Packing Tapes

Packing tape, also referred to as parcel tape or box tape, is a pressure-sensitive tape made from polypropylene, polyester, kraft paper, or glass fibre backing, designed to seal, secure, and protect packages during transit and storage. At RS New Zealand, we stock a wide range of packaging tapes, covering clear, brown, and reinforced formats in a wide range of widths and lengths. Whether you need shipping tape for a high-volume despatch operation or one-off removal, our range has an option for every box size and weight.

How to Apply Parcel Tape?

Packaging tape can be applied in several ways depending on the volume and setting:

• Handheld dispenser: The most common method for low-volume or occasional use. A serrated edge cuts the tape cleanly, prevents tangling, and reduces waste.
• Stationary bench dispenser: Better suited to dedicated packing stations, giving faster and more consistent application across higher volumes.
• Automated machinery: The most efficient option for high-speed packing lines. Low-noise tape is recommended here, reducing noise on the production floor while maintaining a secure seal at speed.

Types of Packing Tape

Packing tapes are available in several backing materials, each suited to different packaging requirements and surface types. The right choice depends on the weight and fragility of the contents, the surface being sealed, and the conditions the package will face in transit. For heavier-duty sealing and repair work where a cloth-backed option is needed, duct tapes are worth considering alongside the formats below.

Glass Fibre

Glass fibre tape, also known as filament tape, uses embedded glass strands to deliver very high tensile strength, making it suitable for reinforcing heavy boxes, bundling items, and securing palletised loads. It resists tearing under tension and is commonly used in industrial shipping and logistics where standard box tape would not provide sufficient holding strength. Glass fibre tape is typically applied over the seams of heavy-duty packaging to provide additional structural support.

Kraft Paper

Kraft paper packing tape uses a paper backing coated with a natural rubber or water-activated adhesive. It is a sustainable, recyclable alternative to plastic-backed tapes and bonds strongly to corrugated cardboard without slipping. Water-activated kraft tape creates a particularly strong bond as the adhesive actually penetrates the cardboard surface, making it a popular choice for e-commerce and postal parcels where tamper evidence and secure closure are important.

PVC

PVC box tape offers high strength and durability, making it a reliable choice for heavy or bulky shipments where a robust seal is needed. The natural rubber adhesive bonds well to a wide range of surfaces, including recycled and corrugated cardboard, and the tape resists moisture, abrasion, and temperature changes during transit. PVC packing tape is available in clear and brown finishes to suit both discreet and general-purpose packaging.

PET (Polyester)

PET or polyester adhesive tape has a smooth, consistent finish and offers good tensile strength and resistance to chemicals and moisture. It performs well in automated packaging applications where consistent tape lay-down and reliable adhesion are needed across high volumes. PET tape is also used in industrial settings for bundling, surface protection, and applications requiring a clean, residue-free removal.

How to Choose the Right Packing Tape

Choosing the right packaging tape comes down to three main factors:

• Tensile strength: Match the tape to the weight of the box. Lightweight parcels suit standard polypropylene or PVC tape. Heavier or awkwardly shaped loads need reinforced glass fibre or high-tensile filament tape with a higher N/cm rating.
• Width and length: Wider tape (50mm+) gives a more secure seal on larger boxes. Standard rolls are 50mm x 66m for general box packaging tape use; narrower rolls suit smaller parcels or detailed sealing work.
• Dispenser compatibility: Manual dispensers suit occasional use; bench dispensers suit packing stations; automated machinery requires low-noise tape rolls sized and wound to spec. Always confirm core size and roll width match your dispenser before ordering.

Applications of Packing Tape

Packing tapes are used wherever goods need to be securely sealed, bundled, or protected in transit.

• Shipping and logistics: Parcel tape seals boxes for domestic and international courier and freight shipments, keeping contents secure throughout handling.
• Warehousing: Box tape is used at despatch stations to seal, label-over, and reinforce outbound stock across distribution centres and fulfilment operations. Cable ties are commonly used alongside packing tape for bundling and securing larger loads before despatch.
• Removals and storage: Packing tape is a household staple for sealing moving boxes, protecting furniture, and securing stored items against dust and moisture.

Your Trusted Packing Tape Supplier in New Zealand

RS New Zealand is a trusted supplier and distributor of packing tapes for trade, industrial, and commercial buyers across NZ. We stock an extensive range of shipping tape, parcel tape, and box packaging tape from reputable brands including 3M, Tesa, and RS PRO, in glass fibre, kraft paper, PVC, and PET formats, covering a wide range of widths, lengths, and tensile strengths.

Beyond packing tapes, we also offer a wide range of related products including foam tapes and duct tapes for all packaging and workshop requirements. Browse the full range of packaging tape online today and have your order shipped directly to your site or warehouse. For comprehensive details on delivery times across New Zealand, please refer to our Delivery page.