Compare
Paper tape vs plastic tape
Both seal cartons, but they differ on recyclability, how they apply, and how tamper-evident the seal is.
Quick answer
Use gummed paper tape for a recyclable, tamper-evident seal on a single-material carton; use plastic tape for fast, low-cost sealing with a standard dispenser.
When to request a quote
Request a quote for branded printed tape or case quantities — we can price paper and plastic options side by side.
What each option is best for
Paper tape
Gummed kraft tape — recyclable, tamper-evident.
Best for: Plastic-free, single-material cartons
- Bonds into the box for a tamper-evident seal
- Recycles with the cardboard (no separation)
- Needs a water-activated dispenser
- One firm strip usually seals the carton
Plastic tape
Polypropylene or vinyl — fast and low-cost.
Best for: High-volume, low-cost sealing
- Cheapest per metre, widely stocked
- Vinyl/solvent grades hold on heavy cartons
- Remove before recycling the cardboard
- Low-noise grades avoid the dispenser screech
Paper tape vs Plastic tape — side by side
Paper tape
Gummed kraft tape — recyclable, tamper-evident.
- Best for
- Plastic-free, single-material cartons
- Recycling
- With the cardboard
- Seal type
- Tamper-evident bond
- Application
- Water-activated dispenser
- Low-noise
- Yes (no screech)
Plastic tape
Polypropylene or vinyl — fast and low-cost.
- Best for
- High-volume, low-cost sealing
- Recycling
- Remove from card first
- Seal type
- Surface adhesive
- Application
- Standard hand dispenser
- Low-noise
- Low-noise grade only
| Paper tape Gummed kraft tape — recyclable, tamper-evident. | Plastic tape Polypropylene or vinyl — fast and low-cost. | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Plastic-free, single-material cartons | High-volume, low-cost sealing |
| Recycling | With the cardboard | Remove from card first |
| Seal type | Tamper-evident bond | Surface adhesive |
| Application | Water-activated dispenser | Standard hand dispenser |
| Low-noise | Yes (no screech) | Low-noise grade only |
| Shop | Paper tape | Plastic tape |
Still deciding between paper tape vs plastic tape?
Tell us what you're packing and your quantities. We'll recommend the right option and price it for your order — sourcing anything we don't stock through our UK supplier network.
Frequently asked questions
Is paper tape more recyclable than plastic tape?
Is gummed paper tape stronger than standard tape?
Do I need a special dispenser for paper tape?
Related categories & guides
Buying in volume? Get trade pricing.
Tell us what you need — sizes, quantities and how often. We'll send pricing and lead time, and source anything we don't stock through our supplier network.
