Key Takeaways
- Choosing the right BOPP tape depends on your packaging needs.
- Water-based tapes offer long-term, eco-friendly adhesion for storage; hotmelt tapes are ideal for everyday and e-commerce packaging; and solvent-based tapes provide superior grip for heavy-duty or rough-surface applications.
- As a buyer, you may be confused about the different types of BOPP tapes (Biaxially Oriented Polypropylene Tapes) available on the market. There are several types associated with a simple BOPP tape, including water-based, solvent-based, and hotmelt. Therefore, it can be pretty challenging to select the right OPP tape (or packaging tape) if you are unfamiliar with these terms.
- This blog will demystify these buzzwords, making it easier for you to select the correct type of packing tape or BOPP tape for your packaging needs.
In the extreme climate of the UAE and the wider Middle East, “tape failure” is a common industrial challenge. A high-quality pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) that creates a structural bond in January may suddenly “ooze,” slide, or lift during the peak summer months. Understanding why this happens is key to optimizing your packaging efficiency and reducing transit damage.
Understanding the Different Types of BOPP Tapes
Before selecting the right BOPP tape, it is essential to understand the various grades available. Here are the different grades of BOPP tapes, categorised by adhesive type and thickness.
BOPP Tape Grading – by Adhesives
Based on the glue used on BOPP tape, it can be classified into three main types:
Water-Based BOPP Tape -Eco-Friendly and Durable
This type of packing tape is coated with water-based acrylic, a carrier that aligns with your eco-conscious values. Once the adhesive dries and the water evaporates, it forms a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer, providing a durable and environmentally friendly solution.This type of packing tape is coated with water-based acrylic, which means the acrylic adhesive uses water as the carrier. Once the adhesive dries and the water evaporates, it forms a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer.
Hotmelt BOPP Tape – Strong Grip for Everyday Packaging
This type of adhesive tape uses hotmelt as the adhesive coated over the BOPP film. The adhesive is molten before application. Like solvent-based adhesive tape, hotmelt adhesives also consist of resins.
Solvent-Based BOPP Tape -For Heavy-Duty and Industrial Application
Solvent-Based BOPP Tape-For Heavy-Duty and Industrial Applications: Solvent-based OPP tape is a pressure-sensitive adhesive made from biaxially oriented polypropylene film coated with solvent-based adhesive. Such an adhesive is normally made of resin or natural rubber mixed with some organic solvents, ensuring durability and reliability for your heavy-duty and industrial applications.
Quick BOPP Tape Comparison: Water-Based vs Hotmelt vs Solvent-Based
| Feature | Water-Based BOPP Tape | Hot-Melt BOPP Tape | Solvent-Based BOPP Tape |
| Adhesive | Water-based acrylic | Synthetic resin or rubber | Solvent-based rubber/resin |
| Carrier | Water carrier | No carrier or solvent | Organic solvents |
| Environmental Impact | Environmentally friendly | Safer | Less environmentally friendly |
| Volatile Organic Compounds | Low | Low | High |
| Initial Tack | Moderate | High | Very high |
| Surface Compatibility | Standard cartons, clean surfaces | Clean cardboard, paper | Rough, recycled, dusty, or uneven surfaces |
| Adhesion Strength | Strong over time | Moderate | Very strong |
| Temperature Resistance | Stable at normal temperatures | Softens in high heat | Wide range |
| Durability/Long-Term Bond | Good | Moderate | Long-lasting |
| Cost | Moderate | Low | High |
| Typical Applications | Long-term storage, medium-weight cartons, UV-resistant sealing | General packaging, e-commerce, medium cartons | Heavy-duty packaging, export shipments, and industrial use |
BOPP Tape Grading – by Thickness
Based on film thickness, BOPP tapes are divided into three types:
Household Grades
BOPP tapes with film thickness ranging from 28–32µm fall in this category. They are suitable for packing light to medium-duty cartons.
Heavy Duty Grades
Plastic tapes with a film thickness of 35–50µm fall under this category. They are ideal for packing medium to heavy-duty cartons that need some tear resistance.
Industrial Grades
OPP tapes with a film thickness of 50–65µm fall into this category. They are used for industrial or export-quality packaging that needs durability.
Choosing the Right BOPP Tape for Your Packaging Needs
Which type of BOPP tape is ideal for you? To understand this, use the key below:
- To pack light cartons, such as those used for shipping small electronic items, or for everyday use, such as sealing packages for personal or business use, go for hotmelt adhesive with 28–32µm film thickness.
- For warehouse-related packing or heavier boxes, use hotmelt BOPP tape with a film thickness of 35–50µm.
- For long-term storage of medium-duty cartons, use water-based BOPP tapes with a film thickness of 28–32µm.
- For packing heavy-duty boxes and items that may be exposed to UV rays and require long-term storage, use water-based BOPP tapes with a film thickness of 50–65µm.
- To pack items with rough, recycled, or dusty surfaces, use solvent-based OPP tape with a film thickness of 28–50µm.
- For heavy-duty export shipments subject to extreme storage conditions, use solvent-based OPP tape with a film thickness of 50–65µm.
Why Choose Apac Tapes from AAB Industries LLC
AAB Industries LLC, the best adhesive tape manufacturer in Dubai, offers a range of BOPP tapes under its flagship brand – Apac. Whether solvent-based or water-based OPP tapes, you can get all you need from AAB Industries LLC. From daily household needs to industrial applications, AAB offers a complete range of OPP tapes