Packaging tape with hot melt adhesive

Hot melt adhesive stands out from the other two adhesives we work with thanks to its immediate adhesion. It sticks quickly and firmly as soon as the tape touches the cardboard, without waiting for the adhesive to settle. On a line where boxes come out one after another, that instant grip prevents flaps lifting just after closing.

Its territory is specific: clean cardboard and normal temperatures. On that surface it performs very well, which is why it is common in high-speed semi-automatic and automatic case sealers, where the box is closed, palletised and dispatched without spending weeks in the warehouse. If your process is based on immediate dispatch, it is a logical choice.

Where it is not the best option is just as clear. Hot melt copes less well with extreme temperatures than acrylic, so for goods that will spend months in storage or be exposed to heat or cold we recommend acrylic adhesive. And if the cardboard is recycled, or you work in a cold store or with humidity, the right adhesive is solvent-based, which gives maximum adhesion on difficult surfaces. A common mistake is to choose hot melt for its initial grip and apply it to recycled cardboard: that is not where it performs.

For machines it is usually supplied on long rolls of around 900 to 1,000 metres, with a standard 76 mm core. The exact width and length depend on the head of your case sealer, so it is best to tell us the model. The backing, colour and availability in short rolls for hand dispensers are confirmed according to the format you need.

At Fontanet Group, from Fraga (Huesca), we have more than 30 years in the sector. If you are unsure between hot melt, acrylic or solvent, tell us what cardboard you use, what temperature you work at and how long the boxes spend in the warehouse, and our sales team will recommend the right packaging tape.