Paper Tape vs Plastic Tape: Which Is Better for Your Parcels?
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If you send parcels — as an online seller, when moving house or just posting gifts — you get through a lot of tape. Here's how paper tape compares with the usual plastic tape.
Recycling
Plastic tape stuck to a cardboard box is a contaminant in paper recycling and usually has to be removed. Paper tape is made from paper, so a box sealed with it can generally go in your cardboard recycling as it is. Always check your local council's guidance.
Strength
Good kraft paper tape with a strong adhesive grips cardboard fibres well and is hard to peel off without visibly tearing the box — which also makes tampering more obvious. For heavy boxes, use a wider tape (50mm) and an H-pattern on the top and bottom seams.
Looks and branding
Brown kraft tape gives parcels a clean, natural look, and printed options like FRAGILE tape make handling instructions clear without extra labels.
Cost
Paper tape usually costs a little more per roll than basic plastic tape, but buying multi-packs brings the price down — and for sellers, plastic-free packaging is a selling point customers notice.
Which should you use?
- Everyday parcels: 36–50mm brown kraft paper tape.
- Fragile items: FRAGILE printed paper tape plus biodegradable air pillows for void fill.
- Small packets and crafts: 25mm paper tape.
We pack every NATEE order with our own paper tape and compostable air pillows. Shop eco packaging tape →