Kraft Packing Tape

Kraft tape is a paper-based packing tape that can be recycled alongside the cardboard box it is stuck to, with no need for your customer to peel it off before recycling. Made from Kraft paper with a natural rubber adhesive, it tears cleanly by hand, sticks securely to cardboard and provides a strong seal for boxes and parcels.

For businesses looking to reduce plastic in their packaging, Kraft tape is a straightforward swap. It does the same job as polypropylene packing tape, while allowing the entire parcel to go into standard recycling in one piece.

If you would like to test our products before committing to a full order, you can Request a Free Sample.

Read more about Kraft Packing Tape

Kraft tape is a paper-based packing tape that can be recycled alongside the cardboard box it is stuck to, with no need for your customer to peel it off before recycling. Made from Kraft paper, it tears cleanly by hand, sticks securely to cardboard and provides a strong seal.

Our Kraft Tape Range

Kraft Tape – Plain

Brown Kraft paper tape for general box sealing. A clean, professional-looking finish on brown cardboard, with no plastic involved. Each roll is 50mm wide and 50 metres long. Available in 6-packs and 36-packs.

Kraft Tape – Fragile

The same Kraft paper tape, printed with a “FRAGILE” warning. This combines the recyclability of paper tape with a visible handling instruction, so your delicate parcels get the attention they need without adding plastic to the packaging. Each roll is 50mm wide and 50m long, available in 6-packs and 36-packs.

Why Choose Kraft Paper Tape?

Standard polypropylene packing tape does a reliable job of sealing boxes, but it creates a problem at the other end: your customer has to peel the tape off and dispose of it separately before the box can be recycled. Many people do not bother, which means the entire box ends up in general waste instead of being recycled.

Kraft tape removes that friction. Because it is made from paper, it breaks down in the same recycling stream as the cardboard. There is nothing for your customer to separate. This is a small change in your despatch process that can make a meaningful difference to how much of your packaging actually gets recycled.

For businesses with sustainability targets or customers who value environmentally responsible packaging, Kraft tape is a practical step that is easy to implement and does not require any change to your packing workflow.

Kraft Tape vs Polypropylene Packing Tape

Both Kraft tape and polypropylene tape seal boxes securely, but they differ in a few practical ways.

Polypropylene tape is the more established option and tends to come in longer rolls (66m or 92m compared to 50m for Kraft). It is moisture-resistant, sticks well in most conditions and is available in clear or buff. Our eco polypropylene Packing Tape is made from 100% recycled material, so it is a more sustainable option within the polypropylene range. The trade-off is that polypropylene tape needs to be removed from the box before recycling.

Kraft tape is made from paper with a natural rubber adhesive. It can be recycled with the cardboard, with no separation needed. It tears by hand without scissors or a dispenser, which can speed up packing. The rolls are slightly shorter at 50 metres, and Kraft tape is less moisture-resistant than polypropylene, so it may not suit parcels that are likely to be stored or transported in wet conditions.

For most indoor despatch operations, either type works well. The decision often comes down to whether plastic-free packaging is a priority for your business or your customers.

Kraft Tape as Part of a Plastic-Free Packaging Setup

Switching to Kraft tape is one step in reducing the plastic content of your parcels, but it works well as part of a broader approach. Forms Plus stock a range of plastic-free and recyclable packaging options that pair naturally with Kraft tape:

  • Honeycomb Wrap – a paper-based alternative to bubble wrap that provides cushioning and surface protection without any plastic
  • Flexi-Hex® – an expanding paper sleeve designed to protect bottles, cylinders and other round or fragile items during transit
  • Book Wraps – strong, adjustable cardboard wraps that protect books, prints and flat items without the need for plastic void fill

Combining Kraft tape with these products means your entire parcel can be recycled by the recipient without separating any materials. This is increasingly important for businesses that want to meet customer expectations around sustainability, as well as those working towards corporate environmental targets.

When Kraft Tape May Not Be the Right Choice

Kraft tape is a strong, reliable option for the majority of indoor despatch operations, but there are situations where polypropylene tape may be more practical.

If your parcels are routinely exposed to rain, condensation or high humidity during storage or transit, polypropylene tape holds up better in wet conditions. Kraft tape can soften or lose adhesion when wet, which could compromise the seal.

For very heavy boxes or palletised shipments that will be handled roughly over long distances, reinforced polypropylene tape or specialist strapping may provide a more secure seal. Kraft tape is well suited to standard parcel weights, but it is worth testing on heavier loads before committing.

Product Specifications

Kraft Tape – Plain

Width: 50mm

Length: 50 metres per roll

Material: Kraft paper with natural rubber adhesive

Colour: brown

Pack sizes: 6-pack, 36-pack

Recyclable: yes, recycles with cardboard

Tears by hand: yes

Kraft Tape – Fragile

Width: 50mm

Length: 50 metres per roll

Material: Kraft paper with natural rubber adhesive

Print: “FRAGILE” warning repeated along roll

Colour: brown with printed warning

Pack sizes: 6-pack, 36-pack

Recyclable: yes, recycles with cardboard

Tears by hand: yes

Why Buy Kraft Tape from Forms Plus?

Forms Plus have supported businesses with their printing and packaging requirements since 1981. Our Kraft tape sits alongside a full range of Packing Tape, Fragile Tape, Protective Wrap, Mailing Bags, Postal Boxes and Labels, so you can source your complete despatch setup from a single supplier.

We usually hold stock for next day delivery. If you need help choosing between Kraft and polypropylene tape or want to put together a plastic-free packaging setup for your operation, Contact Our Team and we will be happy to help.

 

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