Sealed with a Kiss of Sustainability: rPET Tape for Boxes

Just when you think there are few truly new applications for recycled PET aka rPET, another arrives: introducing rPET pressure-sensitive case-sealing tape from Shurtape.

The new line consists of three packaging tapes made from 90% post-consumer rPET. The Recycled Series Packaging Tapes are designed to significantly reduce the use of virgin plastic in end-of-line packaging while maintaining durability.

“There is a pressing need for sustainable packaging solutions that not only allow our customers to reduce their packaging footprint and waste, but also minimize their reliance on virgin plastics, while contributing to a more circular plastics economy,” says Bradley Dunlap, director of product marketing, packaging. “We are stepping up to the plate with carton sealing options that match our customers’ environmental priorities and sustainability goals while still providing the same quality and reliability for which Shurtape packaging solutions are known.”

Boxes and pressure-sensitive sealing tape are musts for a vast number of companies in the US and beyond, so applicability is broad-based in manufacturing and other sectors.

rPET box tape launched August 1.

Following a year of research and development, the products were officially launched August 1.

“This project time ensured the durability of our new 90% PCR rPET film across a wide range of markets and applications,” Dunlap explains. “The product also leverages our tried-and-true hot melt adhesive systems, providing reliable performance in demanding environments.”

Customers are now testing the tapes.

“We’ve received positive feedback regarding its performance, particularly in high-speed automated case-sealing lines,” Dunlap reports. “While I can't disclose the specific users, we can share that they are leading companies in the food and food manufacturing sectors.”

He was unable to identify partner companies but did share that Shurtape worked “closely with an industry-leading film manufacturer” and that the film is “sourced from an industry leader and is SCS Recycled Content Certified”.

rPET tape is stronger than BOPP sealing tapes.

Notably, the rPET films are inherently stronger than biaxially oriented polypropylene films (BOPP), Dunlap says. “This strength allowed us to design the product using thinner rPET films than our traditional BOPP products, without compromising performance in their applications. By carefully balancing the film thickness, we ensured that the product maintains the same reliable performance that customers have come to expect from our Shurtape HP series. Additionally, this design enabled us to increase the amount of tape on our automated-length rolls, which helps reduce downtime for changeovers in automated packaging lines.”

“The interest in this product is strong and continues to grow,” Dunlap continues. “It was specifically designed to align with leading brand owners’ sustainability initiatives aimed at significantly reducing the use of virgin plastics in packaging operations. The product offers an easy win for those looking to eliminate virgin plastic use, as it can be seamlessly integrated into existing case sealing automations, whether in manual case sealing or high-speed automated packaging lines. Users can expect no negative impacts to either production speeds or carton seal integrity. In fact, when paired with our ShurSEAL solution — automated tape applicator technology — in automated lines, users should expect to see even higher throughputs, improved case seal integrity, and reduced overall tape usage.”

The Recycled Series Tapes join CR 400, a performance grade curbside recyclable paper packaging tape introduced by Shurtape earlier this year, to offer a complete line of sustainable packaging tapes.