When you think of packaging, you may picture envelopes, bubble bags, or even boxes and cartons. Amongst the common options, however, are other useful postal products that are also extremely useful and incredibly underrated. One underappreciated mailing item is printed packing tape, which has a number of useful benefits on offer. Printed packing tape’s main function is to keep boxes and packages sealed, helping them stay secure as they make their way to recipients, but what makes it stand out from regular packing tape is the fact that it can also be a critical tool for communication. Whether it’s a courier, warehouse staff member, delivery driver, or even customers themselves, printed tape can send out clear visual instructions, informing people about the fragility of items, if an item is sold and needs sending, or conveying the need to handle a parcel with the utmost care. At Redmont Packaging, we have a varied selection of printed packing tape that can help you ship smarter, whether you're looking to protect delicate goods or streamline stock handling; and with our guide, you’ll know exactly what kinds of printed tape we have on offer, what they’re best used for, and how to apply them effectively.  

‘Fragile’ Tape

Our ‘fragile’ tape is essential for e-commerce and small businesses. It includes high-visibility text, printed in bright red on a contrasting clear background, making it instantly noticeable. If your products could crack, smash, or shatter due to rough handling, then this is the printed tape you need. Couriers and postal workers should recognise and respond to fragile indicators, so by using this tape, you can reduce the risk of careless tossing, drops, or stacking beneath heavy parcels. Examples of fragile items that can benefit from being shipped with ‘fragile’ tape include:
  • Glassware.
  • Electronics.
  • Artwork and prints.
  • Ornaments and other decorative items.
 

‘Handle With Care’ Tape

Whilst ‘fragile’ tape provides a warning that items can break, our ‘handle with care’ printed tape suggests that the products may not necessarily be breakable, but they still require gentle and thoughtful handling. This message is also printed in a bright, high-contrasting red and helps reinforce a sense of importance, especially when the presentation of the package matters, helping preserve a brand’s presentation. This tape is ideal for:
  • Cosmetic items.
  • Candles.
  • Gift boxes.
 

‘This Way Up’ Tape

Our tape with the message ‘this way up’ is used for packages where orientation matters. It sends a clear, bold message about which side should always remain on top during storage, transport, or unpacking (including a helpful arrow), helping prevent the items inside from being compromised. A great example of an item that can benefit from this tape is a mechanical watch, as if it’s placed upside down, gravity can affect the internal components, negatively impacting its accuracy. Other items that can benefit from this tape include:
  • Plants and floral arrangements.
  • Food items like cakes.
 

‘Sold’ Tape

Another printed tape option available at Redmont is our ‘sold’ tape. Unlike other variants, this tape isn’t about protecting contents and is instead meant for organisational control. Using “sold” tape helps clearly mark which products are not to be reshelved, unpacked, or sold again. It helps avoid errors in busy retail environments, meaning reserved stock is treated accordingly. This printed packing tape can be used for:
  • Click and collect orders.
  • Reserved stock in-store.
  • Warehouse stock separation.
  • Back orders.
 

Taping Tips for Maximum Protection and Efficiency

Beyond messaging, printed packing tape is brilliant when it comes to securing packaging, preventing damage to parcels and stopping items from falling out. This is especially the case when applied with thought and consideration, which may mean keeping a few of these helpful taping tips in mind:

  1. Use the H-Taping Method

This is the industry-standard method where tape is applied in the shape of an “H” across the top and bottom flaps. It helps secure all opening points of the box and adds reinforcement to weaker spots.

  1. Reinforce High-Stress Areas

Add extra strips of tape to the corners, bottom edges, and any areas likely to be impacted or dragged. For heavier items, consider double-layering tape for additional strength.

  1. Apply Tape to Clean, Dry Surfaces

Dust, moisture, or loose debris can weaken adhesion. Always wipe down surfaces before applying tape to make sure it bonds properly and doesn’t peel off mid-journey.

  1. Use a Quality Tape Dispenser

A good dispenser can not only save time but also give you neater cuts and more control, helping maintain a more professional look whilst also reducing waste.  

Final Thoughts

Whilst often overlooked in favour of boxes, bubble wrap, and envelopes, printed packing tape also deserves to be part of your packaging strategy. It offers far more than just a reliable seal, also providing a practical and highly effective way to communicate important information about the contents of your parcels. Whether you need to alert couriers that an item is fragile, instruct handlers to keep packages upright, or clearly mark which items have been sold and are ready for dispatch, printed tape provides a clear, visual message that can improve the efficiency and safety of your entire shipping process. At Redmont Packaging, our selection of printed tapes can meet the real-world needs of busy businesses. From e-commerce operations to physical retail stockrooms, our printed packing tapes help you stay organised, protect your products, and reduce the risk of mishandling during delivery. Buy our printed packing tape today, or email [email protected] if you have any questions.