Custom Printed Tape: Design Steps for Branding and Tamper Evidence

• Branding: logo and company name on stock boxes, with no printed box needed
• Handling: fragile, heavy, do not stack, open with care
• Security: “Sealed by” messages, warnings, or a pattern a thief won’t have on hand

1. Decide the job. Branding, handling, security, or a mix.
2. Choose the tape type. Match the table above to your boxes, temperatures, and sealing method.
3. Set width and thickness. 2 inch and 3 inch widths cover most boxes. Thicker tape (measured in mils) holds heavier boxes.
4. Check your equipment. Confirm roll width, core size, and roll length fit your hand dispensers or case sealer.
5. Pick tape and ink colors. Clear, tan, white, or colored tape, with 1 to 3 ink colors. Dark ink on clear or white tape reads best.
6. Lay out the repeat. Artwork repeats down the roll. Size the logo so a full repeat shows on each box seam, usually 6 to 10 inches.
7. Approve a proof. Check spelling, colors, and repeat length on a printed sample.
8. Run a test. Seal 50 boxes on your line. Check print legibility, adhesion, and unwind noise before the full order.

• Printed tape carries a minimum order quantity, often measured in cases or pallets.
• Plates are a one-time cost. Your supplier keeps them on file for reorders.
• One tape design works across every stock box size. A printed box needs a separate design per size.

Compare printed tape to the cost of printing your boxes or adding a branded label. Price the printed tape per box sealed. Add the labor saved when no packer applies a label.

Send us your logo and your current tape.

We will match the tape type to your line and send a proof.

S&S Incorporated · Packaging made easy since 1965 21300 St. Clair Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44117 216-383-1880 · info@sspkg.com · www.sspackaging.com Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–3:30 PM