Packing tape is the cheapest part of a parcel, but a weak seal is one of the most common reasons boxes open in transit. BOPP tape is the standard choice for sealing cartons in India. This guide explains the difference between brown, transparent and printed tape, which width to pick, and how to seal a box properly.
What is BOPP tape?
BOPP stands for biaxially oriented polypropylene, a strong, light plastic film. Coated with adhesive, it makes a tape that holds well on corrugated boxes, does not tear easily and stays stuck through handling, heat and humidity. Most carton sealing tape sold in India is BOPP tape.
Brown, transparent or printed?
| Type | Best for |
|---|---|
| Brown | Brown corrugated cartons; blends with the box and hides marks |
| Transparent | White boxes, mailer boxes and any box where labels or print should stay visible under the tape |
| Fragile / Handle With Care printed | Glass, ceramics, electronics and anything that can break; warns couriers at a glance |
| Marketplace printed (Amazon, Flipkart, Meesho) | Sellers who want a neat, consistent look on marketplace orders |
| Custom printed with your logo | Brands that want every parcel to carry their name (made on order) |
2 inch or 3 inch tape?
2 inch (48 mm) tape is the everyday size for e-commerce cartons and mailer boxes and fits standard tape dispensers. 3 inch tape covers wider seams in one pass, so it suits large and heavy cartons, 5 ply boxes and house shifting. If most of your parcels are small to medium, start with 2 inch and keep a few 3 inch rolls for big boxes.
Thickness matters too. A 42 micron tape holds firmly on cartons and does not split while you pull it off the roll. Our brown and transparent BOPP tapes are 42 micron and come in 2 inch and 3 inch widths. The Fragile, Amazon, Flipkart and Meesho printed tapes are 2 inch (48 mm) rolls of 60 metres.
How to seal a box properly
- Close the flaps fully so they meet flat in the middle.
- Run one strip along the centre seam, letting it go 5 to 7 cm down each side of the box.
- For heavy boxes, add a strip across each edge seam to make an H pattern, on both the top and the bottom.
- Press the tape down firmly by hand so the adhesive grips the board.
- Do not cover the shipping label or barcode with tape, as it can cause scanning problems.
Tips for better sealing
- Store tape rolls away from dust and direct sun, which weaken the adhesive.
- Use a tape dispenser for faster, straighter strips when you pack many orders a day.
- On mailer boxes, a short strip of transparent or printed tape on the front flap adds tamper evidence.
See all BOPP packing tapes, and pair them with the right box using our guide on 3 ply vs 5 ply boxes or the mailer box size guide.
Frequently asked questions
Which tape is best for courier boxes?
2 inch BOPP tape in brown or transparent, applied in an H pattern on heavy boxes.
Can I get tape printed with my brand name?
Yes. Custom printed tape is made on order. Message us on WhatsApp or request a quote with your logo and quantity.
Do you deliver across India?
Yes. Delivery is free across India and every order comes with a GST invoice.