Packaging and Packing Tape

In the world of shipping supplies, packing tape (also known as packaging tape) stands out as an essential tool for sealing boxes, protecting contents, and ensuring safe delivery. Whether you're managing a bustling warehouse, running an e-commerce store, or simply shipping items from home, choosing the right packing tape can make all the difference. At U.S. Packaging & Wrapping LLC, we offer premium options like 3M Scotch packing tape, economical 3M Tartan packing tape, and versatile BOPP packing tape to meet your diverse needs.

3M Tartan 305 Packing Tape

Thicker than Tartan 302!

$79.11 - $105.20

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Bopp Packing Tape

Strong Acrylic Based Tape!

$77.16

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Tartan 369 Packing Tape

Clear & Tan!

$96.81 - $97.22

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3M Scotch 371 Box Sealing/Packing Tape

Versatile and strong!

$121.00

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3M PSD1 Scotch Box Sealing Tape with Dispenser

Dispenser Included!

$52.40

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3m scotch 142 packing/sealing tape w/dispenser

Built in Dispenser!

$145.59

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3M Scotch 372 Box Sealing/Packing Tape

Stronger than Scotch 371!

$351.25 - $407.65

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3M Scotch 375 Box Sealing/Packing Tape

Stronger than Scotch 372!

$352.33 - $391.65

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Reinforced Water Activated Tape

Water Activated!

$65.80 - $111.00

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Why Proper Packing Tape Matters for Shipping

Using the correct shipping tape prevents opened boxes, damaged goods, and carrier surcharges. All tapes below are pressure-sensitive, 3-inch core (fits standard dispensers), and designed specifically for corrugated cartons.

Packing Tape Selection Guide (Updated for 2026)

Box Weight	Recommended Tape	Minimum Thickness	Adhesive Type	Suggested Width	Typical Use Case
< 15 lbs	Tartan 305 / Tartan 369 / Scotch 371	1.6–1.9 mil	Acrylic	2"	Small e-commerce, poly mailers backup
15–40 lbs	Scotch 372 / BOPP Acrylic / Scotch 142	2.0–2.5 mil	Acrylic or Hot Melt	2"–3"	Standard Amazon, UPS, FedEx shipments
40–70+ lbs	Scotch 375 / Water Activated 6146	3.1–8.5 mil	Hot Melt or Water-Activated	3"	Export, palletized, recycled board
Cold Storage	BOPP Acrylic / Scotch 371	1.9–2.0 mil	Acrylic	2"–3"	Freezer / winter shipping
Machine-Applied	Tartan 369 / Scotch 372	1.6–2.5 mil	Acrylic or Hot Melt	2"	Automated lines, high-volume
Tamper-Evident	Water Activated 6146	8.5 mil	Water-Activated	3"	High-security, non-unitized loads

Hot Melt vs Acrylic vs Water-Activated Packing Tape – Quick Comparison

Feature	Hot Melt (Scotch 372/375/142)	Acrylic (Scotch 371, Tartan 305/369, BOPP)	Water-Activated (6146)
Adhesion to recycled cardboard	Excellent (highest tack)	Good	Superior (bonds to fibers)
Cold temperature performance	Fair (can become brittle)	Excellent	Good (once activated)
UV & aging resistance	Good	Outstanding	Excellent (paper backing)
Application noise	Quiet	Slightly louder	Wet application required
Price per roll	Higher	20–40% lower	Premium for security
Best for	Heavy, rough, dusty boxes	General e-commerce & storage	Tamper-proof, heavy-duty cartons

Pro Packing Tips That Save Money & Claims

Use the "H" taping method: 1 strip down center seam + 1 strip across each end flap
Extend tape at least 3 inches past flap edges on heavy boxes
For recycled cartons → choose hot-melt (Scotch 372/375) or water-activated for ultimate hold
Pair with a quality 2" or 3" tape gun (like with Scotch 142) to cut application time 40%
For machine lines, opt for Tartan 369 to minimize jams and noise

FAQs: Packing Tape

What is the strongest packing tape available?

3M Scotch 375 (3.1 mil hot-melt) or Water Activated 6146 (8.5 mil reinforced) – ideal for boxes over 40 lbs and international shipping.

Which packing tape is best for Amazon FBA?

Most sellers use Scotch 372 (2" or 3"), BOPP acrylic, or Scotch 371 – all meet Amazon’s sealing requirements without residue.

Is 2-inch or 3-inch packing tape better?

2-inch (e.g., Tartan 305/369, Scotch 371/372) for boxes under 24" wide; 3-inch (Scotch 375, Water Activated) for larger or heavier cartons.

How many yards are on a roll of packing tape?

Standard rolls are 110 yards (330 ft), like Scotch 372/375. Shorter options like Scotch 142 (22 yd) for hand use; Water Activated up to 450 ft.

Will packing tape work in freezing temperatures?

Yes – acrylic tapes (BOPP, Scotch 371, Tartan 305/369) maintain flexibility below 20°F. Avoid hot-melt in extreme cold.

Do you sell custom printed packing tape?

Yes – "Fragile", "Do Not Crush", or full-color logo tape on Scotch 371/372 or BOPP. Minimum 360 rolls.

Is clear packing tape or tan better?

Clear (all listed) looks cleaner on white boxes; tan options available for BOPP to blend with brown recycled board.

What's the difference between Tartan 305 and 369?

Both 1.6 mil acrylic, but 369 is optimized for machine application with quieter unwind and better consistency.