Polypropylene Tape

Polypropylene tape offers strong adhesion, resistance to moisture and cost-effective performance, making it ideal for industrial and everyday use.

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Not sure what polypropylene tape you need?

We’re here to help you find parcel tape for your products. Check out our free packing tape guide, discover custom tape and more!

Free packing tape guide

Customised polypropylene tape just for you

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Polypropylene tape, often referred to as PP tape, is a type of packaging tape made from polypropylene, a thermoplastic polymer.


It offers strong adhesion, resistance to moisture, UV and chemicals and is cost-effective, making it ideal for various industrial and household uses.


It is commonly used for various applications, primarily in packaging and sealing. Here are some common uses of polypropylene tape:

  • Carton Sealing: One of the most common uses of polypropylene tape is for sealing cardboard boxes and cartons. It is used in shipping and logistics to secure packages and prevent them from opening during transit.
  • General Sealing: This tape can be used for sealing various types of containers, envelopes and bags, including plastic bags commonly used in retail and grocery stores.
  • Binding: Polypropylene tape can be used for bundling and binding items together. For example, it is often used in offices to bind together stacks of paper or files.
  • Temporary Repairs: In a pinch, polypropylene packing tape can be used for temporary repairs, such as fixing minor tears or sealing gaps.
  • Label Protection: It is used to protect labels on packages from smudging, moisture or damage during shipping and handling.
  • Art and Craft Projects: Polypropylene tape is sometimes used in art and craft projects for its adhesive properties and flexibility.
  • Splicing: In industrial settings, it can be used for splicing rolls of paper, film or other materials during manufacturing processes.
  • Colour Coding: Coloured polypropylene tape is often used for colour coding items in warehouses or for organising and marking items.
  • Economical Taping: Polypropylene tape is cost-effective, which makes it a preferred choice for many businesses, especially those that use large quantities of packaging tape.

Polypropylene tape is a type of packing tape, but not all packing tapes are made from polypropylene. Packing tape is a broad category that encompasses various types of adhesive tapes used for sealing and securing packages, boxes and cartons.


Other common types of packing tapes include:

  • Acrylic Tape: This type of packing tape is made with an acrylic adhesive. It’s known for its clarity, UV resistance and long-term durability. Acrylic tape is often used for sealing packages that will be exposed to sunlight during transit.
  • Hot-Melt Tape: Hot-melt packing tape is known for its strong adhesive properties. It adheres quickly and securely to a wide range of surfaces and materials. It’s commonly used for sealing heavy or high-stress packages.
  • Gummed Paper Tape: This type of tape requires water to activate the adhesive. It forms a very strong bond with carton surfaces and is often used for sealing packages that need extra security, especially in humid environments.
  • Filament Tape: Filament tape is reinforced with fiberglass filaments to provide extra strength and tear resistance. It’s often used for bundling heavy or irregularly shaped items.

So, while polypropylene tape is indeed a type of packing tape, it is one option among several, each with its own characteristics and best-use scenarios. The choice of packing tape depends on factors such as the type of package, the environment it will be exposed to and the specific requirements for sealing and securing the contents.


There are lots benefits of using polypropylene tape, also called polyprop and pp tape.


One advantage is polypropylene being a good choice for custom printed tape as it provides a high-quality surface for printing. Another benefit is that polypropylene is a very strong, durable material, which makes it resistant to breakage. This makes polypropy tape perfect for all general sealing tasks. Due to its strength, it cannot be torn by hand, so it should be used with a dispenser.


The main difference between polypropylene tapes and PVC tapes is the material used to make their backing. One is polypropylene and the other is made frm polyvinylchloride or PVC.


Polypropylene tape is a good all round packaging tape. It can be used for cold (above 0°C) storage and can be printed or coloured. Tapes made from PVC are stronger and moe durable than polypropylene tape, so they are often used for heavy duty applications. PVC tapes can also be printed or coloured.

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Macfarlane Packaging offers a versatile range of polypropylene tapes designed to meet various packaging needs. Our collection includes low noise, hot melt and machine-applied tapes, each tailored for specific applications.

Low Noise Polypropylene Tape is perfect for environments where reducing noise pollution is crucial, such as busy warehouses or offices. It unrolls quietly while maintaining strong adhesive properties, ensuring secure packaging without the disruptive noise typical of standard tapes.

Hot Melt Polypropylene Tape is ideal for heavy-duty packaging. It features a robust adhesive that bonds quickly and firmly to surfaces, making it excellent for sealing cartons, especially in colder environments. This tape is known for its durability and resistance to splitting, providing reliable performance in demanding conditions.

Machine-Applied Polypropylene Tape is engineered for automated packing lines, offering consistent and efficient sealing. Its smooth unwinding and strong adhesive ensure high-speed application, reducing downtime and increasing productivity.

Macfarlane Packaging’s polypropylene tapes deliver reliable performance across various packaging tasks, from quiet, manual applications to high-speed automated systems.

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