Packaging Tape
Tapes & Notes · 6 specs
Direct Answer
Packaging Box Sealing Tape (standardized under ASTM D5486 and PSTC-101) is a high-tensile biaxially-oriented polypropylene (BOPP) tape measuring 2.0 inches (48 mm / 1.88 in) or 3.0 inches (72 mm / 2.83 in) in width. Engineered for corrugated carton sealing, it is categorized by adhesive chemistry (Acrylic vs Hot-Melt Rubber) and mil film thickness.
Source: ASTM D5486 (Standard Specification for Pressure-Sensitive Tape for Packaging, Box Closure) / PSTC · Last reviewed Aug 28, 2026
Specs
| 2-Inch Standard Width (Metric 48 mm) | 1.88 in (48.0 mm nominal) — the universal commercial carton sealing standard |
| 3-Inch Heavy-Duty Width (Metric 72 mm) | 2.83 in (72.0 mm nominal) — mandated for heavy cartons over 40 lbs (18 kg) |
| Standard Roll Lengths | 54.6 yards (50 m) or 109.3 yards (100 m) on standard 3-inch core |
| Standard Utility Thickness | 1.8 mil to 2.0 mil (45 to 50 µm) — general shipping up to 25 lbs |
| Heavy-Duty Commercial Thickness | 2.6 mil to 3.0 mil (66 to 76 µm) — heavy freight shipments and long-term storage |
| Adhesive Types | Hot-Melt Synthetic Rubber (instant aggressive tack) vs Water-Based Acrylic (UV resistant, archival) |
Hot-Melt vs Acrylic Adhesive Performance
- Hot-Melt Synthetic Rubber: Provides superior instantaneous sheer grip on recycled corrugated cartons, ideal for fast-paced e-commerce fulfillment packing lines.
- Acrylic Adhesive: Resists yellowing, oxidation, and extreme temperature fluctuations (-10°C to +60°C), recommended for long-term warehouse archiving and refrigerated shipments.