You have just purchased a roll of transparent PP adhesive tape for manual packaging and you need every box you close to be sealed, without lifting during transit and without the tape yellowing after weeks in the warehouse. This guide explains how to apply it correctly by hand or with a dispenser, how to organize inventory, and common mistakes that ruin the seal.
Product Specifications
The tape is virgin BOPP (biaxially oriented polypropylene) with acrylic adhesive, manufactured by Fortemo in rolls of 50 mm × 100 m. The product has only one variant, so the instructions in this guide fully apply to your roll.
| Specification | 50 mm × 100 m |
|---|---|
| SKU | 855380 |
| Tape width | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Length per roll | 100 m (110 yd) |
| Film material | Virgin BOPP |
| Adhesive | Acrylic |
| Color | Transparent |
| Rolls per box | 72 rolls |
| Application method | Manual or with dispenser |
| Brand | Fortemo |
Step-by-step usage guide
A well-sealed box with this tape requires three elements: a clean surface, correct application angle, and constant tension during application. The steps below cover the entire process, from preparing the box to cutting the tape without it rolling back on itself.
Prepare the box before applying tape
Close the four top flaps of the box, ensuring that the two long flaps rest over the two short ones. Clean the sealing area with a dry cloth to remove dust, grease, or moisture: acrylic adhesive needs a clean surface to achieve full grip from the first contact.
Apply the first section in a T-shape over the central joint
Start by sticking 5-7 cm of tape onto one of the side faces of the box, just below the flap joint. Bring the tape up across the joint, run it along the central line on top, and then down another 5-7 cm on the opposite side face. This is the main seal and must be centered to distribute tension equally across both flaps.
Maintain constant tension and angle during application
Pull the roll with your free hand while applying the tape with your palm or a handheld dispenser. The tape should stick smoothly with the film flat, not overly stretched. If stretched to its maximum, it will contract when peeled off and can lift the flaps during transit.
If you are going to seal more than 30 boxes in a row, invest in a handheld dispenser with a tape brake. It applies the seal in a single continuous pass, saves you from manually crossing your hands, and reduces tape consumption per box by approximately 15% compared to application by hand.
Reinforce the joint corners with two extra seals
Apply two short sections perpendicular to the central seal, one at each end of the joint, covering about 4-5 cm on each side. These H-shaped reinforcements prevent lever-induced opening when the box moves inside the truck and are what prevent most breakages in long shipments.
Cut the tape at an angle, not with a sharp pull
Use the dispenser blade or scissors and cut at a 45° angle to the edge of the tape. A straight cut leaves the end perpendicular, and the tape tends to peel off the roll on the next use. The diagonal cut maintains a clean tab that is easily located for the next use.
Not sure which tape is best suited for your operation?
If you handle high volume, delicate products, or need visual identification on packages, there are specific tapes (FRAGILE, machine tape, paper tape) that may be better suited than standard clear tape. Consult with the virtual assistant before ordering.
Complementary Products
Transparent PP tape is the basis of manual sealing, but it rarely appears alone in a real logistics operation. These complements cover cases of higher volume, signaling delicate packages, and temporary masking on surfaces that do not tolerate permanent adhesive.
FRAGILE PP Tape is applied over the transparent tape to signal delicate packages without losing the main seal. Machine PP Tape is the scaled format (910 m per roll) for when volume no longer suits manual sealing. Paper Tape is used for temporary masking in painting operations, temporary labeling, or seals that will be removed without leaving residue.
Maintenance and care
Virgin PP tape retains its adhesion for years if stored correctly. Three basic rules prevent the most common problems (yellow tape, loss of tackiness, tape rolling on itself).
- Storage between 10 °C and 30 °C: store unopened boxes in their original packaging, horizontally on the shelf, away from direct sunlight. UV radiation degrades the adhesive and turns the film yellow.
- FIFO Rotation: Use the oldest rolls first. Virgin PP tape is stable, but rotating inventory prevents a roll from sitting at the bottom of the shelf and becoming less sticky.
- Open roll handling: After using a roll, leave it with the tab folded or on the table resting on its edge, not flat. If left flat, the adhesive will stick to the shelf and peeling it off will tear off the entire first layer of unusable tape.
Do not apply tape to damp, dusty, or greasy cardboard: acrylic adhesive needs a clean surface to bond. Also, do not store it in a yard, rooftop, or unroofed warehouse where direct UV radiation can yellow the film. Tape that looks yellow has already lost some of its grip and will cause partial peeling in transit.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use this tape on surfaces other than cardboard?
Yes. Acrylic adhesive adheres well to rigid plastic, paper, glass, and smooth wood. On cold metal or greasy surfaces, the grip is considerably reduced; for these cases, use aluminum tape or paper tape depending on the application.
How many standard shipping boxes can I seal with a 100 m roll?
It depends on the box size and the number of seals. For an average shipping box (30×20×15 cm) with one T-seal and two H-reinforcements, it uses about 1.2 m per box. One roll covers approximately 80-85 boxes with that configuration.
Can I use this tape in an automatic tape dispenser?
It is not recommended. The 100 m roll is designed for manual use. Automatic tape dispensers use longer rolls (910 m) to reduce downtime; in that case, use PP machine tape.