What is the Strongest Tape?

When it comes to choosing the right custom packing tape for your application, strength is often one of the first factors to consider. If your tape isn’t strong enough to seal your packages, it instantly loses its purpose and value. When our customers ask us which tape is the strongest, our response always depends on the end-use. For general use, polypropylene tape is an affordable and versatile solution that’s strong enough for most packages. However, if you’re sealing heavy or bulky boxes, you may want to go with a heavier duty PVC tape for a stronger alternative. 

In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about both types of custom printed tape to help you select the strongest option for your packaging needs.

Strongest tape for general use: Polypropylene tape

Poly Tape

Polypropylene tape is our best-selling custom printed tape for general use. It’s a budget-friendly solution available in three strengths, depending on your package weight:

  1. Standard strength: 1.9 mil thickness for boxes up to 30 lbs.
  2. Heavy-duty strength: 2.5 mil thickness for boxes up to 50 lbs.
  3. Extra heavy-duty strength: 2.9 mil thickness for boxes over 50 lbs. 

Polypropylene tape is most notable for the crackling noise it makes when pulled from the roll. Besides its strength, a few of the most striking features of polypropylene tape include: 

  1. Glossy finish
  2. Hot melt adhesive
  3. Excellent printability 
  4. Cost-efficient

Learn more about polypropylene tape colors, ink colors, lengths, widths, and other customizable options on our website.

Strongest tape for heavy-duty use: PVC tape

PVC is a thicker and stronger custom printed tape than polypropylene tape. It’s ideal for heavier duty applications, such as heavy shipments with large parts or bulky supplies. PVC is a premium quality tape available in two strengths based on your package weight: 

  1. Standard strength: 2.2 mil thickness for boxes up to 40 lbs.
  2. Heavy-duty strength: 3.2 mil thickness for boxes over 40 lbs.

As opposed to polypropylene tape, PVC tape is quiet when pulled from the roll. Because it doesn’t stick to itself, many customers find that PVC tape is also easy to use. 

Other notable PVC features include:

  1. Quiet operation
  2. Thick and durable
  3. Flat finish
  4. Hot melt adhesive
  5. Water-resistant

Learn more about PVC tape colors, ink colors, lengths, widths, and other customizable options on our website.

Should you choose polypropylene tape or PVC tape?

Choosing between polypropylene tape and PVC tape has a lot to do with your application. 

Are you sealing standard packages? Go for the versatile and cost-effective polypropylene tape for general use.

Or are you sealing heavy-duty packages, like heavy supplies or bulky equipment? In that case, choose strong and durable PVC tape. 

Beyond strength, there are other differences between polypropylene tape and PVC tapes, including: 

  1. Polypropylene tape is more cost-efficient than PVC tape
  2. Polypropylene tape makes a crackling noise when unspooled, and PVC tape is quiet
  3. Polypropylene tape is a better choice for longer print runs than PVC tape
  4. Polypropylene tape adhers to the surface immediately while PVC can be adjusted for a few precious seconds

Discover more about what makes each custom printed tape unique on our blog.

For a strong custom printed tape ideally suited for your unique packaging application, browse our selection of custom printed polypropylene tape and PVC tape. With endless customization options, including thickness, width, length, tape colors, and ink colors, we’re your source for high-quality branded packaging solutions for much less than custom printed boxes. 

For over 35 years, we’ve committed ourselves to delivering quality service and affordable tape to small businesses and large corporations alike. Contact our expert sales and design team and let us help you create an extraordinary unboxing experience for less.