Kraft Paper Tape
Kraft paper adhesive tape consists of a tape of Kraft paper and a sticky surface applied on one or both sides. The tape is applied by light pressure and has numerous uses, commercially or industrially.
Kraft paper tape is produced through the kraft process of obtaining pulp out of wood. It provides high elasticity, very high tear resistance and it is used for packaging, where it is appreciated for its strength and reliability. The Kraft paper tape is generally stronger and more resistant than other types of paper tapes, because the kraft process uses special sulfite additives. The sulfite degrades the cellulose more than other chemical components, reducing the percentage of lignin in the wood. Low lignin in the pulp means the paper will be more resistant than other papers, creating a sturdier type of paper. The Kraft paper is considered to be almost pure cellulose, resulting in lower prices and better strength. Usually, this type of paper has a brown tint, with yellow hues, but it can be bleached to pure white. Kraft paper tape is available in numerous colors, but most products have the natural color. White tape is commonly used in applications where whiteness coupled with resistance to yellowing is important, such as laboratory use.
The Kraft paper has various characteristics and qualities which makes it very popular for commercial and industrial use:
1. The paper is very strong, resistant and coarse, and also has a high tensile strength. Grammage is around 40 to 135g/ sqm, depending on the quality or thickness and finish.
2. Kraft paper tapes are also available as sack paper, which is a more porous type of paper. It has higher elasticity than common Kraft paper and is used for packaging fragile products and delicate objects. Absorbent Kraft paper is also available, and is used to clean and maintain sensitive surfaces such as wood paneling.
3. Kraft paper can be produced with different machine direction, thus improving their tensile strength and durability. The different weights of the paper show different manufacturing techniques. 80 to 120 g/sqm Kraft paper is made by a double direction manufacturing process, while the lighter paper, with a grammage of 40 g/sqm, requires a cross machine elongation process which ensures proper fiber strength and high fiber orientation.
Generally, this type of adhesive tape is used for packaging boxes, envelopes and various objects. The mail system is an important consumer of Kraft paper tape because of its relatively low cost, ease of use, and durability. Large envelopes are usually sealed using different types of Kraft tapes, as well as fragile parcels. Reinforced tapes are also available, adding a better protection against pilfering and damage during long hauls and transport. Special water activated Kraft tape is also available on the market that is used in special industrial applications, mainly for machine protection. Special pattern tapes are available for customized packaging, such as presents and special occasions. These tapes can bring a touch of personalization and its warm color will surely benefit each present.