsteps damaged, unrecognizable––or in a worst-case scenario––missing. Though there’s no way to monitor your package every step of the shipping journey, there are steps you can take to limit damage and provide peace of mind. We aren’t talking about RFID trackers or anything high-tech, either. Sometimes, all you need to do is upgrade your packaging.
Here at Specialized Tape, we’ve made it our mission to offer the widest possible selection of long-lasting, high-quality custom and stock tape products. Instead of wrapping up your goods with Scotch or masking tape, take extra steps to protect your goods. As soon as a package leaves your hands and enters a mail facility, it faces a gauntlet of conveyor belts, sorting machines, delivery workers and the elements. Without adequate packaging support, the likelihood of permanent damage increases.
That’s where we come in. At Specialized Tape, we carry an array of packaging materials including:
- Stock print tape
- Non printed tape
- Water-activated tape
- Filament tape
- PVC tape
- And more!
If you’re unsure what type of tape will best meet your packaging needs, give us a call. Our friendly service reps can make recommendations that align with your goals, budget and shipping destinations. Let’s upgrade your packaging in 2020 with Specialized Tape. We’re ready to get to work whenever you are.
Do you hate opening jars? This new invention could change everything
Are you someone who hates opening a new jar of pickles, peanut butter or pasta sauce? If so, know that you aren’t alone. In fact, a Google search of the phrase “why are jars so hard to open?” compiles a list of more than 34.1 million results, with many inquiries focused on why opening a new jar of anything is such a challenge.
Without going into too much detail, the scientific answer has to do with the fact that most products are heated prior to being placed in a jar in an effort to keep them sanitary. When the contents of the jar cool down, so does the oxygen in the jar, which creates a vacuum seal. Hence the generally difficult time opening a new anything.
Surely, there must be a better way–right? Thanks to a new invention, the answer is a resounding YES! Introducing the Eeasy Lid, a brand new product from Consumer Convenience Technologies. Eeasy Lid is a packaging godsend that reduces the required torque to open a jar by 40 percent. Instead of using a special tool or rubber glove to help you pry off a jar lid, Eeasy Lid features an aluminum button. Surprisingly, this is the first major breakthrough in the metal lid industry in over 75 years.
In addition, Eeasy Lid allows customers to see if a product has been tampered with. Any product that’s previously opened features an inverted button, ensuring a consumer’s ultimate safety. If you’re hoping to see Eeasy Lid on grocery shelves in the near future, you’ll have to wait a little longer. The company is rolling out its first edition lids in January at Pennsylvania-based Boyer’s markets. A nationwide rollout is expected sometime shortly thereafter.
Do you like this idea? If you package and ship foodstuffs, is this product something you’d use? Visit our LinkedIn page and let us know.