Tape, film or strapping: how to choose the right packaging

Each packaging material does a different job: adhesive tape seals cartons and parcels, stretch film holds a pallet together, strapping binds bundles and heavy packages, the ratchet strap secures the load on the vehicle. To choose, start from what you need to do, not from the product. In the collection you will find polypropylene and PVC tapes with thicknesses from 20 to over 130 µm, stretch films and straps with a tensioner according to EN 12195-2.

The types

• Polypropylene adhesive tape: the most common for sealing cartons, such as the Color PLP coloured tape.
• PVC tape: stronger, for heavier cartons. There are low-noise versions, such as the PVC100 Silent, which unroll without the typical noise.
• Reinforced tape: it has reinforcing threads, bidirectional or unidirectional, for heavy parcels or for wrapping, for example the bidirectional reinforced tape and the unidirectional reinforced tape.
• Stretch film: wrapped around the pallet to keep the goods steady and protected.
• Strapping and seals: plastic strapping (13 to 16 mm) or metal strapping, for binding bundles and heavy packages.
• Straps with ratchet tensioner: secure the load on a vehicle, with tensioners such as the Exoset G10 or the Exoset G100 with eyelets.
• Dispensers: to cut and apply the tape more quickly.

How to choose by job

The features to look at

Material and backing. Polypropylene, PVC, polyester, polyethylene. Polypropylene is light, PVC is stronger and quieter to unroll, polyester is typical of straps.

Adhesive. Acrylic, natural rubber, synthetic rubber or solvent. In general acrylic holds well over time and in the heat, while rubber and solvent adhesives stick quickly even on dusty cardboard.

Thickness. In the collection from 20 to about 135 µm. For the same type, more thickness means more strength; compare only products of the same type.

Application. The data sheets state the use: kraft cardboard, packing, palletising, load securing. Follow that indication.

Standards. Lashing straps carry EN 12195-2 and sometimes other parts of EN 12195; on the labels also check the tension force and the permitted load.

Pack. From 1 to 36 pieces: multipacks are convenient if you pack every day.

For parcels that are going to travel, think about the whole journey: carton, tape, film and straps work together. A good tape on a weak carton is not enough, and a well-tensioned film on a badly loaded pallet will not save the goods. Build the load so that it is stable before choosing how to close it.

Common mistakes

• Using a light tape on heavy cartons. It comes open during transport: for weight you need the reinforced tape.
• Wrapping the pallet without starting from the base. The film must be wrapped from the bottom, overlapping and under tension.
• Not protecting the edges. Strapping and straps get cut or wear out on sharp edges.
• Tensioning beyond the stated value. Ratchet straps must be tensioned within the force shown on the label and re-checked during transport.
• Using straps that have no label or are worn. If the webbing is frayed or the label is missing, replace the strap.

Frequently asked questions

What tape do I need to ship parcels?

For light cartons polypropylene is enough; for heavy parcels use PVC or reinforced tape.

How do I wrap a pallet with film?

Start from the base and work upwards with overlap, keeping the film under tension, and finish at the top. The film must bind the goods to the pallet.

What does EN 12195-2 mean?

It is the European standard for synthetic-fibre lashing straps used to secure loads on vehicles. If the strap is for transport, it must carry it.

Can I use strapping instead of ratchet straps?

No. Strapping is for binding packages; ratchet straps are for anchoring the load to the vehicle.

You will find everything in the Packaging and strapping collection; to choose quantities and sizes, ask the AMES technicians for a quote or for advice.