Other cellulose-based materials which are chemically modified, such as cellulose acetate, are considered plastic. It does not include any material which would normally be re-used in a manufacturing process to avoid it becoming plastic waste. For example, reintroducing scrap or regrind into the manufacturing process after minimal reprocessing. Minimal reprocessing includes shredding and grinding. Post-consumer plastic Hotmelt: often used in colder weather, hotmelt has a stronger adhesion than acrylics on many surfaces including cardboard and is more resistant to stress. It is best applied with a tape dispenser or applicator. Long-term storage and extreme temperatures: vinyl tape is great for long-term storage, and with it being able to withstand extreme temperatures, it is suitable for parcels that need freezing, refrigerating, and likely to be transported and handled in cold environments. Self-adhesive kraft paper tape is also made of paper but uses natural rubber for bonding. It does not require a custom water tape dispenser and comes in reinforced versions if needed.

Quieter application: vinyl tape is quieter when released from the roll compared to standard polypropylene tape. This can help create a better working environment for staff. However, if you prefer a low noise alternative to vinyl, try our low noise Supatak. Paper tape is a much more eco-friendly alternative to conventional tape, which is made from plastic. Examples: Plastic/cling wrap, sandwich and bread bags, bubble wrap, garbage bags, grocery bags and beverage cups. 5) Polypropylene (PP) Paper tape technology has improved drastically over the past few years. With added strength, durability, and flexibility, paper tape beats plastic tape in any comparison. While we believe that plastic alternatives are a must, and support initiatives to develop them, the reality is that plastic is here and will be for some time. Therefore, I say let’s try to better understand it, rather than ignore it or simply bash it. In the end, not all plastic is bad. Humanity has certainly benefited from it in some ways and you can even make arguments that support that it’s also been beneficial to the environment – although in very specific examples.

Examples: Plumbing pipes, credit cards, human and pet toys, rain gutters, teething rings, IV fluid bags and medical tubing and oxygen masks. 4) Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) Treehugger is committed to helping our readers reduce the environmental impact of their day-to-day lives. To build this list, we extensively researched materials and certifications for find the most sustainable tapes on the market. Renewable materials: Paper tape is predominantly made from sustainable sources, such as Kraft paper, which is derived from wood pulp obtained from responsibly managed forests. Unlike plastic tape, which relies on fossil fuels, the production of paper tape helps reduce dependence on finite resources. By supporting the use of renewable materials, companies and individuals contribute to conserving natural habitats and promoting responsible forestry practices. Firstly, there are three different types of adhesives available for tapes: Acrylic, Hotmelt and Solvent. Each of these have different properties which make them more suitable for various situations.

Examples: Eyeglasses, baby and sports bottles, electronics, CD/DVDs, lighting fixtures and clear plastic cutlery. Research shows that paper is the preferred option for many consumers. In fact, eight in ten (81%) of people in the UK are trying to cut their plastic waste and 46% feel guilty about the amount of plastic they use. At Swiftpak, we provide an extensive range of high-quality adhesive tapes and sealing products. Our range of adhesive tapes include hand-held and machine tape as well as adhesive tape dispensers. Recycled plastic comes from plastic waste that has been reprocessed from pre-consumer plastic or post-consumer plastic by using a chemical or mechanical manufacturing process. This is so it can be used either for its original purpose or for other purposes. This does not include organic recycling. Pre-consumer plastic Supatak Machine Tape: high performance and performs well through all temperature ranges including deep freeze and is resistant to splitting, abrasion, and moisture.

Speeding up the process

However, it’s understandable that many people make the assumption that it’s one material, all the same from top to bottom. In fact, there are hundreds of types of plastic (also called polymers), but only a handful that we interact with on a regular basis. Business A minimally reprocesses the scrap by shredding it and uses it another time to manufacture similar plastic trays. Although paper tape can be used by hand, it is still recommended to try and apply with a tape dispenser as it will ensure smoother adhesion and better application. Having knowledge of the different types of plastic is critical to understanding the complexity of recycling, upcycling and the health factors associated with plastic. But the key word there is “complexity.” It’s a huge topic, so this article is just a starting point, meant to be a basic introduction for those that have little to no knowledge, not a comprehensive look for those already in the know. Medical bags and tubing are a common Polyvinyl Chloride product. 3) Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC or Vinyl)

You will find paper tapes used for purposes such as picture framing, both traditional (using gummed) and modern (using pressure sensitive). One of our art gallery customers uses it both for its aesthetic qualities as well as its green credentials which means they get the best of both worlds. The adhesive is generally permanent and this makes the distinction from paper masking tape. We love noissue for it’s totally customizable tapes, and eco-friendly materials. We also give a thumbs up to the kraft gummed paper tape from Life Without Plastic, as it’s versatility means you can use it for numerous things. What to Look For in Eco-Friendly Tapes Materials This hard and rigid plastic is resistant to chemicals and weathering, making it desired for building and construction applications; while the fact that it doesn’t conduct electricity makes it common for high-tech applications, such as wires and cable. It’s also widely used in medical applications because it’s impermeable to germs, is easily disinfected and provides single-use applications that reduce infections in healthcare. On the flip side, we must note that PVC is the most dangerous plastic to human health, known to leach dangerous toxins throughout its entire lifecycle (eg: lead, dioxins, vinyl chloride). Otherwise, continue reading on for an in-depth comparison on polypropylene, vinyl, and paper tape. The Different Types of Adhesives Pre-consumer plastic is plastic that’s recovered from waste generated during a manufacturing process. It is then processed by a reprocessing facility so that it can be used as a raw material.What recycled plastic is has been updated. The sections on pre-consumer plastic, post-consumer plastic and reprocessing plastic have been amended for clarity. Examples have been added to the reprocessing plastic section. Cellulose tape is harder to find, especially in the United States, but it is available through select retailers and online stores. Cellulose tape is biodegradable and used in medical tape.

Ah yes, the infamous “other” option! This category is a catch-all for other types of plastic that don’t belong in any of the other six categories or are combinations of multiple types. We include it because you might occasionally come across the #7 recycling code, so it’s important to know what it means. The most important thing here is that these plastics aren’t typically recyclable. Post-consumer plastic is plastic that’s generated by the end user of the product when it can no longer be used for its intended purpose. Manufactured from 35-micron, vinyl tape can be used with or without a dispenser and can be easily ripped by hand. The different types of vinyl tape we have at Swiftpak are: Hand applied: although vinyl tape is strong, it can still easily be applied and torn by hand as well as by using a tape dispenser.