The Ultimate Guide to Custom Printed Tape for UK Businesses
Updated: Jul 25
Custom printed tape is one of the most effective and affordable ways to increase brand visibility, improve packaging security, and create a professional impression with every shipment. Whether you're an ecommerce retailer, manufacturer, distributor, or growing business, branded packaging tape can help your parcels stand out while reinforcing your company identity throughout the delivery process.
In this complete guide to custom printed tape, we'll cover everything you need to know, including the benefits of branded tape, the different types of printed packaging tape available, design and artwork considerations, materials and adhesives, industry-specific uses, sustainability options, and common buying questions. You'll also find links to more detailed guides throughout this article, helping you choose the right custom printed tape for your business and packaging requirements.
What is Custom Printed Tape?
Custom printed tape is adhesive tape that features your company’s logo, slogan, or other branding elements printed directly on its surface. Unlike plain packing tape, this tape serves two purposes: it seals your packages and advertises your brand with every shipment. It is commonly used in shipping, warehousing, retail, and manufacturing to add a professional touch and increase brand recognition.
Find out more about the Benefits of Custom Printed Tape here
This tape can be printed with various colors, fonts, and graphics to match your brand identity. It is available in different widths and lengths to suit different packaging sizes and requirements.
Benefits of Branded Tape
Using custom printed tape offers several advantages beyond just sealing boxes:
Brand Awareness
Every package becomes a moving advertisement. Recipients and anyone handling the package see your brand, increasing recognition.
Professional Appearance
Branded tape makes your shipments look polished and trustworthy, which can improve customer confidence. Find out how branded packaging increases customer trust here.
Security
Tamper-evident printed tape helps show if a package has been opened or altered during transit. To discover how printed tape imrpoves parcel security, read about it here.
Marketing Opportunity Why Custom Printed Tape Is One of the Most Effective Branding Tools
You can include promotional messages, website URLs, or social media handles on the tape to encourage further engagement.
Cost-Effective Branding
Compared to other marketing materials, custom tape is affordable and reaches a wide audience without extra effort.
Types of Printed Tape
There are several types of printed tape to choose from depending on your needs:
Polypropylene Tape Polypropylene Printed Tape Explained
Common for general packaging, it offers good adhesion and print quality at a lower cost.
PVC Tape PVC Printed Tape Explained
More durable and resistant to temperature changes, suitable for heavier packages.
Paper Tape Paper Printed Tape Explained
Eco-friendly option that can be printed with water-based inks, ideal for sustainable brands.
Water-Activated Tape Water-Activated Tape vs Standard Packaging Tape
Also called gummed tape, it bonds strongly to cardboard and is often used for security purposes.
Each type supports different printing methods such as flexographic, digital, or screen printing, which affect the detail and color range of your design.
Which Packaging Tape Is Best for Your Business?
Design Options
Custom printed tape allows a variety of design choices to fit your brand style:
Single or Multiple Colors Single Colour vs Multi-Colour Printed Tape
Choose from simple one-color prints to full-color logos and graphics.
Text and Logos How to Design Custom Printed Tape
Include your company name, tagline, website, or contact info.
Patterns and Backgrounds Printed Tape Artwork Guide
Add stripes, dots, or other patterns to make the tape stand out.
Repeat or Continuous Design Logo Placement on Packaging Tape
Decide if your design repeats along the tape or runs continuously without breaks.
When designing, keep readability and contrast in mind so your message is clear even from a distance.
Materials and Adhesives
The choice of tape material and adhesive impacts performance:
Adhesive Types
Acrylic adhesives offer strong, long-lasting bonds and resist temperature changes. Rubber adhesives provide quick stickiness but may degrade faster.
Material Durability
PVC tapes resist moisture and abrasion better than polypropylene, making them suitable for rough handling.
Eco-Friendly Options
Paper tapes with natural adhesives reduce plastic waste and are recyclable with cardboard boxes.
Selecting the right combination depends on your packaging environment, shipping conditions, and sustainability goals.
Industries That Use Custom Printed Tape
Many industries benefit from custom printed tape, including:
E-commerce
Online sellers use branded tape to enhance unboxing experiences and reinforce brand identity.
Manufacturing
Factories seal products securely while promoting their brand during distribution.
Retail
Stores use printed tape for packaging customer orders and shipments.
Food and Beverage
Companies ensure tamper-evidence and brand visibility on shipped goods.
Logistics and Warehousing
Branded tape helps identify packages quickly and prevents mix-ups.
Each industry can tailor tape designs and materials to meet specific operational needs.
FAQs
Can I order small quantities of custom printed tape?
Yes, many suppliers offer low minimum orders, making it accessible for small businesses.
How long does it take to receive custom printed tape?
Production and shipping usually take 1 to 3 weeks depending on order size and complexity.
Is custom printed tape more expensive than plain tape?
It costs more upfront but adds value through branding and security benefits.
Can I recycle boxes with printed tape?
Most printed tapes can be recycled with cardboard, especially paper-based tapes. Plastic tapes may need removal depending on local recycling rules.
What file formats are needed for tape design?
Vector files like AI or EPS are preferred for sharp printing, but some suppliers accept high-resolution PNG or PDF files.
Request a Quote
If you want to enhance your packaging with custom printed tape, contact us to get a quote. Provide details such as tape size, material preference, design files, and order quantity. This step helps you understand costs and lead times so you can plan your packaging strategy effectively.